Ugandan model features big at New York Fashion Week

Patricia Akello has only been in New York a few months, but she featured prominently at this year's New York Fashion Week.

On Monday New York-based designer Maria Cornejo chose Akello as one of the models in the designer's collection that sought to highlight diversity as a sort of defiance against the policies of new USA President Donald Trump.

Akello was one of 16 models that showcased a collection that featured velvet, long dresses and big shearling coats -- "for a strong woman, who doesn't have to dress as a man to feel strong," Cornejo was quoted as saying.

Akello also walked for Georgine Studio, Concept Korea, and Tadashi Shoji. She moved to New York late last year, from Cape Town where she moved in 2014 after being signed by Fusion Models.

The 22-year-old, 5'11' tall model is originally from Pader District in northern Uganda, and although she wanted to model from a young age, found it hard to get jobs in Uganda. She got her break when a South African scout was sent pictures of her portfolio, and immediately signed her. She has worked in South Africa, and in Europe where she became a regular feature at the Berlin Fashion Week.