SUMMARY
Anok Yai (born 20 December 1997) is a Sudanese-American fashion model who achieved international prominence after becoming the first Black model since Naomi Campbell in 1997 to open a Prada runway show. Since then, Yai has appeared in a number of fashion campaigns for the luxury brand, as well as a campaign for Nike’s collaboration with Givenchy’s former creative director Riccardo Tisci. Her work spans runway shows, fashion campaigns, and magazine covers.
PROFILE
Anok Yai was born in Cairo, Egypt, to parents of South Sudanese heritage. When she was 3, her family moved to Manchester, New Hampshire, United States. Her mother is a nurse and her father works for Easterseals; her sister Alim is her manager and a financial consultant. Yai graduated from Manchester High School West and attended Plymouth State University studying biochemistry, intending to become a doctor.
Her introduction to modelling came unexpectedly in 2017 when a photographer captured her during Howard University’s homecoming event. The image went viral on social media and attracted the attention of several modeling agencies. Yai signed with Next Model Management and within months was selected to open the Prada Autumn Winter 2018 runway show, a breakthrough that set the stage for a remarkable career.
Yai has walked the runways for Versace, Max Mara, Fendi, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton. She has also appeared in advertisements for Tiffany & Co., Nike, Hood by Air, and Ambush and on the covers and editorials of Vogue, W, Harper’s Bazaar, i-D, Elle, and Garage. In 2018, Yai appeared in a campaign for a S/S Nike, Riccardo Tisci, and Minotaurs collaboration. In July 2018, she became an Estée Lauder spokes model. In December 2018, she was featured in a campaign for Alexander Wang’s “Collection 1” Drop 2.
In 2019, Yai appeared in a short film for the Chanel-Pharrell Collection, alongside Adut Akech and Alton Mason. The following year, Yai modeled for the Versace Resort “Flash 2021” campaign. She appeared in the Alexander McQueen F/W 2020 campaign, photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth and then starred in the Ambush S/S 2021 collection campaign photographed by Ethan James Green. Shortly, Juergen Teller photographed her for a Yves Saint Laurent Winter 2021 advertisement.
In 2022, Yai appeared in two S/S campaigns shot by Steven Meisel for Max Mara and Alexander McQueen. She modeled for Loro Piana in a photoshoot shot by Mario Sorrenti. Yai later reunited with Meisel for a September campaign for Tiffany & Co. Rose Gold Eau de Parfum. In February 2022, she appeared on the cover of British Vogue alongside an all Black modeling cast. One of the first instances Yai was officially recognized as a supermodel was in a September 2022 cover celebrating the 50th anniversary of W.
In 2023, Yai was featured in a Vogue tribute cover to Karl Lagerfeld. During Paris Fashion Week, Yai opened her first Mugler runway show. Following her appearance at the 2023 Met Gala in custom Prabal Gurung, she was ranked one of the “best dressed supermodels” by Vogue Australia. W magazine remarked: “Yai could not be missed in her look”. Yai capped off the year as the models.com Industry and Readers’ vote for “Model of the Year”. Yai began 2024 walking for the Louis Vuitton Men’s F/W show during Paris Fashion Week. Later that year, Yai appeared in the music video for Offset’s “Swing My Way”. And the journey continues…
MILESTONES
Prada Breakthrough and Early Campaigns
Yai’s debut season was marked by her historic role in opening Prada’s 2018 show, a moment that revived memories of Naomi Campbell’s trailblazing appearance two decades earlier. This milestone led to her inclusion in Prada’s Spring/Summer 2018 campaign and early editorial work that highlighted her distinctive look.
Expanding into Global Campaigns
Following the Prada success, Yai became the face of Estée Lauder, broadening her presence beyond the runway and into the beauty industry. She also fronted campaigns for Alexander Wang and Nike, signalling her versatility across both luxury and streetwear brands.
Editorial Presence
Yai rapidly became a favourite for high-end fashion editorials, appearing on covers and in features for international editions of Vogue, W, Dazed, i-D, and Harper’s Bazaar. Her editorial portfolio reflects a global reach, with shoots across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Runway Achievements
She has walked for many of the world’s leading houses, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Versace, Fendi, Hermès, and Mugler. Her ability to embody different designer aesthetics has made her a fixture at the major fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan, and Paris.
