18 South Sudanese Models You Didn’t Know in the Fashion Industry

South Sudan might be the youngest country in the world, but its impact on global fashion is anything but juvenile. The East African nation has produced some of the most stunning, bold, and groundbreaking models to ever walk the runway. 

These women have become symbols of strength, beauty, diversity, and resilience. Their presence on the runway isn’t just about fashion; it’s a statement about representation and the global shift toward inclusivity.

These South Sudanese models often carry their history, their culture, and their voices. Many of them began life in refugee camps, raised by mothers who were survivors of war, in communities where access to education and clean water was never guaranteed. Despite this, they now stand tall in the world’s most prestigious fashion houses, not only as muses but as changemakers.

Their look is distinct: tall, regal postures; deep, glowing ultra-dark skin tones; high cheekbones; and expressive eyes that tell stories without words. But what truly sets the South Sudanese models apart is their presence; a mix of elegance, strength, and soul that cannot be taught or faked. They have become the faces of Prada, Valentino, Fenty Beauty, Louis Vuitton, and countless more, while also pushing for real inclusion behind the scenes.

Yet for all their impact, many of these names are still unknown to the wider public. That’s why we’d like to introduce you to 18 incredible South Sudanese models you may not know, but absolutely should.

Anok Yai is a model whose rise to fame is nothing short of serendipitous. She was discovered through a candid street-style photograph taken at Howard University’s homecoming in 2017. The image went viral, and soon after, she was signed by a major modeling agency. 

Within months, Anok Yai became the first South Sudanese and second Black model ever to open a Prada runway show. Her sleek features and intense gaze caught the fashion world’s attention, and she has since walked for major labels such as Chanel, Versace, Givenchy, and Valentino. 

Beyond her modeling success, the South Sudanese is admired for her intelligence and presence, often discussing how she balances her career with her academic interests in biochemistry.

Adut Akech was born in South Sudan but raised in a Kenyan refugee camp before migrating to Australia as a child. Her journey to fashion success began when she was scouted at 13. By 16, she had already walked her first international runway. 

Adut has modeled for designers such as Valentino, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, and Chanel. She’s appeared on multiple Vogue covers and was named Model of the Year by Models.com. 

Adut is known not just for her beauty, but for her outspoken views on refugee rights and representation in fashion. Her story is often used as an example of how fashion can become a platform for more powerful conversations.

Aliet Sarah represents a new generation of South Sudanese models taking over global fashion. Raised in Kenya, she has become known for her sculpted bone structure and editorial versatility. She’s walked in runway shows for Miu Miu, Loewe, and Jacquemus and has been featured in top-tier fashion magazines. 

Aliet’s look is often described as ethereal and futuristic, a quality that makes her a favorite among high-end designers. Off the runway, she maintains a quiet presence but continues to climb the industry ranks with consistency and grace.

Nyandeng Makur is not yet a household name, but she’s quickly becoming a familiar face in fashion campaigns and editorial spreads. She grew up in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya before her family resettled in the United States. Her sharp facial features and expressive eyes make her ideal for both high fashion and commercial work. 

Nyandeng is gaining traction through fashion weeks and partnerships with emerging designers who value her fresh look and her story of resilience.

Akon Changkou was born in South Sudan but raised in Australia. Her signature look is defined by her clean-shaven head and high cheekbones, giving her a commanding presence on the runway. She’s walked for Dior, Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, and many more.

What makes the South Sudanese model stand out is her regal composure and ability to carry both avant-garde and minimalist looks with ease. Her editorials often focus on high fashion, but she’s also been involved in advocacy projects promoting African heritage.

Aweng Ade-Chuol was born in a Kenyan refugee camp to South Sudanese parents and later moved to Australia. What sets Aweng apart is her multifaceted identity: she is a model, a law student, an LGBTQ+ activist, and a mental health advocate. Her unique facial structure and shaved head have graced campaigns for Fenty Beauty, Marc Jacobs, and Pyer Moss. 

Aweng has also been featured in interviews and TED-style talks, where she discusses her struggles with identity, depression, and being both Black and queer in a mainstream industry.

Alek Wek is arguably the most iconic South Sudanese model and one of the earliest to break into the Western fashion world. She was discovered in London at 18 and became the first African model to appear on the cover of Elle Magazine in the late 1990s. Alek’s presence in the fashion industry shifted the global perception of beauty. 

At a time when dark-skinned models were rarely seen, her features and skin tone were celebrated, not sidelined. She has walked for Chanel, John Galliano, and Christian Dior and worked with cosmetics giants. Beyond modeling, Alek is a published author and humanitarian, working closely with the UN to support refugees.

