Model Who Looks Like a Real-Life Barbie Makes Waves in the Fashion Scene

Nyadak Thot, widely recognized as Duckie, an Australian-Sudanese model, has captivated the fashion industry with her striking doll-like features. She gained viral attention on Twitter for her extraordinary looks.

Meet Duckie

Nyadak “Duckie” Thot, a 28-year-old model, was born in Melbourne, Australia, to Sudanese parents. While her given name has tribal roots, she acquired the nickname “Duckie” later in life. During her school years, both teachers and classmates struggled to pronounce her first name accurately, leading to the adoption of the nickname she now prefers.

Duckie’s journey into the world of modeling began with the support of her sister, Nikki Perkins, a model and YouTuber. Recognizing her potential, Duckie decided to test her skills on the reality show Australia’s Next Top Model, where she secured an impressive third place. Following her stint on the show, she relocated to New York, USA, to expand her modeling opportunities, a move that proved successful for her career. In New York, she signed with New York Model Management and marked her runway debut at Kanye West’s Yeezy Fashion Week.

Dubbed the “Black Barbie” for her radiant complexion, Duckie has built a remarkable career, boasting an extensive portfolio of fashion shows and campaigns for prestigious brands such as Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, Rihanna (Fenty x Puma), and many others.

Becoming the “it girl” in fashion

Embraced as a protegé by Rihanna, Thot became a notable member of Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty team, collaborating with the renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath. In a conversation with Vogue Italia, she expressed her ultimate aspiration to grace the cover of Vogue and take part in a global campaign for a major brand.

In 2018, this aspiration turned into reality as Thot took center stage in the Pirelli calendar, themed around Alice in Wonderland. Alongside luminaries such as Lupita Nyong’o, Sean Combs, Adwoa Aboah, and Naomi Campbell, the calendar, photographed by Tim Walker and styled by Edward Enninful, the current director of Vogue UK, portrayed her in a captivating and whimsical narrative.

Recently unveiled as the latest ambassador for L’Oréal Paris, Thot is dedicated to fostering self-love and acceptance, particularly among dark-skinned girls. Within the L’Oréal Paris family, she proudly stands alongside influential role models such as Jane Fonda, Bianca Balti, and Liya Kebede, collectively championing diversity and empowerment.

It’s all about diversity

Duckie Thot aims for a more diverse fashion world. She embodies shifting perceptions in an industry historically associated with narrow beauty ideals. Thot, an avid advocate for inclusivity, remarks that, despite the progress within the beauty world, there are still some areas people need to pay attention.

When discussing diversity in fashion and beauty, the focus is often not directed toward the behind-the-scenes roles: stylists, photographers, and makeup artists. Frequently, Thot finds herself being the only black woman on set. She mentions that her experience participating in the Pirelli calendar shoot, where the entire cast was composed of black individuals, including RuPaul and Lupita Nyong’o, is a memory that will stay with her for the rest of her life.

Becoming viral as Barbie

Duckie rose to prominence at the age of 17 through her participation in Australia’s Next Top Model. However, the internet is currently buzzing with newfound admiration for her captivating appearance, as many are now likening her to a living Barbie doll. The fascination began when Duckie posted a photo on Twitter with the caption “Ducks after dark,” showcasing her in an elegant lacy black and gold dress, accompanied by matching makeup, while both hands rested gracefully on her thigh.

Duckie’s flawless skin, impeccable pout, and remarkably long limbs have sparked a barrage of comments expressing disbelief, with some questioning whether she is a real human. Responses flooded in with statements like “I won’t believe she’s real until I see her in person” and “Me seeing this: is this a person or a Barbie?”

The amusing reactions from Duckie and her friends have ignited calls from fans for the model to have her own Barbie doll, a suggestion she appears to welcome. In a tweet, she humorously remarked, “Yeah...we need a Duckie Barbie doll @Barbie what’s good??”

Duckie Thot’s extraordinary journey in the fashion world not only chronicles her personal successes but also mirrors broader transformations within the industry. From her humble beginnings on a reality TV show to achieving global acclaim, Duckie consistently challenges conventional beauty norms and advocates for inclusivity. Her experiences, both within and beyond the confines of the runway, illuminate the shifting landscape of fashion, underscoring the imperative for diversity both in front of and behind the camera.

As Duckie continues to make a significant impact as a model, ambassador, and advocate for change, her story serves as an inspirational testament to the profound effect of breaking barriers and embracing beauty in all its diverse manifestations.