Aamito Lagum and Patricia Akello, unarguably the most successful Ugandan models in the business, are returning home this December to celebrate where it all began! Upon winning Africa’s Next Top Model in 2014, Aamito embarked on a career that has seen her work with some of the most coveted brands on the globe; from the likes of Lacoste, Marc by Marc Jacobs, J. Mendel, Rag & Bone, Giles, Jonathan Saunders, Paul Smith, and Bottega Veneta to Tom Ford and more. She has also appeared in possibly every single top-tier fashion magazine you know; from i-D, Interview, Love, W, V, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, L’Officiel, Vogue, and Vanity Fair, to appearing on covers of Allure magazine and British Elle.
This year, the 29-year-old star morphed into an actor, not for any role, but that of Queen of Sheba in the fantasy romantic drama film Three Thousand Years of Longing playing alongside industry stalwarts Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton.
Interestingly, Patricia Akello’s story begins just after Aamito’s. In 2014 after meeting with the then Africa’s Next Top Model winner, she was introduced to Joram Job Muzira of Joram Model Management who signed her, and the rest was history. Akello’s career has seen her waking up in a new city every other day working with brands such as Fenty, Schiaparelli Haute Couture, Thom Browne, Marc Jacobs, and more.
During the lockdown, she launched Pakello, a fashion brand designed for bold and beautiful women who love futuristic style. This is the same brand she’s wearing in the cover image accompanying this story.
What a life! What a journey! In celebration of it all, the two stars are in Kampala this December to host the inaugural ASFAs pre-party. For our November cover story, they chatted to Satisfashion UG about the event, their successes, and so much more.
Patricia Akello
The ASFAs pre-party you’re hosting to me feels like a homecoming
It is a homecoming! We haven’t done anything together as big as this. I usually travel back home to see my family and carry out my charity work, but this time it’s different. To many, we are an inspiration and we have had a mark on our local industry. So we thought of a way we could strengthen the impact and bridge the gap between our local fashion and entertainment industry with the global market. That’s why we collaborated with the ASFAS on the event.
What’s your earliest memory of the ASFAs?
I won the ‘Model of the year’ award in 2016. I’m always following up on Uganda’s fashion industry and the growth has been remarkable because of the ASFAs platform.
How do you feel now, years later, coming back home to host a pre-ASFAs party?
I’m super excited about it! This is going to be the first-ever Pre-ASFAS party, a very exclusive invite-only event. I mean who wouldn’t want to be a part of this? Considering that 2022 has been such a great year.
What do you consider some of your biggest achievements this year?
I got signed by other agencies in Europe; Traffic in Spain and DAMAN agency in Turkey. I also created Pakello, my swimwear line. It’s still in the works but I’ll get there.
Do you think growing up in Uganda has shaped your values and how you approach work?
The beauty of Uganda is that it has a variety of cultures. This has shaped my values and view of fashion as a whole. I come from the Northern region of Uganda but grew up in the central region. The climate, scenery, and languages spoken in these regions are different. Seeing how we all use different fabrics and colors influenced my love for colour. That’s why when working on Pakello, my brand, the use of bright colors is very crucial.
Your success in the modeling industry has increased awareness for diversity & inclusion & that POC can be successful too. What do you think needs to be done so that more Aamitos & Akellos can also be where the both of you are now?
People should be open-minded and willing to experience change. We need to discuss the topic of inclusion in fashion on many levels and that’s why we are hosting the Pre-party, a space where people in both fashion and entertainment can openly mingle and discuss the issues.
What message would you give someone that looks up to you?
Dreams remain dreams until you take action. Go out there and follow your passion. Plus, I always remind myself and people to treat others the way they want to be treated.
How do you manage to keep your mental health in check with the challenges of work and life balance?
I focus on positivity and gratitude – where I was yesterday is not where I am today. I also stay connected with family and friends. Plus good food good mood! And when the low moments arise, I always remind myself that life is not a straight line. That’s how I stay positive.
Now, tell me. How was it shooting these cover pictures with your long-time friend Aamito?
This was our second time shooting together. The first time we were in South Africa. This time, however, it was so much fun – two beautiful Acholi girls shooting in New York City. Who would have thought? Yes we drew a lot of attention.
And I believe you spoke lots of Luganda and Acholi on set.
When we meet, it’s a fusion of different languages English, Acholi, and Luganda all mixed. It’s super cool!
Aamito Lagum
The ASFAs pre-party you’re hosting, to me, feels like a homecoming. Finally, you are back in town to celebrate with your home people. Why did you decide to do the event?
Initially, Akello and l had planned to work on this event last year (2021). But, of course, because of the pandemic, there was little we could do. So, as soon as the opportunity presented itself again, we did not hesitate. As for the event being a homecoming, hmm well… come to think about it, I actually like this reference. So, yes, it does feel like a homecoming in some way. I have had quite a journey; from when I started in Kampala and later traveling the world doing what I love. But there is nothing better than celebrating some of life’s special moments with family. For me, Uganda is family! Uganda is home! The pandemic did a good job of reminding all of us of what really matters. With this event, we get to sit down, talk, share, and inspire each other, but also plan for the next chapter now that we can move about again.
What should people expect?
Lots of fun and glamour
Who is welcome?
It’s invite-only this year. We are keeping it intimate. But we hope to open it up next time.
