Talent: Eman Agwet Adwok Deng. Photographer: Tom Marvel.
In the competitive fashion industry, it’s not easy for a model from South Sudan to find a chance to step into the spotlight. Yet, Eman Agwet Adwok Deng has managed to do just that.
Dress Alexander McQueen. Hat Binata Millinery. Shoes Saint Laurent.
Born in 2001, Eman started her journey as a model and won the title of Miss South Sudan. Moving to the U.S. to pursue her career, the lessons and experiences she gained along the way helped her grow quickly and opened up new opportunities and visions for the young woman.
Dress Alexander McQueen. Hat Binata Millinery. Shoes Saint Laurent.
“I feel more comfortable and confident about myself because being in America taught me how to be independent and see the world in a positive way,” Eman Agwet Adwok Deng reflects, describing the cultural contrasts between her homeland and her new life in the United States. “In my country, we do believe in culture, such as food, dancing, dressing, and music. In America, it’s more about learning new things, being independent, and becoming more creative.”
Top Area. Shorts Felix (Flying Solo). Glasses Gentle Monster.
This shift in perspective wasn’t easy. Eman, like many young women from her community, faced obstacles and challenges in her early years. But the drive to build something meaningful for herself and her country led her to a career in modeling, a path that would not only change her life but also help pave the way for future generations.
Dress Christopher John Rogers. Shoes Saint Laurent. Hat Binata Millinery. Rings Pluma. Necklace Giambattista Valli.
Her decision to pursue this path was met with strong support from her family and friends, giving her the confidence to continue despite the inherent challenges. “I was lucky enough because I had support from my family and close friends when I started my career,” Eman Agwet Adwok Deng shares. This unwavering backing played a pivotal role in her ascent to success.
Dress Christopher John Rogers. Shoes Saint Laurent. Hat Binata Millinery. Rings Pluma. Necklace Giambattista Valli.
Her first taste of the fashion world came in 2018, when a popular Ugandan modeling agency discovered her via Instagram. This serendipitous moment led to her debut competition for Ms. March 2018 and her first runway experience at Kampala Fashion Week, both of which were stepping stones to something much larger. “At Kampala Fashion Week, I was nervous and scared because it was one of my big runway shows as someone who was still figuring out what I was doing,” she admits. But those nerves didn’t last long. The exposure she received, combined with her natural poise, helped her land even bigger opportunities.
Dress Dolce & Gabbana. Shoes Saint Laurent. Earrings Mara Jewellery from Flying Solo.
In April 2019, Eman Agwet Adwok Deng achieved a life-changing milestone—she was crowned Miss South Sudan. “One thing I learned was never to give up on my dreams,” she says, reflecting on the journey to this victory. “I had contested like three times before I was able to win a crown.” This victory was not just a personal achievement; it was a testament to her persistence and her belief in her own potential, even when success seemed elusive.
Dress Dolce & Gabbana. Shoes Saint Laurent. Earrings Mara Jewellery from Flying Solo.
Soon after relocating to London in 2019, Eman’s career took off. She was signed by several top modeling agencies, and her career catapulted forward. Her first major campaign was with the renowned brand SuperDry, which marked the beginning of a series of high-profile projects, including collaborations with actors Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Justin Campbell. But perhaps the most significant moment of all came in April 2020. “One of my favorite moments in my career is when I got my first cover, and it was the Vogue cover,” Eman says. “That’s when I knew this is what I want to be doing.
Dress Jason Wu Collection. Shoes Saint Laurent. Ring PB-Design from Flying Solo.
Beyond the glamour and the photo shoots, Eman Agwet Adwok Deng remains deeply connected to her roots. Along with her fiancé, Kon Piom, she runs an agency in South Sudan to help nurture young modeling talent. “My personal dream is to be able to create job opportunities for other people in my country. This is why we have an agency at the moment,” she shares. “It’s not big, but with time, it will be one of the best agencies in South Sudan.” This initiative speaks to Eman’s vision for the future—not only for herself but for her community and the next generation of young women in South Sudan. She envisions a world where young people can chase their dreams, just as she did.
Dress Randi Barry from Flying Solo. Hat Binata Millinery. Bracelet Pluma. Shoes Gianvito Rossi. Earrings Xanagore from Flying Solo.
Eman’s advocacy for empowerment goes beyond the borders of her homeland. As a successful Black woman in a global industry, she is passionate about ensuring equal opportunities and representation. “To consider having us Black models do modeling with our natural hair without having to cut it off,” she emphasizes, speaking out for greater inclusivity and authenticity in the fashion world. She believes that fashion should reflect the beauty of diversity, allowing every individual to shine in their true form.
Dress Randi Barry from Flying Solo. Hat Binata Millinery. Bracelet Pluma. Shoes Gianvito Rossi. Earrings Xanagore from Flying Solo.
However, like many in the fashion industry, Eman Agwet Adwok Deng has faced challenges. “The most challenging aspect is rejection,” she confesses. “It makes us feel like we’re not good enough to be in modeling.” But rather than letting rejection define her, Eman uses it as fuel to push forward, reminding herself that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Dress Jil Sander. Shoes Saint Laurent.
Looking ahead, Eman has big dreams—both for her career and her personal life. “My goal is to leave a legacy that young people will look up to and follow their dreams,” she says with conviction. “I want to inspire others to never give up and always keep pushing toward their goals.” Her mission is clear: to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for others, proving that anything is possible with perseverance and faith.
Dress Phoebe Philo. Necklace Pluma. Shoes Saint Laurent.
When asked what superpower she would choose, if she could, Eman’s answer is a reflection of her deeply empathetic and driven nature. “To be able to perform miracles, so that I can turn dreams into reality for everyone that has a purpose and is looking for help to make it happen,” she says.
Dress Phoebe Philo. Necklace Pluma. Shoes Saint Laurent.
The story of Eman Agwet Adwok Deng has only just begun. With her dedicated heart, kindness, and vision, she is actively working to change the face of the fashion industry, making it brighter and more inclusive. What’s most meaningful is that she is not only aiming for personal success but also staying deeply connected to her Sudanese heritage and roots.
Dress Tom Ford. Shoes Saint Laurent. Glasses Versace.
Dress Tom Ford. Shoes Saint Laurent. Glasses Versace.
Talent: Eman Deng @emanagwet5 at Muse Management NYC @musemodelsnyc.
Producer/Photographer: Tom Marvel @tommarvelphotography.
Creative Director: Cannon @thecannonmediagroup at Ray Brown @raybrownpro.
Art Director: Pierre Bonnet @pierrebonnet.
Director of Video: James Webber @james_weber.
Digital Tech: Olivia Wohlers @wohliviaa.
Photographer Assistants: Michele Swain @michelewihelminaphotography, John Ruiz Ossa @johnruizphoto.
Hair : Linh Nguyen @linhhair at SEE Management @seemanagement using Oribe @oribe.
Makeup: Mark Williamson @markwilliamson45 at Artist Management @artistmanagementmiami
using Makeup By Mario @makeupbymario and Artís @byartis.
Video Assistant: Andre Hemmit Jr @vndrethe.ii.
Fashion Team: Winnie Noan @winnie_noan | Maksim Mizgirev @lu3alo |
Kayla Guerrero @kaylabreanne_ | Dazani @dazaniprice |
Charlotte Van Ingen @charvaningen.
Digital Artist : Marilynn Hawkridge.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