Major Brand Collaborations
Yai has featured in campaigns for Alexander McQueen, Max Mara, and Mugler, including high-concept projects shot by celebrated photographers such as Steven Meisel. She has also represented leading fragrance lines, further strengthening her commercial appeal.
Cultural Impact and Red Carpet Moments
Beyond the catwalk, Yai’s appearances at events such as the Met Gala have cemented her status as a cultural figure. Her striking looks and bold fashion choices consistently attract widespread attention from global media.
Recognition as a Modern Supermodel
Industry observers now place Yai among the “New Supers”, recognising her as part of a select group whose influence extends beyond modelling into broader cultural and artistic spheres. This status reflects her consistent work with top designers and her role in shaping contemporary fashion narratives.
VISION
Anok Yai’s vision is centred on expanding representation within the fashion industry. She has spoken about the importance of challenging traditional beauty standards and ensuring that models of all skin tones and backgrounds have equal opportunities. Her career choices often reflect a desire to break boundaries and redefine what high fashion can be. Yai views modelling as a form of artistic expression, treating each runway show and editorial as a chance to tell a story, and she seeks collaborations that allow her to embody dynamic, powerful characters. Anok Yai also aims to inspire young people from underrepresented communities. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to demonstrate that persistence and individuality can open doors.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Anok Yai has received widespread acclaim from the fashion industry. She has been honoured with the Model of the Year title in the Women+ category by industry peers and readers at the annual Models.com awards, reflecting both professional and popular recognition. She is consistently ranked among the world’s top models, with fashion authorities naming her one of the “New Supers”, a designation reserved for figures who exert global influence and remain in demand across seasons and markets. Yai’s red-carpet appearances, editorial features, and pioneering runway moments have earned her informal recognition as a symbol of modern beauty and progress. Her achievements continue to inspire both audiences and emerging talent across the fashion world.
REFERENCES
- “Next / Anok Yai”. www.nextmanagement.com.
- “Anok Yai – Model”. models.com.
- “At Prada, Supermodels, Virtual Models, and a History-Making Moment”. Vogue.
- “A Black Model Opened The Prada Show For The First Time Since 1997”. Harper’s Bazaar.
- “New Supers”. models.com.
- “Models.com Model of the Year Awards 2023”. models.com.
- “What You Need To Know About Prada’s New Collection”. British Vogue.
- “A photographer unexpectedly snapped her picture at homecoming. Then, modeling agencies called”. The Washington Post.
- “Plymouth State student a model of internet fame after Instagram post – New Hampshire”. newhampshire.com.
- “Modeling agencies reach out to woman featured in viral photos”. cbsnews.com.
- “New Hampshire college student signs with modeling agency after viral Instagram photo”. boston.com.
- “This 19-Year-Old College Student Signs Major Modeling Contract After Her Photo From Howard Homecoming Goes Viral”. Essence.
- “Secrets of the Supermodel Trade”. Business of Fashion.
- “This South Sudanese college student is now a top model at Prada, thanks to the internet”. yahoo.com.
- “8 Models to Watch This Season”. The New York Times.
- “”This Is Bigger Than Me” – Anok Yai On Being The First Black Model To Open Prada In 20 Years”. British Vogue.
- “Anok Yai – Model”. MODELS.com.
- “Anok Yai – Gallery with 100 editorials – Fashion Model | Models | The FMD | Page 9”. FashionModelDirectory.com.
- “Riccardo Tisci x Nike’s Victorious Minotaurs Return in Newest Collection”. Hypebeast.
- “Anok Yai On Making Fashion and Beauty History”. CR Fashion Book.
- “Alexander Wang’s Drop 2 of “COLLECTION 1″ Just Dropped”. Hypebae.
- “An Exclusive Look At The Making Of The Chanel-Pharrell Capsule Collection”. British Vogue.
- “Vibrant Versace Flash 2021 Campaign Honors BLM”. Anne of Carversville.
- “Alexander McQueen Fall 2020 Campaign”. www.fashiongonerogue.com.
- “Inside the Comfort Zone: AMBUSH Spring Summer 2021 Collection”. DSCENE.
- “HOOD BY AIR “GENESIS””. Philip-Daniel Ducasse.
- “Hood By Air “02 PROLOGUE” Campaign”. models.com. June 2021.
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