Ajok Daing On the Consistent Need for Size Diversity

Starting a career in the midst of a pandemic can be a daunting endeavor. However, Italian-born and raised South Sudanese model Ajok Daing had always known that modeling was her true calling since her high school days. With a strong determination to leave her mark in an industry that lacked representation for curve models like herself, she began her modeling journey. During the S/S 21 season, Daing debuted at Sunnei and soon landed her first campaign for Stella McCartney. Since then, she has graced the covers of The Perfect Magazine, walked for her dream brand Chanel four times, and collaborated with esteemed creatives such as hair stylist Cyndia Harvey and photographer Rafael Pavarotti. Reflecting on working with Pavarotti, Daing said, “I fell in love with how he shot because I felt like a piece of art. I didn’t feel like just a model.” After recently walking the LuisaViaRoma & British Vogue ‘Runway Icons’ 2023 Show, Models.com caught up with the Knwls muse about making it to Models.com’s Hot List, the importance of patience in her journey, and her perspective on upholding size inclusivity within the industry.

So before you started modeling, did you know what you wanted to do career-wise?
I always knew that I was going to be a model. My parents didn’t think so, because I was very young. They thought I was just fangirling over a bunch of fashion shows I used to watch on my laptop. But, once I finished school, I told myself, “Do you know what? I’ve waited long enough.” Modeling is something that I’ve always wanted to do; let me give it a try. When I reached out to my agency, they pushed me because, at some point, I started to give up. After all, I didn’t see that many people that looked like me. So I thought, “I’ve wanted to do this for a very long time, but is it the right thing to do?” When I eventually tried, it was magic.

Can you take us back to your scouting story? You said you contacted your agency, but how was that process?
Before me reaching out to my agency, throughout the years, I had always been scouted or had a few agencies reach out to me on Instagram or even stop me on the streets. But as I said before, my parents thought that I was young. So, I figured I would do it right after graduation. Here in the UK, we have this school called Sixth Form which is junior year of high school in the US. I did my first year, but the pandemic happened, so I finished school in March. I was getting bored, so I gave it a shot, and my parents were telling me to do it, so I reached out to Milk, and within three hours, they got back to me. The week after, I went to the agency with my mom. At the time, I was young, so she wanted to be there with me. They were very nice and welcoming from the first time I saw them. It was more about them reassuring my mom because they know being a mom, your daughter is young, and she wants to get into the modeling industry, you never know what she will run into. They are my mother agency as well, so of course, they need to establish that relationship with both myself and my mom. I signed the contract the day after I went to see them. The week after, I booked my first job.

You had your debut in Milan during the Spring/Summer ’21 season. Since that was during COVID-19 pandemic, how was that process for you? Do you remember what it felt like in the beginning? Were you nervous or excited?
I mean, of course, I was nervous and excited simultaneously because, as I said, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. But I didn’t know anyone at the same time, so I thought, “what would happen to me?” I was fortunate because one of my first shows was Tod’s. I worked with Katie Grand, the show’s stylist, a few weeks before, which was my first job. Seeing someone I had already met and worked with was nice and refreshing. So in a way, I was chill, but I was still nervous because I’d never been in a room with so many gorgeous people. The show was a presentation, so it wasn’t the typical fashion show we’re used to seeing. So, in a way, that helped with the anxiety of the first show.

You were featured in The Perfect Magazine issue for your first cover, photographed by Rafael Pavarotti. How was that experience for you? Did you learn anything about fashion greats while on set?
I didn’t know it would become a cover when I shot that. I just knew that the image would be included in the first issue of The Perfect Magazine with Katie Grand. So, of course, it was very exciting knowing that I would be a part of this important project for such an established stylist. So it was nice being one of those people that Katie trusts. So going there, I was very excited as it was my first time shooting with Rafael. I fell in love with how he shot because I felt like a piece of art. I didn’t just feel like a model, but I just felt like a piece of art because of the lighting and set design; everything was so perfect. Also, one thing about Rafael is that he makes sure you’re comfortable in everything that you’re doing and in anything you’re wearing. Also, before Rafael starts a shoot, he makes the entire team meditate. Everyone on set, from makeup to set design, has to meditate and have a few seconds of quietness, which I love.

“When it comes to the fashion industry, I’ll start to see some curve and plus-size girls – but it will last for one season or two, and then they go back to using size zeros. If you want us to be here, keep us here.”

