Anok Yai has been officially named Model of the Year 2025 at the British Fashion Council’s prestigious Fashion Awards, held at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The recognition not only celebrates her unparalleled presence on the runway and in campaigns but also cements her status as a trailblazer for representation, diversity, and empowerment in high fashion.
For Yai, who was born to South Sudanese parents and raised in the United States, the accolade is the culmination of nearly a decade of relentless work, groundbreaking achievements, and cultural influence.
At just 26, she has risen from a viral sensation to an industry icon, redefining the standards of beauty and inspiring a generation of young models and creatives worldwide.
2025 has been a defining year for Anok Yai. She fronted campaigns for top luxury brands, appeared on international magazine covers, and dominated global runways.
Yai celebrated with a series of photos that she captioned: “Mamma, I think we made it.”
The British Fashion Council recognized Yai’s achievements with the Model of the Year award, praising her work ethic and artistry but also her influence in shaping a more inclusive and representative fashion industry.
The honor positions her alongside previous icons who have leveraged the runway as a platform for broader cultural impact
Anok Yai’s rise to prominence began in 2017, when she debuted at Proenza Schouler during New York Fashion Week.
Her striking features and commanding runway presence instantly drew attention on social media, marking her as a model to watch.
That moment catalyzed opportunities with major designers, leading to bookings for Prada, Miu Miu, Valentino, Givenchy, Fendi, and Versace in the following years.
She made history as the second Sudanese model to walk a Prada runway, following in the footsteps of Alek Wek, and quickly became known for bringing power, elegance, and versatility to every show.
Her editorial work spans top-tier publications, including Vogue, W, i-D, and Dazed, establishing her as a global fashion force whose influence reaches beyond the catwalk.
Beyond her professional success, Anok Yai has used her platform to advocate for greater representation and social awareness.
As a dark-skinned woman of South Sudanese heritage, she has become a role model for inclusivity in an industry historically dominated by narrow beauty standards.
Her presence in campaigns and on covers challenges traditional norms and encourages brands and media to embrace a broader spectrum of talent.
Yai has also highlighted humanitarian issues, speaking on behalf of Sudanese refugees and participating in campaigns to raise awareness about civil crises in her ancestral homeland.
In doing so, she demonstrates that modern models are not just faces of fashion — they are voices capable of driving meaningful change.
At the Fashion Awards ceremony, Yai expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, framing it as a reflection not just of her individual journey, but of collective resilience and representation.
“My journey — from Egypt to South Sudan to the United States — is one of resilience and community. This recognition is for everyone who’s ever seen their story in mine,” she said, receiving applause from industry leaders, peers, and global fans.
