The British Trend Awards have made an unprecedented transfer this 12 months, saying their 2025 Mannequin of the 12 months weeks earlier than the ceremony itself. The dignity goes to none aside from Sudanese-American supermodel Anok Yai, whose affect continues to redefine fashionable magnificence and style.
“A defining pressure in right now’s style panorama, Anok’s impression transcends the runway—from redefining magnificence requirements to championing artistry and illustration on a world stage. Her affect continues to form tradition and encourage the subsequent era,” the British Trend Council shared in a celebratory Instagram publish.
For Yai, 27, the popularity seems like a full-circle second in a profession that started unexpectedly in 2017. After a candid picture of her glowing at Howard College’s Homecoming went viral, the then-college scholar was quickly found by style scouts—and the remainder is runway historical past.
Since then, Yai has change into probably the most distinctive and sought-after faces within the trade, commanding catwalks and campaigns worldwide. This 12 months alone, she opened reveals for Ferragamo, Coperni, and Hugo Boss, and closed for Ralph Lauren, Fendi, Vetements, and Messikia. Her placing presence additionally graced the runways of Saint Laurent, Mugler, Tom Ford, Calvin Klein, Bottega Veneta, and Chanel underneath Matthieu Blazy’s course.
Off the runway, Yai’s star energy continues to shine. She fronted Mugler’s Alien perfume marketing campaign, modeled for Hole, appeared within the revival of the Victoria’s Secret Trend Present, and landed main covers together with Good, Vogue France, and Attract—the latter alongside final 12 months’s winner, Alex Consani.
Breaking from custom, the British Trend Council opted to not launch a shortlist this 12 months. As a substitute, a closed panel of trade insiders—amongst them BFC CEO Laura Weir, photographer Campbell Addy, and stylist Carlos Nazario—chosen Yai because the outright winner.
Yai now joins the ranks of style legends reminiscent of Bella Hadid, Paloma Elsesser, and Kate Moss, who nonetheless holds the report with three wins. But Yai’s legacy has lengthy been in movement. She was solely the second Black mannequin ever to open a Prada present, after Naomi Campbell, and has since appeared on the duvet of American Vogue thrice. Her rise has been instrumental in increasing the visibility of dark-skinned Black ladies in excessive style, cementing her as not only a mannequin however a motion.
The British Trend Council, a not-for-profit group, continues its mission to strengthen the U.Okay.’s international affect by way of creativity, inclusivity, and accountable enterprise practices.
With this newest accolade, Anok Yai’s reign as a style icon is barely simply starting.
