Anok Yai named Model of the Year 2025, cementing her legacy as a global fashion icon

The British Fashion Awards have announced their 2025 Model of the Year weeks before the actual ceremony – and the honor goes to Sudanese-American supermodel Anok Yai, whose meteoric rise continues to reshape the global fashion landscape.

“Anok is a defining force in today’s fashion landscape, transcending the catwalk – from redefining beauty standards to championing artistry and representation on a global stage,” the British Fashion Council (BFC) said in a statement on Instagram. “Her influence continues to shape culture and inspire the next generation.”

For Yai, 27, the recognition marks a full-circle moment in a journey that began by chance. In 2017, while attending Howard University’s Homecoming, a candid photo of her glowing in the crowd went viral, catapulting the then-college student into the world of high fashion. That viral moment led to modeling contracts and a series of opportunities that transformed her into one of the most recognizable faces in the industry.

Since then, Yai has dominated catwalks and campaigns around the world. If reported Through DazedThis year alone she opened shows for Ferragamo, Coperni and Hugo Boss, and closed for Ralph Lauren, Fendi, Vetements and Messika. Under the leadership of Matthieu Blazy, her presence was equally impressive at Saint Laurent, Mugler, Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein and Chanel.

Besides the catwalk, Yai continues to shape modern fashion images. She helmed Mugler’s Alien fragrance campaign, appeared in Gap’s latest ads and was featured in the revived Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Her editorial presence was equally powerful, with recent covers for French Vogue, PerfectAnd To tempt — the latter shared with last year’s winner, Alex Consani.

Contrary to tradition, the BFC has not published a shortlist this year. Instead, a private panel of industry insiders – including BFC CEO Laura Weir, photographer Campbell Addy and stylist Carlos Nazario – unanimously chose Yai as the winner.

Yai now joins fashion legends like Bella Hadid, Paloma Elsesser and Kate Moss, who holds the record with three wins. As the only Black model to ever open a Prada show after Naomi Campbell, Yai’s success has been crucial in broadening the representation of dark-skinned Black women in luxury fashion.

With her latest award, Yai’s influence extends far beyond modeling, cementing her status as a cultural pioneer and symbol of modern beauty.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Stunning’: British Vogue highlights 9 dark-skinned African models for its February issue