Gone are the days when models had to dress like a blank canvas—this new generation of faces is embracing their personal style and expressing their individuality through their fashion choices, be it jeans and a tee, a statement dress, and beyond. Every month, Vogue will dive into the stylish wardrobe of a model of the moment to see what they’re wearing off the runways. Consider these the perfect references to pin to your seasonal mood board—because is there anything cooler than model-off-duty style?
This month, meet 22-year-old model Josephen Akuei from Melbourne, Australia. The rising catwalk star—who is of South Sudanese heritage—is currently signed with Priscillas Models in Australia and Heroes Model management in New York (she now splits her time between Paris, London, and New York). If the striking model looks familiar, that could be because Akuei has been walking all of the top runways lately: She first made her debut walking Chanel’s spring 2026 show in Paris (Matthieu Blazy’s first!), and has since made cameos at buzzy shows such as Hermès, Givenchy, and Pucci, among others.
Akuei walking the Chanel spring 2026 show.
Photo: Isidore Montag / Gorunway.com
But it’s not just her impressive resumé worth taking note of: Akuei has also cultivated a distinct sense of style for her days off. In her eclectic wardrobe, you’ll find a healthy dose of sporty kicks (she’s a big Nike girl) and refined bags (as a true Chanel girl, she loves the French label’s accessories). Consider her a master at effortless, high-low dressing.
Want to dress like a top model, too? Below, Akuei answers Vogue’s model questionnaire—and shares her discovery story, her favorite assignment to date, and what’s currently in her closet.
What’s your modeling discovery story?
I knew someone who worked within the fashion industry, and she kept pushing me to try modeling. Finally, she snapped some quick digitals and sent them out to my mother agency. Soon, I had a meeting and was offered a contract! It all happened so fast from there.
Photo: Courtesy of Josephen Akuei
