Nyadak Thot, widely known as Duckie Thot, is redefining beauty standards and inspiring millions with her striking doll-like features and commanding presence in the fashion world. As a Sudanese-Australian model, Duckie’s journey from a humble upbringing to international acclaim epitomizes resilience, talent, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity in an industry historically dominated by narrow ideals. Let’s dive into her fascinating story and explore how she continues to captivate the world.
A Unique Name and Humble Beginnings
Born on October 23, 1995, in Melbourne, Australia, Duckie is the youngest of seven children in a Sudanese family that fled their war-torn homeland. Her given name, Nyadak, carries significant cultural meaning rooted in her tribal heritage. However, growing up in Australia presented challenges, as her classmates and teachers often struggled to pronounce her name. To make things simpler, she adopted the nickname “Duckie,” which eventually became her professional moniker.
Duckie credits her family, particularly her sister Nikki Perkins, a former model and YouTube content creator, for inspiring her to pursue modeling. Her early life was marked by a desire to express herself and break free from societal constraints. With her family’s encouragement, she began chasing her dreams, paving the way for her remarkable career.
From ‘Australia’s Next Top Model’ to Global Stardom
Duckie’s modeling journey began when she auditioned for the eighth season of Australia’s Next Top Model. At just 17 years old, she immediately captured attention with her extraordinary features and natural poise. Finishing in third place, she gained widespread recognition and opened the door to new opportunities.
After her stint on the reality show, Duckie made the bold decision to move to New York City, the heart of the fashion industry. It was there that her career truly took off. Signed by New York Model Management, she debuted at Kanye West’s Yeezy Season 4 fashion show, which became a defining moment in her modeling career.
The Birth of the ‘Black Barbie’
Duckie’s nickname, “Black Barbie,” stems from her almost surreal, doll-like appearance. Her radiant complexion, long limbs, and flawless features quickly became her signature, earning her comparisons to a living Barbie doll. This unique combination of beauty and elegance helped her stand out in an industry known for its fierce competition.
Her viral photo on Twitter, captioned “Ducks after dark,” brought her even greater recognition. Wearing a stunning black and gold lace dress with matching makeup, Duckie exuded an almost ethereal quality. The internet exploded with awe-struck comments, with some fans questioning whether she was even real. The buzz solidified her reputation as one of the most extraordinary models of her generation.
Conquering the Fashion Industry
Duckie Thot’s resume reads like a who’s-who of fashion. From walking runways for prestigious brands like Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, and Fenty x Puma, to gracing the pages of top-tier magazines, Duckie has become one of the most sought-after models in the world. Her striking campaigns for Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs have further established her as a global icon.
In 2018, Duckie starred in the iconic Pirelli calendar themed around Alice in Wonderland. Photographed by Tim Walker and styled by Edward Enninful, the calendar featured an all-black cast, including luminaries like Lupita Nyong’o and Naomi Campbell. This project was a milestone for Duckie, as it celebrated diversity and creativity in an industry that often struggles to embrace both.
Becoming a Voice for Inclusivity
While Duckie’s beauty has captured global attention, her advocacy for diversity and inclusivity is what truly sets her apart. She uses her platform to call out the lack of representation in fashion, particularly for darker-skinned models. Duckie often recounts her experiences of being the only black woman on set and stresses the importance of creating opportunities for diverse talent in all aspects of the industry, from stylists to photographers.
Her role as a global ambassador for L’Oréal Paris reflects her commitment to fostering self-love and empowerment among women of all backgrounds. Standing alongside influential figures like Jane Fonda and Liya Kebede, Duckie champions the message that beauty comes in all shades and forms.
Challenges in the Spotlight
Despite her immense success, Duckie’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Early in her career, she faced harsh criticism and discrimination, with some accusing her of being “too dark” for mainstream modeling. These experiences fueled her determination to prove that beauty transcends societal stereotypes.
Duckie has often spoken about the pressure of being a visible figure for underrepresented communities. While she embraces her role as a trailblazer, she also emphasizes the need for systemic change to ensure that future generations don’t face the same barriers she encountered.
What’s Next for Duckie Thot?
At just 28 years old, Duckie Thot’s career shows no signs of slowing down. With her sights set on gracing the cover of Vogue and starring in global campaigns for major brands, she continues to dream big. Her unwavering drive and authenticity make her a role model for aspiring models and young women everywhere.
As she evolves, Duckie remains dedicated to breaking barriers and creating space for more inclusive beauty standards. Whether she’s walking the runway, starring in ad campaigns, or speaking out about diversity, she inspires a global audience to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams unapologetically.
Conclusion
Duckie Thot is much more than a stunning model—she’s a beacon of change and a voice for inclusivity in the fashion world. Her journey from Melbourne to the global stage is a testament to her resilience, talent, and commitment to challenging conventional beauty norms.
Through her work, Duckie has proven that representation matters and that beauty is not confined to a single standard. Her story is one of breaking barriers, inspiring change, and redefining what it means to be a modern-day fashion icon. As she continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Duckie’s legacy is sure to leave an enduring impact on the industry and beyond.