Over the past decades, the expectation of what a model should and shouldn’t look like has changed drastically. Instead of only thin, tall white women on the runways, now models of all shapes and colors have forced the industry to pay attention to them… and a key part of the industry’s recent commitment to diversity has been championed by South Sudanese models taking over the world!
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From models like Anok Yai to Duckie Thot, their stunning beauty has captured the eyes and hearts of millions around the world. But while they look amazing on camera, many South Sudanese models come straight from the African nation, which is in the middle of yet another civil war. Now, we’re looking at the shocking rise and complex history of South Sudan and the modeling world.
The Second Sudanese Civil War
Only one decade after South Sudan ended it’s first civil war, the country was thrown into another one. Known as the Second Sudanese Civil War, the 22-year conflict displaced millions and caused families to flee to safety. Now, South Sudan is experiencing a third civil war, which began in 2023. Many refugees have ended up in Europe, which is where modeling agencies and recruiters catch wind…
Alek Wek Becomes the ‘First’
Like many South Sudanese models, Alek Wek was born in the African country then fled with her family after the start of the Second Sudanese War, according to Hello Magazine. But when she landed in London in the mid-1990s, her life would be changed forever.
There, Wek was scouted by agents because of her unique look, inspiring story and beautiful walk. Although she may not have been the first South Sudanese model to hit the runway, Wek is often cited for opening the doors for South Sudanese models to follow her.
Wek’s Influence on Dark Skin Beauty
For the first time, Wek’s features became sought after in the industry. And as she gained more popularity, more darker skinned women and men began to see themselves in the international supermodel.
Even Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o gave Wek her props in 2014. “A celebrated model, she was dark as night, she was on all of the runways and in every magazine, and everyone was talking about how beautiful she was.” She added that Wek’s success helped her realize her own beauty.
Discovered After Fleeing South Sudan
In many cases, the warring country forced millions of families to flee their native country. Shockingly, models like Alek Wek and Arop Akol were discovered after their families fled.
What Is It About South Sudanese Models?
People from South Sudan are often characterized by their beautiful dark skin, dainty features and tall figures. This makes them incredibly attractive for fashion houses. “The expectation of what a model should be – most of the South Sudanese models have it,” Dawson Deng, who runs South Sudan Fashion Week, told BBC.
“They have the perfect, dark skin,” he added. “They have the melanin. They have the height.”
The Rise of Duckie Thot
Years after Wek’s fashion reign, Duckie Thot caught the world’s attention after being casted for the “Australia’s Next Top Model” season 8. She was ultimately eliminated from the show, but she captured the gaze of international stars. She eventually made her runway debut at the Yeezy S/S 17 show in 2017.
The Rise of Anok Yai
One day during Howard University’s 2017 homecoming, photographer Steven Hall took a picture of Anok Yai and posted it to his Instagram. Little did he know the photo would go viral with several modeling agencies reaching out to sign her. “My phone just started vibrating rapidly for a long, long time. At first, I honestly thought someone made a meme of me or something,” she told the Boston Globe. Within a month, Yai signed to Next Management.
Yai Returns to the Mecca
In 2024, Yai returned to her alma mater to celebrate Howard’s 100-year homecoming celebration. She admitted that the HBCU changed her life. Yai went on to make history as the first South Sudanese model to open a Prada runway show. She was named Model of the Year 2025 by The Fashion Awards.
Recruiting Controversy
In 2023, The Times reported that many European modeling agencies had started recruiting South Sudanese youth who fled their native country. The children and teens are often flown to Europe for fashion castings, but if they don’t make the cut, they’re sent back to their home country with no follow up. In many cases, they even return with debt from their lavish trip.
Adut Akech
Adut Akech spent most of her early years living in a Kenyan refugee camp before her family moved to Australia. There, she was known as “Mary” in order to be more appealing for her professional career, but she later adopted her birth name.
The Sad Story of Achol Malual Jau
Achol Malual Jau practiced walking in heels for months ahead of possibly walking a runway. Her dreams were answered in 2023 when she was booked for London Fashion Week. But only five months later, she was sent back to a refugee camp in Kenya with nothing to show for her modeling debut.
“I worked hard but came back with no money,” Jau told the Times. “A lot of people think I have money because I went to Europe— I say I have nothing.”
Oversaturation
With the recent wave of models from South Sudan, the industry has often faced criticism about possible oversaturation. Many insiders believe the influx of South Sudanese women in fashion is simply a trend. If that’s the case, like all other trends, some folks believe South Sudanese models will “no longer [be] the look of the moment.”
Still, it’s impossible to deny the talent and jaw-dropping looks many South Sudanese models pull off. With representatives like Anok Yai still killing the fashion world, it’s hard to fathom how model agencies could ever justify ignoring the raw talent coming out of the country.
Models Giving Back
Alek Wek returned to South Sudan to support refugees experiencing what her family once did. She also works as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR. And she’s not the only one giving back. Mari Malek and Anyier Yuol have also used their platforms to amplify the struggles of South Sudan.
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