Nyadak “Duckie” Thot, a Sudanese-Australian model and younger sister to influencer Nikki Perkins, first captured public attention during her time on Australia’s Next Top Model, finishing in third place in 2013. Her unique beauty quickly made waves online, and by 2017, heavily edited photos had fans comparing her to a real-life Barbie. Many social media users were stunned by her appearance, often questioning if she was even real, with comments like “Are you human?” and “You look like a doll.”
Her modeling career took off soon after. In 2018, Duckie was featured in Oyster Magazine and participated in the iconic Pirelli Calendar, which that year reimagined Alice in Wonderland with an all-Black cast, directed by Tim Walker. She also walked the runway at the prestigious Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, solidifying her place in the fashion elite. Her global influence continued to grow, including celebrating New Year’s Eve 2021 in Accra, Ghana, and being named a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie in 2022—a milestone she called a “dream come true.”
Despite the glossy world of high fashion, Duckie has long promoted authenticity. Early in her journey, she often posted makeup-free and unedited photos, challenging traditional beauty standards. As a Black woman in a largely white-dominated industry, she has openly discussed the racism she experienced, particularly at the beginning of her career. In a 2017 interview, she confirmed that racial bias was a reality, but emphasized the importance of resilience and self-growth. Living in New York, she said, helped her grow into her identity with confidence.
As her career progressed into the 2020s, Duckie continued modeling while using her voice to spotlight social issues. She often credits prayer for keeping her grounded and has spoken about global crises that don’t receive widespread attention—such as the 2019 massacre in South Sudan, the country her mother fled while pregnant with her. She remained a fixture in major fashion campaigns and events, including appearances with brands like Clarins and at Sports Illustrated parties. Interviews, such as her chat with T Australia, showed both her playful side and her thoughtful reflections on beauty and representation.
By 2024 and 2025, Duckie Thot remained a force in fashion. She appeared at high-profile events like the Netflix BAFTA after-party alongside stylist Law Roach and attended the Charlotte Tilbury x Mecca Beauty event in Sydney. Her story captures both the polished surface of fashion and the deeper reality behind it—balancing public glamour with personal authenticity. With her striking presence and meaningful voice, Duckie continues to shine as one of the most compelling models of her generation.
