The Graduates
Achol Kuir
For over a decade, Models.com’s The Graduates series has served as a visual check-in with the models of the moment who have consistently performed at the highest levels, graduating from rising newcomers on the Hot List to the Top 50’s most recognizable faces. Stars like Bella Hadid, Hoyeon, Vittoria Ceretti, Selena Forrest, and Sora Choi, to name a few, have all taken part in the milestone series, which marks a defining shift in a model’s career. With major bookings across editorials, campaigns, lookbooks, and runways, these models have secured their places among fashion’s most sought-after talents, working with leading luxury houses and influential creatives while continuing to make their mark on the global stage.
For the 2026 edition, Models.com headed back to Paris during the whirlwind of Fashion Week to capture this year’s graduating class through the lens of photographer Valentin Herfray, with styling by Dara and looks exclusively from LVMH Prize finalist De Pino. Beyond the images, the cast sits down with the Models.com team to reflect on their unexpected beginnings, career-defining moments, the designers and photographers who have shaped their journeys, and what lies ahead as they cement their positions as the next generation of leading faces in fashion.
Photography Valentin Herfray
Stylist Dara
Collection De Pino
Hair Stylist Sarah Jo Palmer
Makeup Artist Julian Stoller
Manicurist Sylvie Vacca
Movement Director Gabriele Esposito
Video Director & Art Direction Marcel Gitard, En Mode
Video Director of Photography Maxime Thiolet Berger
Editor-in-Chief Stephan Moskovic
Editorial Director Irene Ojo-Felix
Interviewer Anire Ikomi
Production 360PM – MA + Group
Producers Jocelyn Rummler and Julia Lellouche
1st Assistant Photographer Rémi Procureur
2nd Assistant Photographer Joshua Abecassis
Digital Tech Romain Boé
Retouching INK
Styling Assistants Mona Antabli and Maszia Oettgen
Tailor Carole Savaton
Hair Assistants Celine Lanclume, Aimeric Amiot, and Taisiia Povalii
Manicure Assistant Isabelle Guyon
Special Thanks Christopher Michael at Egos & Icons
South Sudanese model Achol Kuir made her runway debut at Stella McCartney F/W 24, but 2025 proved to be a breakthrough year in her career. Walking over 30 shows throughout the year, she emerged as a Top Newcomer for the F/W 2025 season before earning a place on the Hot List that October. By 2026, Kuir had ascended to the Top 50, securing four campaigns this year, including two with Gucci, as well as Balenciaga and Hermès. Before the runway appearances and campaigns, Kuir’s introduction to modeling came about through an unexpected encounter in South Sudan. A friend told her about a scouting agent at a local hotel, prompting her to pay a visit. The scout immediately recognized her potential, telling her, “You look great. I think you would do well in modeling.” Reflecting on how the opportunity came about, Kuir credits a higher power: “I would say God did it, because that friend of mine quit modeling because she couldn’t find agencies.”
Among the houses that have become a recurring presence in her career is Gucci, where Kuir has worked across six projects spanning runway shows, lookbooks, and campaigns. Speaking about her experience with the brand, she shared, “Demna shot the campaigns, and he’s such a cool person who works so well with all the models. I’m looking forward to working with him again. I always give my whole self and everything on set.” Following two cover appearances for Dazed and Numéro France in Fall 2025, Kuir entered 2026 with an impressive run of bookings. She made her couture debut at Valentino and returned to Schiaparelli for her fifth show with the house. For S/S 27, Kuir walked Saint Laurent for the fourth time, appearing in Anthony Vaccarello’s final collection for the house. The experience was particularly emotional, with Kuir saying, “I cried. It was a blessing to witness that.”
While Kuir has seemingly settled into life in Paris, building a sense of community away from home has presented its own challenges. Connection remains important to her, and navigating life in a new city is an ongoing adjustment. Still, she remains focused on the future and the possibilities that lie ahead. “What I want to achieve next is something that is bigger than everybody’s imagination.”
