Adut Akech: “I’ve completely let go of the need to fit into someone else’s idea of beauty”

Even when she hasn’t worn makeup or slept in two cities in one day, Adut Akech never skips washing her face. “No matter how exhausted I am, washing my face is non-negotiable. I can’t go to bed without cleansing the day’s buildup. It’s a simple act of self-care that helps me feel refreshed.” The habit is steadying, serving as a reset, of sorts, bringing a sense of order when the rest of the day is in constant motion.

That sense of grounding runs through the way she navigates her work in the fashion world. “Before a shoot or a show, I either listen to calming meditation music to centre myself, or I FaceTime with my loved ones,” she says. “There’s something about connecting with people who know you at your core. It brings me joy and balance.”

Balance is essential when the pace doesn’t slow down. Akech has spent the better part of a decade moving between time zones and campaign shoots, red carpets and runways. For someone who came up through an industry that didn’t always celebrate difference, visibility is work, and not always easy work.

That’s part of what motivates her in her role as a global ambassador for the Hummingbird Fashion Award. “I feel deeply connected to this global shift toward inclusivity and authenticity in fashion,” she says. “With Hummingbird Fashion Award and my platform, I’ve found a space to champion diverse voices and tell stories that feel personal and universal at the same time.”

Self-expression, for Akech, is no longer about fitting in, but rather “expanding the space for others to show up fully as themselves. Being part of this movement has pushed me to embrace my individuality even more, and to create with intention and purpose.”

When asked what keeps her steady, her answer is simple: photographs. “Something that always brings me back to my inner self, whether I’m on set or on stage, is looking through old photographs. Whether it’s pictures from earlier moments in my career or personal milestones, they remind me of why I’m doing this.” The images connect her to her younger self—the one with “big dreams and a heart full of hope” and remind her that everything she’s doing is for something larger. “To create, to inspire and to make a meaningful impact.”