ANOK YAI WINS MODEL OF THE YEAR 2025, FINALLY!

editor MAREK BARTEK

Anok Yai’s rise to fame and modelling reads like a movie scene. While attending Howard University's homecoming in October 2017, she was approached by Steven Hall, who took her picture and posted it on Instagram. The photo went viral and within a month Yai was signed with Next Model Management, landing her first major gig just months later, opening Prada's Fall 2018 show in Milan.

Since then, she’s done over 310 shows. She’s walked on dunes and through fire (literally), from Chanel to Saint Laurent and Alaïa. She’s appeared in over 150 editorials and on 58 magazine covers, not to mention many fashion and beauty campaigns. She’s proven us time and time again that she is, in fact, the It model — it only took fashion industry a while to catch up.

Her win comes as British Fashion Council’s attempt to course-correct after past oversights. Last year, Yai remarked she “didn’t want it anymore.” The comment came after last year’s second nomination, which didn’t end in a win for her, voicing exhaustion and need to protect her well-being. In the same breath though, she also congratulated Alex Consani, who won the award, acknowledging her influence on fashion and modelling industry. And while many looked for drama between the two, they remain close friends, with Consani defending Yai after she’d received backlash for her comments.

“Congratulations, Anok!” And now, without further ado, let’s have a look at some of our Anok Yai’s favourite runway moments.

all images via youtube.com and vogue.com