Aamito Lagum

Aamito Stacie Lagum (born December 3, 1992) is a Ugandan model, best known for being the winner of the first season of Africa's Next Top Model (2013). Lagum was born to her single mother, Sidonia Ayaa, in Kampala. After losing her job, her mother relocated to Kitgum to move in with her grandparents. Lagum moved back to Kampala to continue her schooling in St. Jude Primary School, Katikamu Seventh Day Adventist Senior Secondary School and St. Lawrence High School. At the age of sixteen, Lagum began to pursue modeling as a career. Her first job was in Ugandan Fashion Week, where she walked for Gloria Wavamunno's GW Collection. In 2012, Lagum met designer Adele Dejak, who took her to Kenya for a photo shoot. In 2013, Lagum took part in a casting call for Africa's Next Top Model (2013) taking a 16-hour bus ride from Kampala to Nairobi. She was later called by host Oluchi Onweagba and was chosen to fly to Cape Town as one of the twelve finalists for the show. Lagum quickly gained notice from the judges and guests of the show, winning several best photos along with the opportunity to appear in an editorial spread for South African Elle for having received best picture in week 9. Lagum made it to the finale on the tenth week of the competition, having made no appearances in the bottom two. After a casting session with DNA Models, she was crowned as the winner of the show. As part of her prizes Lagum received a 1-year modeling contract with DNA Model Management, product endorsement deals with P&G, Etisalat, Snapp and Verve International, a 1-year contract as an ambassador for South African Tourism and a cash prize of $50,000 USD. After winning Africa's Next Top Model (2013), Lagum was signed with Boss Model Management in South Africa and was featured in an editorial for Marie Claire South Africa in August 2014. She later signed with DNA Model Management and relocated to New York City. Lagum debuted in the F/W 2015 season, walking for the likes of Lacoste, Marc by Marc Jacobs, J. Mendel, Rag & Bone, Giles, Jonathan Saunders, Paul Smith, and Bottega Veneta. She then went on to open Balenciaga in Paris, making her the first model of colour to open the show under Alexander Wang. She continued her streak, booking more shows like Lanvin, Dries van Noten, H&M, Giambattista Valli, and Hermès.