Meet The 2019 Model Newcomer Of The Year

By Ashley Rushford · Updated October 23, 2020

ESSENCE’s inaugural Best in Black Fashion Awards shines a light on top designers, stylists, photographers, models and insiders who made an impact in 2019. The star-studded roster of honorees and nominees will gather at pre-NY Fashion Week dinner on September 4th. Ugbad Abdi, Aliet Sarah and Adut Akech are bringing a new era to fashion as they strut down the runway for major designers.

Celebrating and showcasing their model expertise at the start of their careers, these three models have shut down the competition. All still teenagers, we are recognizing their constant drive to reach supermodel status. Read more about these standout creatives below and visit ESSENCE Fashion House on September 5th for exclusive runway shows where you can see their collections up close. Stay tuned to find out who takes home the prize!

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Adut Akech

Adut Akech has done a phenomenal job of making a name for herself at only 19-years-old. In 2017, Akech made her fashion week runway debut as an exclusive in the Saint Laurent SS 17 show. She left a lasting impression with her flawless skin and perfect pout at the Chanel haute couture show, becoming only the second Black model to close the event last year.

@adutakech

Aliet Sarah

According to British Vogue, Aliet Sarah is undeniably one of the models to watch in Fall 2019. Sarah also hailing from South Sudan has already walked for the likes of Saint Laurent, Miu Miu and Versace. To the 18-year-old it is more than just fashion; she claims that this season has been a manifestation of hope, ambition and dreams coming true.

@alietsarah

Ugbad Abdi

Somali’s Ugbad Abdi has only been signed for a year now made some historical moves. The 18-year-old model automatically stole the late Karl Lagerfeld’s last show for Fendi in Milan as she stepped onto the runway wearing her hijab. Ugbad continues to represent her culture and captivate the fashion industry by walking for designers such as Marc Jacobs, Victoria Beckham, Roberto Cavalli and Off-White.