Do you plan to do this annually or 2022 just felt a little too special?
Yes, we do hope this blossoms into a yearly fanfare. Fingers crossed!
In ‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’ you play (excellently) alongside Idris Elba & Tilda Swinton, how was that experience?
I expressed interest in acting to my agents so when an opportunity came along, they sent me the script and I taped it. I was called for a couple more auditions with the producer and after a few of those, I got the role. I was ecstatic of course. My experience during filming was beyond. All I can say is I want more of it.
Was there a transition (from model to actor)? What was it like for you?
Modeling and acting are different arts, no doubt. But, they are similar in many ways and the transition from modeling to acting is a well-established route. So many Hollywood household names like Charlize Theron were once super successful models before they got into acting. I am definitely picking a leaf from their tree.
In a long-draped Saint Laurent dress, you walked the red-carpet during Cannes Film Festival. Paint a picture for me of what that felt like. What was going through your mind?
I mean that was surreal. It still is to this day. That carpet is intense; the flashing lights and everyone calling your name. It can be exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. I remember just whispering to myself, “you deserve to be here, you deserve to be here over and over again.” Because during that moment, you see all these people you only imagined in your dreams and then creeps in the imposter syndrome thoughts. I mean who wouldn’t, if you are sharing a carpet with Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba, right.?
What’s the future like for you as a model? Do you see yourself permanently hanging your boots?
Nah! There is no such thing as ‘hanging the boots’. I have been modeling since I was 16. I feel like I can do this even in my sleep. However, I’d like to create space for other interests. I recently had a conversation about ‘hanging the boots’ with a friend and he gave me the best analogy. He said, “imagine when a surgeon who has been practicing for 15 years becomes interested in something else other than surgery, do they immediately stop and ‘hang the boots’? Not really, they just create space for the things they are interested in more.” The same will apply to me. I am creating more space for whatever piques my interest. But fashion is forever my love.
Are any future projects in the works that you can share details on?
Hahaha, Hassan, you and I know that I can’t say a word, but I will say that I am very excited.
You turn 30 in a few weeks. What are you most excited about hitting floor 3? And what lessons from your 20s are you able to share?
Ohh my gosh, I do. I am excited for the next phase that comes with being 30– caring less about the outside and listening from within because you have all the answers within you. I have been going through my satan return, a phase that everyone in their late 20s and early thirties goes through – a period of questioning every single aspect of your life. My lessons are clear; make room for the universe to surprise you, embrace change, and float rather than try to swim against the tide. Oh my God, I sound like my therapist 🤣.
What would you consider your biggest achievement since you got into fashion?
I think I have mentioned this before, I don’t look at achievements as a singular event. I look at it as incremental steps taken that collectively contribute to this moment here and now. Every step forward to me is an achievement.
You’re hosting the party with Patricia Akello. What kind of relationship do you two have? Considering you are two of the most successful Ugandan models in the business?
Patricia and I have known each other for a long time. Our relationship has grown from being acquainted through the family to becoming great friends and sharing valuable life experiences. It was a no-brainer for us to eventually work on something together. She is the opposite of me, and we all know opposites attract – she’s meticulously detail-oriented and a true Virgo, while on the other hand, I am more of a ‘general picture we shall figure it out as we go’ kind of girl. So yeah, it’s a perfect blend, lol.
How hard has it been for you to progress in the business as a woman of colour? Plus the triumphs therein.
I always say Rome wasn’t built in a day, so as much as there is a bit of progress, there is still a lot of work to be done. I chose to be optimistic above anything else. As a person of colour, there is a need for you to constantly prove yourself in these spaces, and it is exhausting. Today there are a lot more black models working than previously so that is something to celebrate, but I do still believe there is space for more women of colour to join.
You once said your dream was a cover with Kiara Kabukuru. Have you once gotten a chance to connect with her?
Ohh my goodness Hassan, how do you remember this?🤣 Yes yes, it’s still a dream. Interestingly, yesterday while I was having dinner at a friend’s, one of the guests knows Kiara well and I begged them to introduce me. So, maybe there is a glimpse of hope there – fingers crossed. Kiara was the first model I ever heard of who had a very successful career and is from Uganda. I saw myself in her and because of that, I was able to pick a career in fashion and believe that it is attainable.
Your success in the modeling industry has increased awareness for diversity & inclusion & that POC can be successful too. What do you think needs to be done so that more Aamitos & Akellos can also be where the both of you are now?
I think for fundamental and lasting change to happen, change needs to come from the internal leadership of these fashion corporations. The fact is, that power within the fashion industry still largely rests in the hands of white male executives and board members, so we need to start there by adding POC into leadership positions and employee teams i.e. editors, stylists, creative directors, etc. Plus requiring unconscious bias training among employees, fostering communication and feedback among employees without the fear of retaliation, and mandating diversity among the key people representing the companies externally. That way it will trickle down to the models/talent.
On Aamito
Red dress: Norma Kamali
Earrings: Alessandra Rich
Shoes: Mach and Mach
On Akello
Black dress: custom made by Pa’kello
Earrings: Swarovski
Necklace: Ray Jewelry
Shoes: House of CB
Location: Summit One Vanderbilt, New York City
Makeup artist: Shena Moulton
Photographer: Demar Watson
hassan@satisfashionug.com
