On November 5th, Sudanese-American Supermodel Anok Yai was crowned as ‘Model of The Year” for 2025. Yai has been a legendary face in the industry since her debut for Prada in 2018. Leading up to her runway debut, Yai was discovered at Howard University’s 2017 homecoming. Photographer Steven Hall captured her beauty by chance that day, and the rest is history.
But after nearly a decade in the industry, Yai has finally been given her overdue recognition. The model will be properly awarded in December during the British Fashion Awards. This ceremony is seen as the pinnacle of success in the fashion industry–to be praised on this stage is the greatest achievement. But we can’t truly talk about the award without discussing all that led up to Yai’s win.
The previous winner, Alex Consani, won Model of The Year for 2024. Her win marked a new wave of inclusion for modeling, as Consani was the first transgender woman to achieve this feat. But Consani’s accomplishment was quickly overlooked when Yai took to social media after her win. Only a few minutes after Consani had walked off stage, Yai posted the infamous meme photo of rapper, Kanye West, after he went on stage to vocalize his disappointment in Taylor Swift winning “Best Female Music Video” during the 2007 MTV Awards.
The timing of this post immediately caused speculation amongst fans, as many believed Yai posted it to indicate she was “disappointed” in Consani winning over her. The rumored feud amongst the models went instantly viral. Yai then posted multiple tweets on Twitter, saying “British Fashion Council, thank you but I don’t want it anymore.” This Tweet felt like a direct dig at Consani, as it not only overshadowed her win but dismissed the work and talent she also put in. After seeing major News publications take on the story, calling out Yai on being a poor sport, she made another tweet, stating “Alex can be proud and I can be exhausted at the same time..It doesn’t take away how much love we have for each other”.
After going seemingly radio-silent online, the models posted a photo shopping together, evidently clearing the air. Since then, the girls have done multiple interviews and photoshoots as a duo, constantly reiterating that there’s no bad blood between them.
Despite the tense scenario being resolved, some critics are still shocked to see there was no retribution for Yai’s behavior online. After she publicly denounced the criticism and dismissed the award as a whole, numerous thought that Yai would be blackballed, never receiving anything more than a nomination again. Yet, she defied the odds. Yai’s story is one of perseverance, resilience and standing up for what’s right; three traits every supermodel should have.
Yai has one of the most highlighted careers we’ve seen from new-gen models. She’s walked over three hundred shows, been featured in hundreds of campaigns, editorials and has fifty-eight magazine covers. This year in particular, she turned heads. In this season alone, she walked thirty shows total. On average, models will walk twelve to fifteen shows. But of course, Yai triumphs. She also walked during the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and was given two looks; one of them, had large pink-ruffled wings.
Putting her runway feats aside, her career gets more impressive. She’s advocated for diversity and inclusion since she was a new-face in modeling. The model uses her platforms to speak against bullying, colorism and racism – especially on set.
Yai has openly shared the negative experiences she’s had as a dark-skinned woman in the industry. On one occasion, a photographer for Zara called her a “cockroach” to poke fun at her. When she confronted the higher-ups at the photoshoot about this comment, she was ridiculed and fired on the spot; degradation like this is what’s continued to motivate Yai. After seven years of work and constant prejudice thrown at her, she keeps going, this is the exact reason why this award is well deserved.
Last year for the British Fashion Awards, Yai stunted in a black fur-coat. Under the fur she wore a short coal-colored skirt. The look was paired with a stunning silver necklace, with her hands and ears adorned with shimmery jewelry. The hair was avant-garde; a spikey-bun. Fashion critics are on the edge of their seats to see what she will wear to the show this year.
No matter what she shows up in, Yai is bound to turn her heads. As socialites and stars flood into London in time for December 1st, it’s certain that the fashion council will have their eye out for next year’s nominees.