2017 was a landmark year for this British model. She claimed the title of Model of the Year and graced the cover of Edward Enninful’s first issue as editor of British Vogue.
Born in Westminster, London, her name carries deep cultural meaning. It means “born on a Monday” in the Akan language of Ghana, reflecting her heritage.
Her influence quickly expanded across the global fashion scene. She appeared on the covers of American Vogue, Vogue Italia, and others. Major campaigns for brands like Calvin Klein and Chanel solidified her status.
Standing 5’8″ with distinctive red-brown hair, she brought a fresh, authentic presence to the runway. But her impact extends far beyond modeling.
She founded Gurls Talk, a vital mental health platform for young women. She speaks openly about her own experiences, adding a powerful voice of honesty to the industry.
Early Life and Family Background
Her childhood unfolded at the intersection of British aristocracy and Ghanaian heritage. This unique background shaped her perspective from the start.
Birth, Heritage, and Cultural Roots
Adwoa Aboah was born to parents from distinctly different worlds. Her mother, Camilla Lowther, came from British nobility with connections to the Earl of Lonsdale’s family.
Her father Charles Aboah immigrated from Ghana. Through him, she connects to Ghanaian politician William Kwasi Aboah.
Her younger sister Kesewa Aboah would later join her in modeling. The sisters became one of the industry’s notable pairs.
Education and Early Influences
Adwoa Aboah attended Millfield, a prestigious boarding school. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in Modern Drama from Brunel University in 2013.
Fashion surrounded her from childhood. Both parents worked in the industry—her mother as a photography agent and founder of CL management, her father as a location scout.
At age 16, she signed with Storm Model Management. This early start began a career that would eventually place her at fashion’s center.
The cultural duality of her upbringing informed her future advocacy. It gave her a unique voice that would resonate with many people.
Breakthrough in the Fashion World
The industry first knew her as a collaborator, not a cover model. She built a foundation by assisting makeup artist Pat McGrath and working with designer Phoebe Philo at Céline. This behind-the-scenes insight gave her a unique command of the fashion world.
Initial Modeling Opportunities
Her big break arrived in December 2015. Legendary photographer Tim Walker shot her for the cover of Vogue Italia. This moment transformed her from an emerging talent into a model the industry watched closely.
It was a shift from working behind the camera to commanding attention in front of it. The cover signaled a fresh, authentic presence was taking hold.
Rise to Prominence in British Vogue
The real turning point came two years later. Edward Enninful selected her for his debut cover as editor-in-chief of British Vogue in December 2017.
This was more than a career milestone. It was a cultural statement about inclusivity and new voices in mainstream fashion.
Her influence grew as she became a contributing editor for the magazine. This role allowed her to shape conversations beyond modeling, focusing on mental health and identity. By 2019, her impact was cemented when Barbie honored her as a “Shero,” immortalizing her as a doll.
Adwoa Aboah’s Journey in the Industry
Signing with an agency at sixteen doesn’t guarantee success, as this model’s career trajectory demonstrates. Her path required patience and resilience.
Evolution from Teen Model to Icon
After joining Storm Model Management young, her career took time to develop. The industry moves fast, but her rise was gradual.
She later faced a significant challenge with The Lions agency. The model sued them for allegedly withholding $190,000 in earnings.
This legal action showed her determination. It was about respect and accountability in a business that often favors gatekeepers.
She now works with major agencies across fashion capitals. DNA Models in New York, VIVA in Europe, and TESS in London represent her globally.
By 2018, models.com ranked her among the world’s top 50 female models. The recognition reflected her cultural impact beyond just bookings.
People watching her journey saw transformation. She evolved from a teenage model into an industry voice who demanded change.
Notable Fashion Campaigns and Collaborations
Her campaign portfolio represents a masterclass in modern fashion influence. It goes beyond mere modeling into cultural representation.
Brands chose her for her authentic voice. This choice shifted the visual language of the industry toward greater inclusivity.
Global Runway Appearances and Campaigns
The model solidified her status on the world’s most competitive runways. She walked for revered houses like Chanel, Versace, and Miu Miu.
Her presence commanded attention. It proved she belonged among fashion’s elite.
This global recognition extended to major advertising campaigns. Her work included:
- Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs
- Dior and Alexander Wang
- Rihanna’s Fenty x Puma line
In 2018, Revlon tapped her for its PhotoReady Insta-Filter Foundation. This move marked her successful crossover into mainstream beauty.
Working with Top Designers and Brands
Adwoa Aboah’s collaborations were often with designers who celebrated individuality. She worked with Simone Rocha, Erdem, and Kenzo.
Her editorial work appeared in Dazed, i-D, and Love Magazine. These publications are known for bold, boundary-pushing storytelling.
A pinnacle moment came in September 2019. She was one of fifteen women on the cover of British Vogue, guest-edited by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
This project highlighted trailblazers across industries. It cemented her role as a figure of cultural change within fashion.
Challenges Faced: Mental Health and Addiction
Behind the glossy magazine covers lay a battle that nearly ended everything. The model’s public success concealed years of private suffering that began in her youth.
Struggles with Depression and Substance Abuse
Adwoa Aboah faced depression and bipolar disorder from a young age. She turned to drugs as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings.
In 2015, her struggle reached a critical point. While at a London rehab center, she attempted suicide by overdose.
The incident left her in a four-day coma. She woke up in a psychiatric hospital, facing the reality of survival.
This near-death experience became a turning point. It wasn’t a clean resolution but a brutal awakening.
She maintains sobriety today through daily commitment. The word “sober” represents ongoing work rather than perfection.
