Anok Yai Crowned 2025 Model of the Year by British Fashion Council

Anok Yai has been named the 2025 Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council (BFC), acknowledging her remarkable global influence and contributions to the fashion industry. The announcement was made ahead of the annual Fashion Awards, set to take place on 1 December 2025, at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London. This year, the BFC deviated from tradition by revealing the winner before the ceremony, highlighting Yai’s significant achievements.

Born to a refugee family in Cairo, Egypt, Anok Yai’s journey began when her family fled genocide in Sudan. They eventually settled in Manchester, United States, where Yai began her modelling career in 2018. She made history as only the second Black model to open a Prada show and the first Sudanese model to achieve this milestone. Reflecting on that pivotal moment, she told Vogue: “It was an honour and I’m proud that I was the one chosen to open, but this is bigger than me. Me opening for one of the top fashion houses is a statement to the world—especially for Black women—that their beauty is something that deserves to be celebrated.”

Throughout 2025, Yai has continued to break barriers in the fashion world. She opened shows for major brands such as Coperni, Ferragamo, and Hugo Boss, while also closing for iconic labels including Fendi, Ralph Lauren, and Vetements. Her portfolio for the year features appearances in shows for Mugler, Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein, and Victoria’s Secret, among others. In addition, she has starred in campaigns for brands like Gap and Mugler’s Alien fragrance, and graced the covers of Vogue France, Perfect, and Allure.

Yai is not only recognized for her modelling prowess but also for her advocacy work. She actively promotes inclusive beauty standards, raises awareness about refugee issues, and highlights the importance of Black representation in the fashion industry. Yai has articulated her desire to “make dark-skinned beauty an everyday thing,” while addressing the racial injustices and microaggressions that persist in society.

In addition to her advocacy, Yai encourages young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields, drawing from her own experiences studying biochemistry in university. She hopes to inspire the next generation to embrace their potential in various disciplines.

As the fashion community anticipates the Fashion Awards, various categories have been announced, although the nominees for Model of the Year have not been disclosed. Other categories include Designer of the Year, British Menswear Designer of the Year, and Vanguard. Yai’s recognition as Model of the Year is a testament to her influence and a celebration of her journey from refugee to a celebrated global fashion icon.