Full Breakdown
South Sudanese Models Challenge Barriers in Fashion Industry
4/17/2026, 1:17:49 PM
The Struggle for Recognition and Support
In South Sudan, aspiring models Khloe Nyanda and Alek Mayen Garang are navigating the complexities of pursuing a career in fashion against a backdrop of social conservatism and limited structural support. Nyanda, a 21-year-old law student, reflects on her upbringing, stating, “We were taught to be small and not take up spaces.” Inspired by successful South Sudanese models like Adut Akech, Nyanda began her modelling career in 2023, despite facing familial disapproval and estrangement due to her ambitions and personal choices.
Garang, 20, shares a similar journey. Born in Greater Jonglei and raised in Renk, she was pushed back to South Sudan due to conflict. Despite initial resistance from her family regarding her modelling aspirations, she found support from her elder sister, which helped her secure opportunities in the industry.
Barriers to Success
Both Nyanda and Garang encounter significant obstacles, particularly related to travel and representation. Nyanda has faced multiple visa rejections while attempting to attend international fashion events, with her South Sudanese passport limiting her mobility. She describes these challenges as “a wall I am trying to break with my bare hands.” Garang, on the other hand, has focused on overcoming technical hurdles in modelling, such as mastering high heels and maintaining her figure.
The lack of credible agencies in South Sudan exacerbates these challenges, leaving young models vulnerable to exploitation. Nyanda recounts a negative experience with a modelling coach whose advances she rejected, resulting in lost opportunities.
Emerging Talent and Industry Impact
Despite these challenges, South Sudan's influence on the global fashion scene is growing. Nine of the top 50 models ranked by models.com hail from the country, showcasing the depth of talent among its youth. Former models have transitioned into roles as designers and coaches, contributing to the burgeoning fashion landscape. However, there is concern about the potential impact of AI-generated models on the industry, adding a layer of anxiety to the careers of human models.
The Ministry of Culture, Museums and National Heritage's limited engagement in promoting the modelling industry has left many aspiring models without the necessary support. Advocates believe that increased visibility and advocacy could help shift cultural perceptions of modelling as a legitimate profession.
Commitment to Change
Nyanda and Garang are not only focused on their personal success but also on shaping the future of South Sudan's fashion industry. Garang recently won an award at the national Miss Junub beauty pageant, expanding her aspirations to include mentoring emerging talents. Nyanda envisions using her success to establish a mother agency in South Sudan, as well as a school and hospital for orphans, emphasizing her commitment to her homeland: “South Sudan is not a place I am running from. It is the place I am running for.”
Conclusion
As Nyanda and Garang strive to carve out their spaces in the fashion world, they confront societal norms, bureaucratic barriers, and the evolving landscape of the industry. Their determination reflects a broader ambition to redefine the possibilities for future generations in South Sudan, challenging the status quo and advocating for a more inclusive representation in global fashion.
