Anok Yai Earns 2025 Model of the Year Title, Defining Her Legacy in Global Fashion.
Ahead of the British Fashion Awards ceremony, the Sudanese-American supermodel was honored with the title, signifying a milestone moment for representation.
“A defining force in contemporary fashion, Anok’s influence extends far beyond the runway — from reshaping beauty ideals to elevating artistry and representation on an international scale,” the British Fashion Council (BFC) shared in a statement on Instagram. “Her presence continues to shape culture and inspire the next generation.”
For Anok Yai, 27, the honor represents a full-circle moment in a journey that began entirely by chance. Back in 2017, while attending Howard University’s Homecoming, a candid photo capturing her radiant presence went viral — propelling the then-college student into the world of high fashion. That single snapshot sparked a career that would see her evolve into one of the industry’s most celebrated and recognizable faces.
Since her breakout, Anok Yai has become a commanding force on runways and in campaigns around the world. As Dazed reports, this year alone she opened shows for Ferragamo, Coperni, and Hugo Boss, and closed for Ralph Lauren, Fendi, Vetements, and Messika. Her magnetic presence has also lit up the catwalks of Saint Laurent, Mugler, Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, and Chanel under Matthieu Blazy’s creative direction.
Beyond the runway, Anok Yai continues to redefine modern fashion imagery. She has starred in Mugler’s Alienfragrance campaign, fronted Gap’s latest ads, and appeared in the revived Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Her editorial presence remains just as commanding, gracing recent covers of Vogue France, Perfect, and Allure — the latter shared with last year’s Model of the Year, Alex Consani.
In a departure from tradition, the British Fashion Council (BFC) did not issue a public shortlist this year. Instead, a private panel of industry figures — including BFC CEO Laura Weir, photographer Campbell Addy, and stylist Carlos Nazario — selected Yai unanimously as the 2025 winner.
Anok Yai now joins the ranks of fashion icons such as Bella Hadid, Paloma Elsesser, and Kate Moss — the latter holding the record with three Model of the Year titles. As only the second Black model to ever open a Prada show, following Naomi Campbell, Yai’s ascent has been instrumental in expanding representation for dark-skinned Black women within luxury fashion.
With this latest honor, Yai’s influence transcends modeling itself — cementing her place as a cultural pioneer and a defining symbol of contemporary beauty.
