Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech gets top billing at Chanel show

Australian Adut Akech Bior has expressed her elation at becoming the second black super model to close out the Chanel Couture fashion show in the iconic bride's dress.

South Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech presents a creation by Chanel during the 2018-2019 Fall/Winter Haute Couture collection

South Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech presents a creation by Chanel during the 2018-2019 Fall/Winter Haute Couture collection Source: Getty

South Sudanese-Australian Adut Akech Bior has made history by becoming the second black model to close out the Chanel Couture Autumn 2018 show in Paris.

The 19-year-old from Adelaide was selected by legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld to end the show in a pale green two-piece bridal gown, an iconic finale for the Paris event experienced by a select handful of supermodels. 

Adut was born in a refugee camp in South Sudan before moving to Australia at age six. 

Adut Akech walks the runway during the Chanel Haute Couture Fall Winter 2018/2019 fashion show as part of Paris Fashion Week
Adut Akech walks the runway during the Chanel Haute Couture Fall Winter 2018/2019 fashion show as part of Paris Fashion Week Source: Getty


Adut was discovered by Chadwick’s two years ago while visiting relatives in Melbourne and quickly forged an international career.

She expressed her elation at being selected over Instagram.

"Wow where do I even begin. After opening the last Chanel cruise show, I honestly didn’t think it could get any better but I was wrong because I just closed this one," she wrote on Instagram.

"There is no amount of words that can express what this moment means to me. The beauty of having a dream is watching it come to life."



"Cannot believe I just made history by being Chanel’s second black couture bride, this is one of my most proudest achievement!!! @karllagerfeld @amandaharlech@aurelieduclos and the whole Chanel team thank you so much from the deepest bottom of my heart for once again believing in me," she continued.

Fellow South Sudanese woman Alek Wek was the first black model to close the show in 2004.

Previous bride's include Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne. 

Mr Lagerfeld had spoken about his distaste for burials before.
Mr Lagerfeld had spoken about his distaste for burials before. Source: Getty



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