𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐤 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐠: A career on the rise

Alek Deng is a South Sudanese fashion model whose rise within the international fashion industry is defined by resilience, striking presence, and editorial depth. Based between Paris, Milan, and Berlin, she is represented by IMG Paris, IMG Milano, and Iconic Management Berlin, positioning her among the most promising new faces of the global fashion system.

With an expanding portfolio of prestigious editorials and runway appearances, Alek Deng embodies a new vision of modern fashion—one that merges identity, strength, and visual storytelling.

Early life and background

Alek Deng Malek was born in Khartoum, Sudan, and holds South Sudanese nationality. At the age of eight, she was relocated with two of her siblings to the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, leaving her parents behind in South Sudan so that the children could access education.

This early displacement profoundly shaped Alek’s worldview and personal discipline. Even as a child, she gravitated toward fashion as a form of self-expression, discovering confidence and identity through movement, styling, and presence.

Discovering modeling and first professional steps

Alek’s passion for modeling began at around ten years old, initially inspired by experimenting with her older sisters’ heels. By the age of thirteen, she was already competing in local and community beauty pageants, consistently ranking among the top finalists.

In July 2018, Alek attended a casting in Nairobi organized by Isis Models Africa, where she was selected from over eighty aspiring models. Shortly after, she was placed with a Paris-based agency, with plans to debut at Paris Fashion Week. Administrative barriers and family opposition prevented her from traveling at that time, delaying—but not stopping—her international breakthrough.

Persistence, travel documents, and international exposure

In 2019, Alek approached UN officials in Kenya to resolve her travel restrictions. After extensive processing, she was granted a refugee travel document, enabling her to work internationally.

Her first return to Paris did not result in immediate bookings, and she was sent back to Nairobi. However, a turning point followed when she walked for nine designers at Arise Fashion Week Nigeria, gaining valuable runway experience and international visibility.

Soon after, Alek was signed by a London-based agency, which secured her work visa and flew her to the UK for London Fashion Week 2019. There, she began working consistently in both runway and editorial projects, establishing herself within the European fashion circuit.

Fashion, technology, and the Shudu collaboration

One of the most defining moments of Alek Deng’s career came through her collaboration with Shudu, the world-renowned digital supermodel. Alek became one of Shudu’s official muses, participating in a high-profile editorial that explored the intersection of fashion, art, and digital technology.

The experience elevated her international profile and reinforced her belief in technology as a tool for expanding representation in fashion.

Alek has spoken openly about how digital platforms can amplify real talent and create opportunities for models who have historically been overlooked.

Editorial highlights (2024–2025)

Between 2024 and 2025, Alek Deng’s editorial presence expanded significantly, placing her in some of the industry’s most respected fashion publications.

2025 editorials

• Beyond The Souk – Schön! Magazine (July 2025)
  Photographer: Lesha Lich
• ALEK – Numéro Netherlands (April 2025)
  Photographer: Bruno Unikowsky
• Red and Black – T: The New York Times Style Magazine (March 2025)
  Photographer: Naguel Rivero
• Playground – Vogue Czechoslovakia (February 2025)
  Photographer: Ria Mort

2024 editorials

• Dress to Kill – Silhouette Magazine (December 2024)
• The Urban and Natural Fusion of Paris – Numéro Netherlands (November 2024)
  Photographer: Jonathan Wolpert
• Editorial for SSAW Magazine (November 2024)
• I Do Hair to Change People’s Emotions – System Beauty (October 2024)
  Photographer: Drew Vickers

These editorials highlight Alek Deng’s versatility, emotional range, and strong visual identity within contemporary fashion narratives.

Runway and fashion weeks

Alek Deng made a major runway statement during Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025, walking for some of the most influential fashion houses:

• Vetements S/S 25 – September 27, 2024
• Acne Studios S/S 25 – September 25, 2024

Her runway appearances confirm her transition from development status to a model with growing global relevance.

Model measurements and profile

• Height: 183 cm
• Bust: 74 cm
• Waist: 60.5 cm
• Hips: 78 cm
• Shoe size: 41 EU
• Eyes: Brown
• Hair: Black
• Category: Development

Voice and values within the fashion industry

Beyond modeling, Alek Deng is recognized for her thoughtful perspective on the fashion industry. She has emphasized the importance of evaluating models based on talent and professionalism rather than popularity or social metrics, advocating for a more equitable system that recognizes diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

Her outlook aligns with a growing movement toward conscious fashion—where authenticity and representation are central values.

Alek Deng today and what lies ahead

Today, Alek Deng stands at a pivotal moment in her career. With strong agency representation, consistent editorial work, and major runway credentials, her trajectory points toward high-profile campaigns and further global recognition.

Alek Deng is not only shaping her own path—she is contributing to a broader evolution within fashion, where identity, resilience, and artistry define the future.