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Duckie Thot is having a moment. As the titular character in Tim Walker’s all-black reimagining of Alice in Wonderland for next year’s landmark edition of the famed Pirelli calendar, the Sudanese-Australian beauty has the fashion world abuzz. First seen as a competitor on Australia’s Next Top Model back in 2013, Thot is that rare reality alum who has made the jump to a successful high-fashion career. Her bubbly personality and graceful look have impressed the likes of Pat McGrath and Edward Enninful, and she’s had memorable runway turns for Yeezy and Fenty x Puma, but to hear Thot tell it, she’s only getting started. Here, the rising star talks working with Rihanna, defying fashion’s rules, and why Pirelli was the job of a lifetime.
On taking the role of Alice in the Pirelli Calendar
“It was so special, and it will probably be one of the biggest jobs that I ever have the opportunity to do. Working with Edward Enninful, Tim Walker, and Malcolm Edwards a complete honor. It was super-cool to share our own take on the classic. I have been bombarded with messages from family and friends, and on social media. I feel so lucky to be a part of this barrier-breaking project.”
On getting her start on Australia’s Next Top Model
“I’d just turned 17, and it was really overwhelming being a teenage girl on TV. I was excited, but at the same time I didn’t really understand all that was going on. I didn’t really see the TV side of it; I was more focused on doing the modeling jobs. Being in the industry now, I can see how completely different it is working in the actual market versus being on a show.”
On working with icons like Kanye West, Rihanna, and Pat McGrath
“My journey in New York hasn’t been ordinary. My first job was with Kanye [West] for Yeezy, and that was where I met Pat [McGrath]. We’ve been working non-stop filming videos and doing projects, which has been great. Pat has been so great—she’s guided and supporting me while understanding that it’s all still very new for me. And I’ve absolutely loved [working with Kanye and Rihanna]. Just seeing how they create is amazing, because not many people get to see that. All the people I’ve worked with so far have been wonderful and really taken care of me.”
On making her own rules
“I think that within the industry there comes a lot of rules that models feel they need to play by, but I’m not about that. If you like what I’m doing, that is great, but if you don’t, that is a personal preference and it’s fine also. It’s important to find that balance and not take things too personally. I was born and raised in Australia so I got used to the market there, but New York is the most competitive place in the world. You have to realize that it’s not about you if you face rejection or setbacks. I put two and two together after going to a few castings and figuring out how things work out here.”
On her glam personal style
“I’m really girly, I will not lie. Today I’m wearing a vintage Christian Lacroix suit and a Dior bag, but when the time calls for it, I can dress down and blend in a bit more. I love vintage. I haven’t found my spot yet in New York, but there are a few really great shops in Melbourne. You’ll even find great stuff out in the suburbs.”
On living her fashion dream
“I always loved flicking through magazines, looking through the photos and knowing that there is a story behind them. Being a part of it now is incredible, seeing 30 people on set just working to get that one image. As a child I’d look and say, ‘wow that girl looks so amazing,’ so doing it now is a dream come true.”