South Sudanese-American model Anok Yai will be honoured as the Model of the Year at The Fashion Awards in December.
The British Fashion Council shared on Instagram: “ANOK YAI TO BE HONOURED AS THE MODEL OF THE YEAR AT TFA 2025.
“A defining force in today’s fashion landscape. Anok’s impact transcends the runway – from redefining beauty standards to championing artistry and representation on a global stage.
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“Her influence continues to shape and inspire the next generation,” they wrote.
Yai, who graced many runways and also walked for luxury fashion houses including Yves Saint Laurent, Vetements, Versace, Burberry, and she also walked for Victoria’s Secret Runway.
The 27-year-old has also graced multiple covers of “Vogue”, “Harper’s Bazaar”, “Elle”, as well as working with so many other luxury brands, including Swarovski, Bottega Veneta, Fendi, Marc Jacobs and more.
Before stepping into the world of fashion and modelling, Yai was a biochemistry student, and things took a turn for the better after a street style photo of her went viral on Instagram in 2017 when she attended Howard University’s Homecoming.
Shortly after that, she got recognition and was signed to an agency and in 2019, she opened a Prada show, becoming the second Black woman to ever do so, after Naomi Campbell.
In an interview with “Vogue” in 2017, after her picture went viral, she shared that she had the desire to work in the fashion industry but had no idea how or where to start.
“I always was inclined to do art and fashion, but I didn’t know how to get into the industry,” she shared.
Yai further added that through her career as a model, she wants to be a woman that young girls can look up to for inspiration.
“I definitely want to be a role model for young dark-skinned girls and girls in general – I want to bring to light ideas of self-love and self-confidence,” she added.
According to “Elle” magazine, the supermodel shared in a press statement: “Being named Model of the Year is such an honour. My journey – from Egypt to South Sudan to the US is one of resilience and community.
“This recognition is for everyone who’s ever seen their story in mine. Thank you for celebrating us.”
The ceremony takes place on Monday, December 1, at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
