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.
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.
Do you have any stories from living in a model apartment?
When I was in my first model apartment, I actually had such a positive experience. It was so nice meeting working models and living with girls from all parts of the world. I learned so much from each of them. My favorite part was seeing everyone cooking their traditional meals at dinnertime.
What was your first runway show?
My debut was Chanel spring 2026, Mathieu’s first collection for Chanel. My outfit was a long black T-shirt dress with a train and a star necklace. I felt so beautiful.
What has been your favorite job to date, and why?
It is really so hard to pick, because there have been so many. The Chanel Métiers d’Art show in New York City was so magical. It was Christmas time in New York, and it was my first time in the city, so it made it even more special. Walking right from the subway car onto the runway was so much fun, and the details from that show were incredible. If you look closely, you can see that my braids were inspired by the Chrysler Building, which took hours to achieve. I was lucky enough to shoot the campaign right after as well.
What was the first moment you felt like you made it?
I worked extremely hard for a very long time before my debut last September, so it was definitely a very emotional day, when everything felt full circle.
How would you describe your personal style these days?
I would describe my style as boyish and occasionally sexy.
What are the three hero pieces in your wardrobe?
My Nike Shox sneakers (I wear them to death!), my Chanel bag that I love so much, and lots of jewelry. Most of my pieces are gifts from special people in my life, so I cherish them a lot and wear them almost daily.
What do you typically wear on a casting or go-see?
I think it’s important to always show my personality through my clothes, so I usually wear an outfit that is well-fitted, but also true to me. In the winter, I always have really nicely fitted layers with a bright pop of color.
What is your main fashion week survival tip?
Always bring snacks; you never know when you’ll find the time to eat next!
If you weren’t a model, what would you be doing?
I started modeling full-time as soon as I finished school, so that’s hard to answer, but I always dreamt of being an Olympic runner as a kid—so I think I would’ve tried to pursue a track career.
What’s next on your bucket list? What do you still hope to achieve?
I would love to shoot a Vogue cover with Steven Meisel. I’m a huge fan of his work. I also think being a couture bride would be so special, especially since it’s the week of my birthday in January.