7 September 2023 |
The model talks about her UGG campaign, her favorite beauty products, and why planes are a source of comfort to her.
Last fall UGG introduced their Feels Like UGG campaign, designed to translate the tactile sensation of wearing their soft and fuzzy shoes in a more visual and emotional manner. This year, they followed up with the second iteration, teaming up with an array of musicians, activists and models. Launching today, it features the likes of A$AP Nast, Natalia Bryant, transformational life coach Amy Lee and more. One standout? South Sudanese, Kenyan-born model, Aweng Ade-Chuol.
Known for her campaigns for Balmain as well as Rihanna’s Fenty, she also counts actress, activist and law student on her resume. Ade-Chuol is passionate about causes ranging from the War Child Children in Conflict to the UN’s Mental Health Forum. 10 Magazine sat down with the model to discuss everything from her law degree to finding comfort on planes to her plans for the future.
1) Being one of the top supermodels, what made you want to pursue a law degree?
I always wanted to be a lawyer. Back in school I was pretty good in Legal Studies, English and History, so I thought it just made sense. I also always enjoyed politics and loved watching political shows and debates. I thought to myself I have the grades so why not go for it?
2) What is the one moment in your career that felt like a major turning point for you?
One of the biggest turning points of my career was realizing that I’m not going to be able to go to Australia, where I grew up, as much as I want to. I was suddenly getting so busy with work and everything changed so quickly. It felt like a really bittersweet moment. Another was working with Beyonce and Rihanna — they were definitely instrumental moments for me.
3) Having traveled to numerous places for work, which one was the most memorable and why?
I just went to Senegal for 12 days — it was so amazing and felt like a proper vacation, so I’d say that’s one of my favorites places by far now. I was on the beach, sunbathing, and swimming with no commitments. Being immersed in African culture was really beautiful.
4) Who is someone in the fashion industry that you look up to?
Deborah Shaw, she’s such an icon. She made the nineties an insane period. What she did for McQueen and the way she moves is so poetic to me. I actually got to meet and work closely with her. We have a truly lovely relationship now which is so amazing, I love her.
5) What is one album that you would take with you to a deserted island?
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill — that is THE album. If you’re going to take anything to a desert island where you’re alone and trapped, that album would take you places mentally and spiritually. And maybe, depending what kind of mood I’m in, I am Sasha Fierce by Beyonce as well.
6) What do you most enjoy about working with UGG and what does this collaboration mean to you?
It felt like family and it’s such an interpersonal collaboration. All the models and artists chosen were handpicked for the story that the campaign was trying to manifest, and I really appreciated that. As a model, the mentality can be very each man for itself, but this was so easy and fun. Everyone was super social and happy to talk with each other which was great.
7) When and where do you feel the most comfortable?
It’s a weird answer, but either in a plane or on the bed inside my bedroom. I love good comforters and mattresses and traveling is so innate now, considering it’s part of what I do for a living. I’ve come to find solace on planes and I love arriving in new places.
8) What is one beauty product you cannot live without?
I can’t live without my Dr. Barbara Sturm. I have a great skincare routine and for me, simple gets you far. I love her enzyme cleanser, especially after traveling, and her face cream – it’s just amazing. On the lower end you can never go wrong with Cetaphil facial cleanser or CeraVe!
9) What is your favorite meal in New York?
I know it’s such a non-New York thing, but I love seafood pasta. I went to this restaurant in Soho called Antique Garage and their pasta was just 10/10. I also really love the shrimp pasta from Balthazar. It’s just insane.
10) What are you most looking forward to at the minute?
I feel like a lot of great things are happening, I’m looking forward to the release of some campaigns and covers. I’m also shifting into the acting world a bit and just got signed in LA which is super exciting!
