IN CONVERSATION WITH AWENG CHUOL

interview by MAREK BARTEK

Discovered at a McDonald’s in Sydney, Aweng Chuol’s ascent from refugee camp to global runways feels almost mythic but her impact is anything but fantasy. In fashion, she’s walked for the industry’s most directional houses; in culture, she’s become a voice of those who often don’t have any. Now stepping into film, Chuol continues to shape conversations around identity, mental health, and visibility.

jacket and pants CHRISTIAN DIOR
shoes MICHAEL KORS

Your journey from being discovered at a McDonald’s in Sydney to walking for major fashion houses is like a scene from the movie. How has your relationship with modelling evolved as your platform and voice have grown?

My relationship with fashion and entertainment has become a really good synergy of gratitude for everything that I and my team have been able to accomplish. But also a place, where I can touch on world issues as I have the platform to. 

Having worked for brands like Mugler, MAC Cosmetics, Jimmy Choo, Fenty or Vetements, do you already have a moment you know you’ll cherish forever?

I have so much from the beginning to be grateful for, I will always cherish that first runway show with VETEMENTS. I will always cherish working for MAC Cosmetics for that very first time and the other ones after. I loved Jimmy Choo, that shoot is all over my devices and Mugler, wow—- Hayley Wollen and Casey Cadwallader have both made a big impact on me as a creative, and I am always in gratitude to the Mugler house and all the creatives behind all the videos, runway and campaigns. 

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top, belt, skirt MICHAEL KORS
shoes LOUIS VUITTON

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coat and belt ADAM LIPPES
shorts MAX MARA
top SKIMS

You’ve recently stepped into the world of film, how has acting challenged or expanded your creative expression compared to modelling? 

I am enjoying film! The world is actually so different from fashion. In some aspects they overlap but overall, I am appreciating being a student. Some days have been more challenging than others but I am practicing a lot of tenacity and prioritising the creative process. I hope to lead something soon. The experience has expanded my initial idea of the film industry. My respect for actors, directors has grown astronomically — storytelling and getting your idea out there takes a lot of audacity, and that is something that has challenged me in a good way. 

dress DOLCE&GABBANA

Appearing in Beyoncé’s ‘Black Is King’ must’ve been truly a striking moment. What did that experience mean to you artistically and personally? 

It meant everything! I love Beyoncé, her impact in entertainment, and in the world is undeniable. Her creative process and work ethic is something that has been truly admirable. The experience actually pushed me to start exploring other avenues of my own artistic expression. I started my acting classes a couple of months after and recently also started music classes. I was reminded that remaining teachable is important. 

full look ALAÏA

You’ve been an outspoken advocate for mental health and LGBTQIA+ rights. How do you balance the emotional demands of advocacy with your personal well-being, especially in an industry that often demands perfection? 

I am a heavy believer in therapy — I have a talk therapist that I see twice a week, and I journal a lot. Having boundaries and meditating has saved me more times than I can count. It is a tough industry and building out a safe space and community is so important. I make the balance work, as I 100% believe the emotional wellbeing outweighs anything else. 

full look TORY BURCH

You’ve spoken openly about your family and background. How do your roots of being born in Kakuma and growing up in Australia shape your sense of belonging and your vision for the future? 

With my experiences, it has taken a while for me to understand my sense of belonging. My roots have given me all the ground work as to who I am and who I am becoming. My vision for my own future and the future is really big. I hope you all join me for the ride. 

full look BLUMARINE

Having grown up in Australia after leaving Kakuma and now living in the U.S., how have your experiences shaped your understanding of how different cultures engage with refugees, and what parts of yourself have you had to guard, adapt, or reclaim in those transitions?

I think my personal experiences have made me empathetic to every single individual. I engage in a lot of conversations about the global refugee crisis. I wish for the world to pay more attention. 

dress VICTORIA BECKHAM

There’s a quiet resilience in many immigrant and refugee stories that often goes unspoken. What aspects of that resilience do you carry with you into your creative and activist work? 

Keeping our stories alive. 

full look MICHAEL KORS

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full look TOD’S

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full look DIESEL

What does legacy look like to you? Is it about changing the narrative, opening doors, or something more personal?

Legacy to me is breaking intergenerational trauma. I think legacy is truly working through calming your nervous system. We are at a time when everything seems so blurry. Doing the internal work is important . 

If you could speak to your younger self—the girl in Kakuma or the teen in Sydney—what would you want her to know?

I would like the Kakuma 6 year old Aweng to know that she will eventually decide what she wants to be. And I will tell Australia's younger Aweng, to slow down and smell the flowers. 

top, belt, skirt MICHAEL KORS
shoes LOUIS VUITTON

TEAM CREDITS:

talent AWENG CHUOL at IMG
photography WILLIAM FERCHICHI AT IMAJ ARTISTS
styling NATA BOCHA
hair BRENTON DIALLO at THE WALL GROUP USING MATRIX
makeup DAVID RAZZANO AT ART DEPARTMENT USING MAKEUP BY MARIO
photography assistant HYNING GAN
styling assistant ALENA ALIFIRUK
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview MAREK BARTEK
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN