From Kakuma Refugee Camp to Paris Runways: Wal Lat Ruop’s Remarkable Rise in Global Fashion

By Mary Nnah

South Sudanese model Wal Lat Ruop is rapidly establishing himself as one of fashion’s most promising new faces after rising from Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp to the runways of some of the world’s biggest luxury brands.

In just a few seasons, the 23-year-old has walked for internationally acclaimed fashion houses including Prada, Louis Vuitton, Maison Margiela, Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Amiri, Loewe, Bally, Lacoste, Casablanca, Maison Valentino, and Ann Demeulemeester, earning recognition as one of a new generation of African models making an impact on the global fashion industry.

His growing portfolio, documented by leading fashion platforms Models.com and runway archive Tag-Walk, reflects a career that has gathered remarkable momentum since his international breakthrough in 2023.

Born on January 28, 2003, in Rubkona, South Sudan, Ruop’s story began far from the glamour of Paris, Milan and New York Fashion Weeks. During his childhood, his family fled conflict and settled in Kakuma Refugee Camp in northwestern Kenya, one of Africa’s largest refugee settlements.

Raised alongside three brothers and three sisters, Ruop spent much of his early life navigating the realities of displacement. His father died in 2018, years before his modelling career began, leaving the family to face further hardship.

His life took an unexpected turn at the age of 19 while living in Eldoret, Kenya, when he was discovered by RADG Models Management, a Barbados-based agency that recognised his potential and connected him to opportunities on the international stage.

That opportunity quickly transformed into a breakthrough.

According to his published biography, Ruop’s debut for Prada in January 2023 marked the beginning of a career that has since accelerated at an impressive pace.

Within months, he had secured appearances in major collections, including Maison Margiela Fall/Winter 2023, Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2023, Saint Laurent Men’s Fall/Winter 2024, and Prada Men’s Spring/Summer 2026.

His appearance in Maison Margiela’s Fall/Winter 2023 presentation was particularly significant. The show was directed by legendary designer John Galliano, styled by Olivier Rizzo, with beauty direction led by internationally renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath, placing Ruop among one of fashion’s most celebrated creative productions.

Ruop’s rise also reflects a broader shift within the fashion industry, where South Sudan has become one of the world’s most influential sources of modelling talent.

Trailblazers including Alek Wek, Adut Akech, and Anok Yai have helped reshape global beauty standards while opening doors for a new generation of African models. Ruop now joins a growing list of South Sudanese talents attracting international attention on some of fashion’s biggest stages.

His journey also highlights a wider industry trend of global modelling agencies increasingly scouting talent across East Africa, including refugee communities. While these opportunities have transformed many lives, they have also sparked conversations about the importance of safeguarding young models and ensuring they receive adequate support as they navigate the demands of the international fashion industry.

Away from the runway, Ruop connects with followers through his social media platform under the name “Papa Lunar,” where he shares glimpses of his professional journey, editorial work and collaborations. He also maintains an active professional portfolio on Models.com.

For Ruop, the journey from Kakuma Refugee Camp to the world’s leading fashion capitals represents more than personal success. It stands as a testament to resilience, determination and the power of opportunity, demonstrating how talent can emerge from the most unlikely circumstances to reach the highest levels of the global fashion industry.