Nyadak “Duckie” Thot, a Sudanese-Australian model and younger sister to influencer Nikki Perkins, rose to fame after competing on Australia’s Next Top Model, where she placed third in 2013. Her striking features quickly captured attention, and by 2017, she was being likened to a real-life Barbie doll due to heavily filtered and stylized images that circulated online. Fans on social media expressed awe, with many questioning whether she was even real. Comments like “Are you even human?” and “Literally thought you were a Barbie” reflected the widespread fascination with her seemingly flawless appearance.
Thot’s career skyrocketed as she secured high-profile modeling gigs and editorial features. In 2018, she appeared in Oyster Magazine and was cast in the Pirelli Calendar, which that year featured an all-Black ensemble in a whimsical “Alice in Wonderland” reimagining by Tim Walker. That same year, she made a landmark appearance on the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, one of the industry’s most coveted opportunities. Her global presence only grew, with highlights like ringing in the 2021 New Year in Accra, Ghana, and being named a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie in 2022—a moment she described as a “dream.”
Despite the polished world of high fashion, Thot has made a point of embracing her natural beauty and showing her unfiltered self. Early in her career, she shared makeup-free and filter-free photos, challenging traditional beauty norms. As a young Black woman in a predominantly white industry, she’s been candid about facing racism, especially early on. In a 2017 interview, she acknowledged that racism is “definitely a thing” but emphasized the importance of finding resilience and staying focused on growth. Her time in New York, she shared, helped her grow more comfortable and confident in her identity.
Throughout the 2020s, Thot has maintained her modeling momentum while using her platform for advocacy. She often speaks about grounding herself through prayer and highlighted underreported global issues like the 2019 massacre in South Sudan—where her mother once fled while pregnant with her. She continued appearing at major fashion events, including Sports Illustrated celebrations and campaigns with brands like Clarins. In interviews, such as one with T Australia, she balanced lighthearted personality quizzes with thoughtful reflections on life, beauty, and representation.
By 2024 and into 2025, Duckie Thot remained a staple on the fashion scene. She was seen attending the Netflix BAFTA after-party with stylist Law Roach and made a glamorous appearance at the Charlotte Tilbury x Mecca Beauty event in Sydney. Thot’s journey reflects the dual nature of the fashion industry—where curated perfection meets real-world complexity. Through it all, she continues to captivate with her beauty while speaking out on important issues and embracing her authentic self, making her a standout figure in modern modeling.