You made it to Models.com’s Hot List rankings last November. What would you say motivates you to keep striving in your career?
Knowing that I have people who look up to me and that my family is proud of everything I do. Of course, it’s nice seeing that in this big industry, people are recognizing me. It’s nice knowing that people are looking at you. Everything that you do is being taken into consideration. So when I got put on the Hot List, it felt very nice because I’ve always been proud of everything I’ve done.

What are your thoughts on the fashion industry’s steps towards body inclusivity? What changes would you like to see in the industry?
Of course, it’s nice seeing that this industry is finally taking some great steps to see that they are allowing more people who look like me or of any type of person into this space. In the future, I would love to see consistency. I feel like when it comes to the fashion industry, I’ll start to see some curve and plus-size girls – but it will last for one season or two, and then they go back to using size zeros. If you want us to be here, keep us here.

You also recently walked for Chanel’s Fall/Winter ’23 and Resort show. How was that experience working with such a renowned fashion house? Can you share any memorable highlights or behind-the-scenes moments with the team that you enjoyed?
Finding out that I would do the Chanel show was such a pinch-me moment because it’s been my favorite brand since I was in primary school. Chanel, for me, was one of those brands on my wishlist. I’ve always wanted to do it but didn’t initially see it coming. So I kind of gave up on it. Then the day came, and I was like, “Are you guys serious? Is this a mistake?” So, seeing that my favorite brand was looking forward to working with me was such a great feeling. My favorite moment was the show we did in March for Winter 2023. It was nice because I also got to shoot backstage with Vogue France. It was fun overall because the whole team was nice and had good energy.

I know you just said that Chanel was one of your dream brands to work with, but are there any other dream brands or collaborators you’d want to work with in the future?
Oh, definitely. I’ve always wanted to work with Versace and I would love to meet Donatella Versace one day. I’m not only obsessed with the brand but also with Donatella. I’ve never seen such a hardworking woman. It would be amazing to get to meet her one day. Also, Saint Laurent, of course, but so far, I’m happy and very grateful for every brand, photographer, and stylist I’ve worked with.

What would you say has been one of the biggest challenges in your career, and how have you moved past it?
Comparing your work to others can stop you from being grateful for what you’re doing. I’ve never really struggled with this because my family has always been big on teaching me how to always focus on my path and never compare myself to others. This is something that I always advise up-and-coming models. It’s always something that I want people to put in their heads: that you’re doing great. You should never see what other people are doing as a comparison and competition. I’m Christian. I always try to take everything I do as a way of God putting this in your way for a reason. You should never think that because someone else is doing something “bigger,” your work is not relevant. You should always focus on what’s being brought to you rather than what’s being brought to others. I remember when I first started, and I would see all these girls that I was modeling with getting Chanel jobs, etc. At the time, it used to get to me, but now I’m like, look at yourself. The jobs came to me, even when I was not thinking about them anymore. It’s just about patience and being humble.

I completely agree with that. So, outside of modeling, do you have any other passions?
I love doing makeup and hair. Not always, I mean, now I’ve been very busy, but I remember when I first started, as soon as I had a few days off, I would just buy a wig and install it. Getting looks together is something that I really love. You can see it from my Instagram page; I have different hair or makeup in almost every picture I post. I just love art.

Have you always been interested in art?
Yes, when I was six, I used to get in trouble with my mom because I was sneaking into her room and playing with her makeup. So, it’s something that I’ve always loved doing. It’s also nice that I get to work with makeup artists on shoots, and I always stay backstage just to have conversations with hairstylists and makeup artists, and we give each other advice. “You should get this. You should get that.” So, it’s great getting to work with experts.

Could you see yourself eventually working in makeup and hair in the future?
A hundred percent because as much as I love this industry, you never know what will happen. I would love to have my makeup brand and hairline one day. It’s always something that I’ve always wanted to do. Even before getting into modeling, I always thought about becoming a businesswoman one day.

So far in your career, what have been your favorite moments?
My favorite moment is when I get to work with all my model friends. As you may have seen, there are a lot of South Sudanese models in the industry right now. Every time I get to work with any of them, all of them, it’s just such a great moment. Because back then, from what I’ve seen, there weren’t that many black models. So, knowing that now you get to work with many black models and especially models from my country, it’s so special. I’m happy whenever I get to work with any of my black girls.