Imagine turning heads on the red carpet while celebrating a hard-earned victory that speaks volumes about resilience and breaking barriers—that's exactly what supermodel Anok Yai did when she clinched the Model of the Year title at the 2025 Fashion Awards. But here's where it gets intriguing: her win wasn't just about glam; it stirred up conversations about competition, friendship, and the evolving face of the fashion world. Let's dive into the details and uncover the stories behind the spotlight.
Need to Know
- Anok Yai took home the Model of the Year honor during the 2025 Fashion Awards held in London.
- She dazzled in a striking white and ivory satin gown designed like a corset, complete with intricate details.
- In 2024, Yai missed out on the same award, which went to Alex Consani instead, fueling whispers of rivalry—though both have firmly dismissed those claims.
At 27 years old, Anok Yai has officially etched her name into fashion history as the Model of the Year. On December 1, she stepped onto the stage at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall for the 2025 Fashion Awards, an event organized by the British Fashion Council in partnership with Pandora. This prestigious ceremony shines a light on models who've made significant waves in the industry over the previous year, recognizing their influence on global trends and culture.
Yai expressed deep gratitude for the accolade in the official press release. 'Receiving the Model of the Year title fills me with immense pride,' she shared. 'My path—from Egypt to South Sudan and eventually to the United States—has been defined by perseverance and the strength of community. This honor belongs to all those who've found inspiration in my experiences. I'm thankful for how we're being celebrated together.' Her words highlight the award's role in validating diverse journeys, especially for those who've overcome obstacles to rise in a competitive field.
On the red carpet, Yai turned heads in a custom creation by designer Dilara Findikoglu: a corset-inspired dress crafted from white and ivory satin. Picture a fitted bodice that cinched her waist elegantly, flowing into a mermaid-shaped skirt with soft draping and a dramatic ruffled train that trailed behind her. She accessorized with dangling earrings and a chic blunt bob haircut featuring bangs, adding a modern edge to her ensemble. For beginners in fashion, think of a corset as a structured garment that shapes the torso, often seen in historical attire but reimagined here for contemporary glamour—it's all about that empowering silhouette that says confidence.
But let's rewind to last year, because that's where the drama unfolded. At the 2024 Fashion Awards, Yai was edged out for Model of the Year by Alex Consani, who made history as the first transgender model to claim the prize. This outcome ignited online chatter about potential animosity between the two stars. And this is the part most people miss: despite the buzz, Yai and Consani have consistently shut down those feud rumors with heartfelt declarations of mutual respect.
Right after the 2024 ceremony, Yai hopped on X (formerly Twitter) to offer her congratulations and a candid message to the British Fashion Council. 'Alex, you're amazing, and I'm bursting with pride for you. To the British Fashion Council, I'm grateful, but honestly, I'm not chasing this anymore,' she posted. In a follow-up, she elaborated: 'If you've witnessed the dedication Alex has poured in, you'd get why I'm so elated for her. She deserves every bit of this praise. That said, I can be thrilled for her while feeling worn out myself. Our bond remains strong, filled with genuine affection.'
This year's nominees included talented models like Alva Claire, Amelia Gray, Liu Wen, and Mona Tougaard, alongside Yai and Consani. Yai had been in contention before, nominated in 2023 when Paloma Elsesser emerged victorious. These awards aren't just trophies; they reflect broader shifts in fashion, promoting inclusivity and acknowledging models from varied backgrounds who've challenged stereotypes.
To truly grasp Yai's journey, peek into her revealing chat for Elle's August 2024 Future of Fashion issue. She spoke openly about the racial prejudice she endured growing up as a dark-skinned girl in New Hampshire. 'I dealt with a ton of racism,' she revealed. 'Many classmates teased me relentlessly about my skin tone.' She continued, 'I often felt like the outsider, sitting alone without a tight-knit circle of friends. I was more like a wanderer, observing from afar.' Yet, her drive pushed her forward. 'That sense of being different made me embrace my uniqueness,' she explained. 'Deep down, I always believed I was destined for greater adventures beyond my small-town roots.' This backstory adds layers to her success—it's a reminder for newcomers to fashion that perseverance can turn isolation into inspiration, much like how trailblazers like Yai pave the way for others facing similar hurdles.
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Fast-forward to a joint feature in Allure on September 23, where Yai and Consani, now 22, chatted intimately about their camaraderie, dispelling those pesky rivalry myths. 'Interestingly, this whole experience has only deepened our connection,' Yai noted when discussing the unfounded tension. She went on, 'As I navigate the fashion scene more, I cherish real human connections over the industry's hype. It's such a stark contrast to the wild fantasies people spin online about these supposedly dull lives. Why not shine a light on the women who've hustled, shared their authentic narratives, and carried meaningful messages?'
Yai emphasized their tight-knit friendship, expressing shock at the social media frenzy suggesting discord. 'That evening at the 2024 awards, we were actually toasting her win with the trophy in hand,' she reminisced. 'Then, stepping out meant a flood of notifications—it was a total surprise.' She affirmed her support for Consani's groundbreaking achievement. 'Alex has pioneered uncharted territory in this industry,' she added. 'Being the inaugural trans model to receive this level of recognition? She absolutely merits it all. What frustrated me was the backlash she faced simply for being trans.'
Consani, in turn, voiced her distress over the discrimination directed at Yai post-awards. 'It's disheartening to witness the scarcity of dark-skinned models at her level of prominence and the ongoing mistreatment in fashion, particularly aimed at women of color,' she shared during the interview. 'We should uplift these trailblazers, especially those who've been overlooked or wronged,' she urged. 'The real focus ought to be on fostering solidarity, not fabricating conflicts that don't exist.'
Now, here's where it gets controversial: In an industry often criticized for its lack of diversity and favoritism, does Yai's gracious response to losing last year—and her exhaustion with the process—point to a bigger issue? Some might argue that these awards, while celebratory, sometimes overshadow the systemic challenges like racism and transphobia that models face daily. Others could contend that such public displays of unity, like Yai and Consani's, are exactly what's needed to shift the narrative toward support and authenticity. What do you think—should fashion prioritize these personal stories over glamour, or is there room for both? Does highlighting 'firsts' like Consani's win truly advance inclusion, or does it risk tokenizing individuals? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own take on how the industry can evolve!
For the full scoop, check out the original piece on PEOPLE.
