Meet The Model: Australian Obsession Agi Akur

Agi Akur is absolutely the pride of Australian fashion right now — soon to be global, no doubt about it. After modelling for just one year, she took this season’s MBFWA by total storm, making her runway debut for opening designer Aje. After that, we counted her walking 14 shows. A living legend, Agi is the one! We’re very obsessed with this Kenyan beauty, with her glorious glowing face and posture so perfect, we had to get to know her stat.

Name: Agi Akur

Where were you born and where are you now?
I was born in Kakuma refugee camp, my parents had walked there from Kenya. I was raised in Adelaide, and am currently based in Sydney, Australia.

How did you get to where you are?
I got to Australia on a refugees humanitarian visa. It wasn’t easy, but I’m so grateful to be here.

Outside of modelling, what are you good at?
I’m interested in a few things from creative styling to video creation and acting.

What do you wish you were better at?
I wish I was a better actress — I have a lot of respect for the craft and am genuinely interested in pushing myself and improving.

Inside of modelling, how do you overcome the difficult stuff — comparing yourself to others at castings, overcoming rejection and these negative things that are quite common in the industry?
Embracing my cultural background, and generally accepting the rejection that comes with being in the industry. I constantly remind myself that we’re all imperfect human beings and that I have to embrace who I am and the way I present myself. At the end of the day, brands have to choose someone who best represents their image and helps them sell. You have to celebrate the wins and remind yourself that you are good enough.

What things do you do to make sure you’re mentally and physically healthy?
Working out and drinking lots of tea! Meditation and journaling also really help me realign and express myself.

Do you think there is enough awareness of physical and mental health in the industry? Are there any people or figures you look to for leadership on these fronts?
There needs to be more talk about mental health in the industry. There are many factors that go into it and the industry can leave you lost if you go into it without direction or someone to express yourself to. Mental health is something that needs to be tackled on a large scale and I think more education around coping would really help.

What’s the most important thing to you right now?
The support network I’ve built around me including family and loved ones. They help me get through the tougher days.

How has that changed over the last couple of years?
I have learnt the importance of inclusivity, especially of those I care for.

Which parts of yourself do you love the most?
Learning new things and developing my mind.

What do you wish you weren’t obsessed with right now, why?
Nothing right now – although I’m sure that won’t last for long.

Who did you last call, and what was it about?
My manager.

The last song you listened to?
Burna Boy.

The last place you drove?
My Uber to work.

The last time you cried?
Missing someone close to me.

The last time you met someone who changed you? Who and how?
There are so many people that have come into my life and taught me lessons both positive and negative.

If you could live inside any film, which would it be and why?
That’s a hard one – I don’t watch enough movies to really make a sound decision, but I do love the MCU films.

Do you have a favourite fashion designer?
Love and respect all of them.

A favourite collection?
I wouldn’t say I have a favourite collection either as my taste keeps changing with the times.

What’s your dream gig?
A Versace campaign – It’s my dream to work with that brand.

What’s the toughest thing so far about your journey in being a model?
Working on insecurities and achieving self-love.

And the best bit?
This past Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia, and how it will impact my career moving forward

Are you saving up for anything at the moment?
For nothing in particular right now, but so that I can live comfortably in future.

If you could change the world, how would you do it?
I’d do something in the education space to encourage more understanding and acceptance between different groups of people in hopes of reducing conflict.