This week, 18-year-old Sudanese-Australian model, Adut Akech Bior made history at Paris Couture Fashion Week as she closed the runway show for Chanel.
Alek Wek was the first black woman to close a show for Chanel in 2004, according to ELLE.
What is the significance of closing a show, you might ask? Is it an honour?
Closing a runway show is the final hurrah for a designer. The best looks are usually shown at the start and finish of a show, as a show should ideally open and close with a bang.
For years, runway shows used to close with a wedding dress. This, however, is not a regular practice anymore; but Karl Lagerfeld, the creative director and visionary behind the house of Chanel, still loves this tradition.
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But he never does it in a conventional way, featuring pregnant brides walking the final walk. His muse of the moment tends to close his shows, and there have been many, from Cara Delevingne and Kendall Jenner to Lily Rose-Depp.
This time around, Adut Akech Bior was his inspiration. She strutted in a mint dress with accompanying veil, joining the likes of Chanel bride alums.
The model said this about it on Instagram:
"Cannot believe I just made history by being Chanel’s second black couture bride, this is one of my most proudest achievement!!! [sic]
"@karllagerfeld @amandaharlech @aurelieduclos and the whole Chanel team thank you so much from the deepest bottom of my heart for once again believing in me. It was a life time honour being the chosen bride to close your beautiful show in the MOST breathtaking dress I have ever seen in my life. This was just a special moment that I will always remember and cherish for as long as I live. Thank you to everyone who has stuck by my side and continuously always supporting me. You guys really motivate me to thriving for my towards my dreams everyday.
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"Knowing that I am an inspiration to someone is of the best feeling you could endure as a human being. To the young girls and boys who look up to me I want you guys to know no matter who you are, where you come from or what you have, as long as you have a dream it is achievable as long as you put in hard work, give it your all, stay dedicated, determined and most importantly never give up because you will make that dream a reality at some point."
Can't wait to see more of this gal. And more black models who open and close shows and on catwalks in general.
Images: Getty
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