Nykhor Paul grew up in the U.S. after fleeing South Sudan as a child. She’s walked for Vivienne Westwood, Rick Owens, and Louis Vuitton, and appeared in numerous fashion campaigns. Nykhor made headlines when she publicly called out makeup artists in the industry for being unprepared to work with darker skin tones.

Her activism has earned her respect beyond fashion, as she uses her platform to speak on racism and the need for systemic change in modeling agencies and runways.

Ajak Deng has built a reputation for being outspoken and elegant. Raised in Australia, she started modeling in her late teens. She has since worked with brands like Balmain, Marc Jacobs, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Calvin Klein. Ajak briefly left the industry, citing racism and the emotional toll of being underrepresented. 

Her return to fashion marked a new chapter in her career, where she now walks runways and participates in more culturally inclusive campaigns. Her ability to speak out while still delivering top-tier fashion moments makes her both a role model and a standout model.

Nyagua Ruea is one of the more recent South Sudanese faces to emerge in fashion. She’s featured in runway shows and print editorials for up-and-coming designers. With a calm, statuesque presence, Nyagua brings a grounded energy to every look she wears. 

She represents the slow but steady inclusion of new African talent in the fashion world, showing that you don’t need to be in the spotlight to make a long-lasting impact.

Though born in Ethiopia, Shanelle Nyasiase is of South Sudanese heritage and identifies strongly with her roots. She burst onto the international fashion scene in the mid-2010s and has since walked for Givenchy, Valentino, and Kenzo. 

Shanelle is known for her captivating walk and presence during Paris Fashion Week. Her editorials reflect a versatility that makes her ideal for both high-end fashion and commercial campaigns.

Grace Bol’s long limbs and symmetrical features make her a favorite among designers seeking elegance and mystery. She’s walked for Rick Owens, Mugler, Balmain, and even graced the stage of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. 

Grace is admired not just for her looks but for her storytelling. She often shares her journey of being discovered and how she uses modeling as a way to inspire young girls back in South Sudan.

Duckie Thot became a global sensation thanks to her flawless skin, high cheekbones, and doll-like appearance.

Born in Australia to South Sudanese parents, she started on Australia’s Next Top Model before moving to New York, where her career skyrocketed. She has worked with Fenty Beauty, walked for Oscar de la Renta, and modeled for countless beauty campaigns. Duckie is often described as a “living Barbie” and uses her platform to talk about colorism and representation in beauty marketing.

Ataui Deng is the niece of Alek Wek, and modeling clearly runs in the family. Raised in Texas after leaving South Sudan, Ataui signed with a modeling agency in her teens.

She has walked for Jeremy Scott, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and other high-fashion brands. Ataui also appeared in fashion editorials for major magazines. Her unique beauty and signature pout set her apart, while her quiet activism for mental health has also earned her respect within the community.

Known as the “Queen of the Dark,” Nyakim Gatwech has become a social media icon for her unapologetic love of her ultra-dark skin. She has spoken openly about the discrimination she faced and how she turned it into a platform for empowerment.

Nyakim has been featured in makeup and skincare ads, runways, and fashion campaigns that celebrate melanin. Her presence challenges colorist standards and broadens the narrative around what beauty looks like globally.

Kuoth Wiel is more than just a South Sudanese model; she’s an actress and public speaker, too. She starred in the Hollywood film “The Good Lie” and has used her platform to speak about the refugee experience.

Kuoth is known for her refined elegance and ability to balance fashion and activism. She represents a new model archetype; someone who doesn’t just wear clothes, but brings powerful stories behind the looks.

Mari Malek is a DJ, humanitarian, and fashion model who left South Sudan during the war and resettled in the U.S. She built her modeling career while also becoming known as DJ Stiletto.

Mari has walked for major fashion houses and appeared in both music videos and humanitarian campaigns. She founded a nonprofit called “Stand for Education,” which helps empower girls in South Sudan through access to education.

Aheu Deng is not just a South Sudanese fashion model but also a beauty queen. She won Miss Earth South Sudan in 2009 and has since transitioned into high fashion modeling. With a commanding presence and tall frame (6’5 ft), Aheu brings grace and strength to every shoot. She’s often called upon for shoots that require elegance, cultural pride, and narrative storytelling.

These 18 South Sudanese models represent more than just South Sudan’s modeling talents. They are a global reflection of African resilience, grace, and power. Their contributions continue to reshape the industry and inspire the next generation of African girls who dream of a future in fashion.

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