Aamito Lagum: Uganda’s Rising Star Illuminating the Runway
Fashion is no longer about form, fabric, color, or an absence of it. It is becoming a vivacious language dishing out stories of resilience, cultural heritage, identity, and transformation. Thriving only through those who wear it, the look becomes a living display of identity and emotion.
Models are becoming more than living mannequins; they are becoming powerful storytellers, embodying fashion in life and conveying the messages housed in the communities and histories they represent. It is in this spirit that we proudly introduce the next model to grace our Black Fashion Model Spotlight Edition, paying homage to a trailblazer in the world of fashion whose meteoric rise has been nothing short of stupendous, starting right in the heart of Africa: the captivating Aamito Lagum.
Aamito Lagum, photographed by Philip Gay/Styleby Magazine
Where It All Started
Aamito Lagum was born in Rubaga Division in Kampala, Uganda, and raised by a single mother, Sidonia Ayaa. Just after giving birth to Aamito, Sidonia lost her job and had to move back to Kitgum, Northern Uganda, to live with her grandparents. However, Aamito wasn’t deterred; she moved back to Kampala to attend three different schools (St. Jude Primary School, Katikamu Seventh Day Adventist Senior Secondary School, and St. Lawrence High School), all located in Uganda’s capital city.
At 16, Aamito decided to pursue a career in modelling. Her first gig was in Uganda at the Ugandan Fashion Week, where she walked the runway for Gloria Wavamunno’s GW Collection. It was here she met Nigerian-born jewelry designer Adele Dejak, who took her to Kenya for a photo shoot.
In 2013, Aamito was selected as one of 12 candidates to compete on the reality show Africa’s Next Top Model. She won several “best photo” awards as the show attracted viewers from across the continent, and she appeared in the famed South African Elle. After the tenth week, she was crowned the inaugural winner of the show and remains the only winner to date. Her prizes included a modelling contract with New York-based DNA Model Management, which allowed her to move to New York, alongside several other endorsement deals and cash prizes.
Aamito Lagum, photographed by Paul Morigi/Getty Images
Rise to Fame
Aamito has walked the runway for numerous fashion companies, including Lacoste, Marc by Marc Jacobs, J. Mendel, Rag & Bone, Giles, Jonathan Saunders, Paul Smith, Bottega Veneta, Lanvin, Dries van Noten, H&M, Giambattista Valli, and Hermès, among others. She has also appeared on the cover and pages of many magazines, such as i-D, Interview, Love, W, V, American Harper's Bazaar, Italian and South African Elle, L'Officiel, Italian, Ukrainian, British, German, Mexican, and Spanish Vogue, Teen Vogue, American Allure, and Italian Vanity Fair. She is the first Black person to appear in Italian Vogue. She collaborated with renowned designers such as Isabel Marant and David Sims.
Fashion Style
If there is anything that distinguishes Aamito in the industry, it is her runway presence. She exudes an unassuming, yet bold and confident air, walking as if she owns it all. She often wears strong silhouettes that showcase her statuesque frame. Aamito introduces elements that evoke her African heritage, often through patterns, accessories, and colors that highlight African traditions. She enjoys experimenting with cuts, layering, and textures, aiming to showcase her distinctive edge by incorporating contemporary styles with a touch of avant-garde flair.
Aamito Lagum, photographed by Melanie Ramon/Vogue Ukraine for the story
Conclusion
Journeys are usually powerful narratives of determination and talent, and Aamito’s is no different. As a trailblazer who won the first season of Africa’s Next Top Model, she has not only overcome obstacles but also reset the standards of beauty, both past and present. Her commanding runway presence and fearless style continue to inspire aspiring models worldwide, and her story will continue to shift paradigms and perspectives for years to come.