The fashion world has spoken, and the answer is clear: Anok Yai is the Model of the Year 2025.
In an exciting announcement ahead of The Fashion Awards 2025 presented by Pandora, the British Fashion Council revealed that the Sudanese-American supermodel will receive the prestigious accolade on December 1st at the Royal Albert Hall in London. This well-deserved honor recognizes the model’s unparalleled global impact, her consistent dominance on the industry’s biggest stages, and her influence that extends far beyond the catwalk.
The Year of Yai
Anok Yai’s 2025 has been nothing short of breathtaking. Her year was defined by high-profile campaigns, historic runway moments, and magazine covers that cemented her status as one of the generation’s true “New Supers.”
- Runway Royalty: She was the undisputed star of the SS26 fashion month, opening for powerhouse brands like Ferragamo, Coperni, and Hugo Boss, while also closing major shows for Ralph Lauren, Fendi, Vetements, and Messikia.
- The Face of Luxury: Anok fronted campaigns for the world’s most coveted fashion houses, including Versace, Alaïa, and Saint Laurent, and continued her role as the stunning face of Mugler’s Alien Hypersense fragrance.
- Cultural Force: Beyond high fashion, Yai continues to break ground and challenge industry norms. Her captivating presence and versatile look have made her a cultural touchstone. As she shared in a statement following the announcement: “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.”
A Victory of Resilience and Representation
Anok Yai’s story—discovered through a viral photo at a college homecoming—is already the stuff of legend. Her rise has been marked by a powerful commitment to using her platform for representation, famously becoming the second Black model after Naomi Campbell to open a Prada show early in her career. Her 2025 Model of the Year win is a resounding celebration of her artistry, her trailblazing spirit, and the necessary evolution toward a more inclusive and global definition of beauty in the industry.
The Model of the Year award celebrates a career-defining moment, acknowledging the individual who has significantly shaped the fashion landscape over the past twelve months. For Anok Yai, who has tirelessly worked to make her mark, this victory feels like a culmination of an extraordinary career built on talent, grace, and an unwavering global influence.
