When Anok Yai first stepped in front of a camera at Howard University’s homecoming in 2017, she did not know the world was about to meet its next supermodel. A street-style photo taken that day went viral, and just like that, the girl studying biochemistry became the girl every designer wanted on their runway.

Fast-forward to 2025, and Yai has officially been crowned Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council at The Fashion Awards, presented by Pandora. The ceremony will take place at London’s Royal Albert Hall on December 1st 2025.

Born in Cairo to South Sudanese parents and raised in New Hampshire, USA, Yai’s journey has evolved so beautifully, and she has achieved a whole lot for the black community over the years. She is an industry powerhouse and a cultural symbol.

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From Science Lab to Prada’s Runway

Before she was making history, Yai was knee-deep in textbooks. But one viral photo changed everything. Within months, she signed with Next Management and, by 2018, made her runway debut opening for Prada. A landmark moment that made her the second Black woman ever to do so, following Naomi Campbell’s trailblazing walk earlier.

The industry paid attention. Campaigns for Versace, Saint Laurent, Alaïa, and Mugler followed. Vogue covers rolled in from Paris to London to New York. And yet, what makes Yai stand out is not just her beauty or presence, it’s her control. She walks with intent, commands with ease, and speaks like someone who knows the weight of her own visibility.

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Model of the Year 2025

This year, the British Fashion Council described Yai as “a defining face of global fashion and a cultural force.” It’s hard to disagree. Her 2025 has been stacked with high-glam moments — a Vogue France cover, the face of Mugler’s Alien fragrance, and fronting campaigns that define what luxury looks like now.

Following the announcement, Yai said:

“My journey from Egypt to South Sudan to the U.S. is one of resilience and community. This recognition is for everyone who’s ever seen their story in mine. Thank you for celebrating us”.

Her win is not just a personal win; it’s a collective one. For Black women in fashion. For immigrants. For anyone who’s ever been told they don’t fit the mold.

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Why This Win Matters

Anok Yai’s triumph signals a shift that’s long overdue. Models like Yai have redefined what success looks like in fashion, grounding luxury in authenticity, culture, and identity.

The Model of the Year award isn’t just about who walked the most runways or fronted the most campaigns. It’s about influence, who’s shaping what fashion looks like, who’s inspiring new talent, and who’s redefining beauty. And right now, that’s Anok Yai.

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