ANOK YAI CROWNED MODEL OF THE YEAR AT 2025 FASHION AWARDS

Anok Yai has been awarded the coveted Model of the Year title by the British Fashion Council (BFC) ahead of the 2025 Fashion Awards ceremony. The Sudanese-American model was selected by a jury of industry veterans, among them the BFC’s new CEO Laura Weir, stylist Carlos Nazario, casting director Emma Matell and others, for her standout performance across runways and campaigns this past year.

Yai’s recent year includes major milestones: opening or closing shows for houses such as Ferragamo, Coperni and Hugo Boss, starring in global campaigns including for Mugler’s Alien fragrance, and covering magazines such as Vogue France and Allure. In her remarks upon being announced, Yai acknowledged the broader implications of her recognition, not simply as personal achievement but as part of a shift in what modelling looks like on the global stage. “This moment’s been a long time coming,” reads commentary on her win.

The Model of the Year award honours “the global impact of a model who over the last 12 months has dominated the industry,” per the BFC. With Yai as the recipient, the accolade also underscores the increasing prominence of Black models in luxury fashion and the runway’s evolving definitions of influence and excellence.  All eyes now turn to the December 1 ceremony at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where Yai’s achievements will be formally celebrated and the rest of the BFC’s awards will be distributed.