From the moment she was spotted by a photographer while hanging out at Howard University’s homecoming in 2017, supermodel Anok Yai has been one of fashion’s “It” girls. She graced the covers of Elle, Vogue and BAZAAR and walked runways for the likes of YSL, Prada and Victoria’s Secret.
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Now, Yai, who came to the United States with her Sudanese-born parents and five siblings in 2000, is being recognized by the industry she took by storm. She was recently named the 2025 Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council (BFC) for becoming a “cultural icon” who “redefined what it means to be a modern supermodel.”
As we wait for the December awards event to take place at the Royal Albert Hall in London, we’re taking a look at some of our favorite Anok Yai model moments.
Discovered at Howard Homecoming
In 2017, Anok Yai was on her way to becoming a doctor. A student at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, Yai, who came to the United States from Egypt in 2000 with her Sudanese parents, was studying biochemistry. But a random photo taken of her at Howard University’s homecoming went viral and made some modeling agencies take notice.
Walking the Runway for Prada
Not long after she was discovered, Yai was walking the runway for well-known fashion houses. In 2018, she opened the Prada runway show in Milan. Her first fashion show opening was historic. Yai was only the second Black model to open a Prada show, more than 20 years after Naomi Campbell’s debut in 1997. Although she looked fierce, Yai admitted that she was terrified.
“I remember how stiff I was,” she told Harper’s BAZAAR. “I didn’t know which way to go.”
High Fashion Covers
By 2019, Yai’s career had taken off and she was being featured on runways and magazine covers everywhere. She was photographed by Max Papendieck for Elle USA’s January 2019 issue.
Video Vixen
The stunning model was also gaining popularity in the music industry, and was cast in videos for rappers like Lil Yachty, Travis Scott and Offset.
2023 Met Gala
One of Yai’s most memorable Met Gala looks (so far) was in 2023, when she wore a custom Prabal Gurung gown. Although her cocktail dress was beautiful, it wasn’t the easiest to get around in. In an interview with Harper’s BAZAAR, Yai said she had to get help from Columbian singer-rapper Maluma to get into her seat.
2024 Met Gala
In 2024, Yai stunned again on the Met Gala red carpet, wearing a blinged-out bodysuit made of 98,000 Swarovski jewels. As if that wasn’t enough jewelry, she accessorized it with 200 carats of diamonds.
Getting Her Wings
In 2024, Yai walked in her first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. She looked like an absolute angel in her runway debut and showed off a sexy black bodysuit at the after party.
Back to Where it All Began
Never one to forget where she came from, Anok Yai came back to Howard for homecoming in 2024. This time, she really looked like she came straight from the runway, wearing Schiaparelli Spring 2025.
Another Angel
With her first-time jitters behind her, Yai came back to the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2025 looking just as angelic as she did in 2024.
Superfine
Yai did not disappoint at the 2025 Met Gala. She interpreted the “Tailored For You” dress code in the best way, wearing a Thom Browne gown that was inspired by suiting.
YSL
Yai looks beautiful in just about anything, but she blew us away when she showed off a shaved head during the Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2026 show at Paris Fashion Week.
Track Suit Chic
Anok Yai even makes tracksuits look fabulous. She showed up at the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2026 show during Paris Fashion Week in a luxe blue velvet track suit with white heels and a gold Louis Vuitton bag.
Model of the Year
These days, Anok Yai is one of the most recognizable faces in the fashion. And she’ll be getting her flowers from the industry at a British Fashion Council awards ceremony in London in December. Yai says she appreciates the journey and shares the honor with others she has inspired along the way.
“Being named Model of the Year is such an honor. My journey is one of resilience and community. This recognition is for everyone who’s ever seen their story in mine,” she said.
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