With a blend of casual elegance, Arop Akol embodies the essence of off-duty models. As she relaxes in the office of her UK agency, First Model Management, she reflects on the incredible journey of her modeling career, which has taken her from watching runway shows online at age 11 to collaborating with esteemed designers in London and Paris.
Akol proudly shares that her home country, South Sudan, is gaining recognition in the fashion world. “South Sudanese people have become very well known for their beauty,” she notes, highlighting a trend seen in magazines and runways, featuring an array of South Sudanese models, from fresh talents like her to established stars such as Anok Yai and Alek Wek.
Alek Wek, one of the earliest South Sudanese supermodels, gained international acclaim since being discovered in 1995 and has graced numerous magazine covers. The presence of South Sudanese models continues to grow, with many making appearances on prestigious platforms and lists, such as Models.com’s top 50 future stars.
Dawson Deng, the organizer of South Sudan Fashion Week, emphasizes the distinct beauty of these models, accentuating their striking skin tone and height. While there is a question of why South Sudanese models are particularly sought after, Akur Goi, another talented model, suggests their appeal also lies in their resilience, shaped by their tumultuous backgrounds.
Despite the ongoing challenges in South Sudan, where conflict and displacement persist, many young talents like Goi continue to fulfill their dreams of modeling, igniting hope and inspiration through their journeys.
Source: www.bbc.com
