The South Sudanese-American supermodel Anok Yai has finally clinched the industry’s highest honour, securing the Model of the Year title at The Fashion Awards 2025.
The prestigious ceremony, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London, was a night of triumph and powerful speeches.
The win is particularly significant for the 27-year-old. She had been nominated for the same award in both 2023 and 2024, missing out to Paloma Elsesser and Alex Consani, respectively.
Her 2025 triumph affirms her dominance across major runway shows and global campaigns over the past year.
Yai accepted her award in a spectacular custom ivory satin corset gown by Turkish-British designer Dilara Findikoglu, who also took home the Vanguard Award later that night.
The dress featured a dramatic mermaid silhouette, a draped skirt, and a ruffled train, completed by a sharp, blunt bob hairstyle.
In her acceptance speech, Yai delivered a potent, emotional message aimed directly at the next generation of Black talent:
“To all my little Black girls who are watching me right now, your colour is not a curse. You are not a trend, you are not unfortunate. You are worthy, you are capable.”
She also spoke movingly about her personal history:
“My journey, from Egypt to South Sudan to the US, is one of resilience and community. This recognition is for everyone who has ever seen their story in mine.”
Yai’s path to the pinnacle of fashion is one of the industry’s most compelling accidental success stories. Born in Cairo, she moved to the United States as a child with her South Sudanese parents, who were fleeing civil conflict.
Her career launched unexpectedly in October 2017 while she was studying biochemistry at Plymouth State University.
A photographer snapped her picture at a homecoming event at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
The image immediately went viral, capturing the attention of major modelling agencies.
Within weeks, Yai signed a contract and put her biochemistry studies on hold to pursue fashion full-time. Less than a year later, she made history by becoming only the second Black model ever to open a Prada show.
A feat first achieved by Naomi Campbell in 1997. She has since featured on numerous international Vogue covers and fronted campaigns for luxury houses like Estée Lauder and Tom Ford.
While Yai took the top modelling prize, the event also recognised significant shifts in creative leadership across major European fashion houses.
Designer of the Year: Jonathan Anderson won this category for the third consecutive year. The award recognised his dual roles at his own label, JW Anderson, and his new position at Dior.
Vanguard Award: Dilara Findikoglu received the award for her impact as an emerging designer.
British Womenswear Designer of the Year: Sarah Burton was honoured for her work at Givenchy, marking a successful start to her tenure at the French house.
British Menswear Designer of the Year: Grace Wales Bonner (Wales Bonner) retained her status as a leading force in menswear.
Cultural Innovator Award: Musician and artist Little Simz was celebrated for her influence across fashion and culture.
The British Fashion Council organises the annual event to raise funds for the BFC Foundation, which supports the future growth of the British fashion industry through education, grant-giving, and business mentoring.
