Ugandan Models Aamito and Akello Patricia, Auction Off New York Fashion Week Trip

New York based Ugandan models Aamito Lagum and Patricia Akello had the ultimate surprise for their guests at their exclusive ASFA’s pre-party that was held at the Kampala Serena Hotel last evening. A lucky guest earned themselves an opportunity of a lifetime by winning an all-expenses paid-trip to New York City in 2023 to attend the New York Fashion Week. 

The event, dubbed the “Pre-ASFAs Party, hosted By Akello and Aamito” attracted an A-list crowd that included major industry players like music artistes, fashion designers, models, photographers, entrepreneurs and socialites. 

The pre-party event also doubled as a fundraiser where proceeds went towards providing scholastic materials and Sanitary towels for school-going girls in Atanga Primary School in Northern Uganda. The funds are to be channelled through two charity organisations Dignity for A Girl Child Foundation and WAWU Foundation, whose focus is advocating for women’s rights to financial services by lobbying for sound public policies and long-term commitment from all development actors. This has been achieved through defending the inclusion and economic rights of women and girls in the informal sector. 

The highlight of the night was the bidding for the once-in-a lifetime New York Fashion Week experience, that includes access to front row seats to Fashion Week in September next year, enjoying selected tour experiences around New York City, 5-star accommodation in Manhattan and so many other experiences. The grand prize was taken home by Rajah Kejh.

The event was a precursor to the Abryanz Style & Fashion Awards, which took place on Friday, 16th December, 2022 at the Kampala Serena Hotel. 

About Patricia Akello:

Patricia Akello is an award-winning global fashion model from Pader northern Uganda. She has been featured in international magazines and editorials by Vogue Italia, Vogue Ukraine, Paper Magazine, L’official, and Elle Magazine Mexico. Alongside these achievements, she has also been featured in global advertising campaigns for top brands including Estee lauder, M.A.C. Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown, Aveda, and Fenty Beauty by Rihanna. Akello has had the honour of walking runways in the fashion meccas of New York, Milan, Paris and London, while modelling for high-end designers such as Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood, Schiaparelli, Thom Browne, Christian Siriano, and Armani. Akello has also recently launched her own fashion line PAKELLO LLC where she is the CEO and Founder. Outside of fashion, committed to helping others, particularly school going girls in Northern Uganda through her DIGNITY FOR A GIRL foundation. 

About Aamito Lagum

Aamito Lagum is a New York based Actress, model and philanthropist from Kampala, Uganda. Aamito’s big modelling break came in 2014 after winning Africa’s Next Top Model, a reality show by super model Oluchi. It was then that she moved to New York to work with DNA Model Management.

Aamito made her debut on the big screen in Three Thousand Years of Longing; an epic fantasy-romance film starring Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton and was directed by George Miller, who is also behind the famed Mad Max blockbusters. The film premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, France, in May 2022.

As a model, Aamito has worked with big names like Victoria Secrets, Gucci, Burberry, Tom Ford, Brandon Maxwell, Zac Posen, Kanye West, Marc Jacobs, made the covers of Allure, Vogue Ukraine, Elle UK, and appearances in American Vogue, British Vogue and Teen Vogue, Elle Italia, Vogue Japan, Vogue Russia among others in all the major fashion cities around the world.

On the philanthropy side, in 2017, Aamito visited Bidi Bidi, the world’s second largest settlement camp located in West Nile. This trip which was with Originals series actor Daniel Gillies led Aamito to meet the selfless volunteers of Oxfam; an organization she has been keen to work with since. Aamito is an Ambassador for Women at Work international (WAWI); a Ugandan organization that focuses on improving the quality life of women through Health and Income Improvement Projects.