Her honesty about these struggles shifted industry conversations. She gave people permission to speak openly about mental health.
The content she creates through this vulnerability resonates deeply. It proves authenticity connects more than curated images ever could.
Achievements and Accolades in Fashion
The fashion world’s highest honors arrived in rapid succession, cementing her status as a transformative figure. 2017 proved to be an extraordinary year for the British model, with peer recognition and commercial success converging.
Her industry impact was formally acknowledged through multiple prestigious awards. These honors reflected both her modeling work and broader cultural influence.
| Year | Achievement | Organization | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Model of the Year | models.com | Peer-voted industry recognition |
| 2017 | Woman of the Year | British GQ | Cross-industry influence acknowledgment |
| 2017 | $1M in contracts | Commercial market | Demonstrated high demand value |
| 2020 | Powerlist inclusion | Powerlist Foundation | Black British influence ranking |
The Model of the Year title from models.com represented industry insiders voting for impact beyond bookings. British GQ’s Woman of the Year award acknowledged her advocacy platform alongside modeling work.
Adwoa Aboah’s commercial success translated into $1 million in contracts during that peak year. This figure demonstrated the fashion market’s strong demand for her unique presence.
In 2020, she earned placement on the Powerlist of most influential Black British people. This recognition confirmed her influence extended far beyond the fashion industry.
Her role as contributing editor at British Vogue gave her editorial power to shape conversations. She used this platform to discuss beauty standards, identity, and mental health openly.
These accolades marked a model who redefined the profession’s possibilities. The industry recognized her for representing a shift toward models who create and challenge systems.
Venturing into Acting and Creative Projects
Long before she became a fashion icon, the actress was already building her credentials in dramatic roles. Her training in Modern Drama at Brunel University laid the foundation for a serious acting career that would run parallel to her modeling success.
Film and Television Roles
Her screen career began with the Sundance-awarded feature “to.get.her” in 2011, where she played Emily Mateo. This early role demonstrated her commitment to the craft from the start.
The 2017 live-action adaptation of Ghost in the Shell marked her Hollywood debut as Lia. She later appeared in critically acclaimed television series including Top Boy and Willow.
| Project | Role | Year | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| to.get.her | Emily Mateo | 2011 | Feature Film |
| Ghost in the Shell | Lia | 2017 | Hollywood Film |
| Top Boy | Becks | 2022-2023 | TV Series |
| Willow | Scorpia | 2022 | TV Series |
| Satisfaction | Angela | 2025 | Festival Film |
Behind-the-Scenes Creative Involvements
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched the #CreativeTogether initiative. This project connected people through creative expression during lockdown times.
Her recent work includes the 2025 SXSW premiere Satisfaction and the series Too Much. These projects show her range across different genres and formats.
Adwoa Aboah brings the same authenticity to acting that defined her modeling career. She chooses roles that challenge expectations and expand her creative content beyond the fashion industry.
Gurls Talk and Advocacy for Mental Health
The most powerful work often begins with personal need. After confronting her own mental health battles, the founder saw a clear gap in support for young women.
The Inception of Gurls Talk
In 2017, Adwoa Aboah launched Gurls Talk. This platform was a direct response to the lack of safe spaces for honest conversation.
It was never meant to be a traditional brand. Instead, it formed as a vital community for open dialogue.
Empowering Young Women through Open Dialogue
The platform empowers women by tackling difficult topics head-on. It covers mental health, identity, and feminism without judgment.
People who join Gurls Talk become active participants in a supportive movement. The founder built the space she needed when she was younger.
Adwoa Aboah’s leadership redefines advocacy. It proves that real change starts with honest, collective support.
Personal Life: Embracing Motherhood and Transformation
Motherhood arrived as a public announcement on the Met Gala red carpet. The birth of her daughter, Shy, in August 2024, marked a profound new chapter for Adwoa Aboah.
She intentionally stepped away from the spotlight to spend precious time with her new baby. Her return to work was a thoughtful collaboration with photographer Petra Collins.
Navigating Career and New Beginnings as a Mother
In a candid interview with British Vogue, she described a “full transformation.” Her motivation shifted entirely. Work was no longer just for her, but for her daughter too.
She acknowledges the beautiful challenge of being a working mum. Juggling two worlds requires constant balance.
She feels the pressure of being the breadwinner in a fast-moving industry. Yet, she prioritizes being present for her daughter’s early moments.
| Aspect | Before Motherhood | After Motherhood |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Motivation | Personal career goals | Providing for her daughter |
| Work Selection | Industry-driven opportunities | Privilege to choose meaningful jobs |
| Self-Perception | Individual strength | Connection to the capability of all women |
Insights into Work-Life Balance and Self-Discovery
She rejects the “super mum” narrative often seen in polished content. Her approach is raw and real. It’s okay not to be perfect all the time.
This honesty extends to her body, which changed after pregnancy. She is learning to embrace both the insecurities and the pride that come with it.
The experience gave her a new perspective on the strength of women. It reinforced her belief in their often unrecognized capability.
Wrapping Up Her Inspiring Journey
Her career blueprint rejected the industry’s traditional script for models from the start. Adwoa Aboah built a path that refused narrow boundaries.
She claimed space on British Vogue and other major covers while walking for elite fashion houses. All this happened as she spoke openly about depression and survival.
Her advocacy work created Gurls Talk, a platform empowering women to speak without shame. She turned personal pain into collective strength.
The model expanded into acting with roles in Top Boy and Ghost in the Shell. Motherhood in 2024 brought new depth to her understanding of work and presence.
Her story shows that models can lead, create, and transform their spaces. The fashion industry recognized her courage as much as her beauty.
