South Sudanese-American supermodel Anok Yai won Model of the Year by British Fashion Council (BFC) at The Fashion Awards 2025, which took place on 1 December 2025 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England.
During her moving acceptance speech, the 27-year-old supermodel took the opportunity to highlight the ongoing war in Sudan. “But before I get off the stage, I just want to call attention to Sudan. I wish peace for Sudan. There is a massacre happening there. I ask the U.S. government to do right by my people. And to everyone watching, I ask you not to look away. My family is dying, and I don’t know what to do.”
She also addressed colourism in the modelling industry, offering a powerful message to young Black aspiring models. “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. And you are more powerful than you can imagine,” she said.
Yai’s arrived on the blue carpet wearing a custom corseted ivory gown with exquiste lace, velvet and satin detailing by Dilara Findikoglu, who was also honoured with this year’s Vanguard Award.
Yai celebrated the win on social media, writing, “Mama, I think we made it,” alongside a slideshow featuring photos from The 2025 Fashion Awards as well as family pictures.
Presented by Pandora, The Fashion Awards, also known as the British Fashion Awards, is an annual celebration of international industry leaders and their defining work that shaped the year. It unites the global fashion community in London, the home of fashion and creativity, to amplify leaders of change, celebrate excellence and support the next generation of creative talent. The event serves as the main fundraiser for the BFC Foundation, which supports the future growth and success of the British fashion industry through its focus on education, grant-giving, and business mentoring.
Model of the Year is one of the most prestigious awards in the fashion world. Previous recipients include Palestinian-American model Bella Hadid, Naomi Campbell, and fellow South Sudanese model Adut Akech. Last year, the award went to Alex Cosani, who presented it to Yai during the ceremony. Model of the Year is an award that recognises the global impact of a model who over the last 12 months has dominated the industry. With an influence that transcends the catwalk, the Model of The Year has made an outstanding contribution to the industry, garnering numerous editorial and advertising campaigns throughout the year.
Yai was born on 20 December 1997 in Cairo, Egypt to parents who fled the second Sudanese civil war (1983–2005), later moving to the US when she was a child. She grew up in New Hampshire, US. She was studying biochemistry at Plymouth State University, in hopes of becoming a doctor. However, in 2017, a photographer captured her photo at Howard University’s homecoming; the image went viral and launched her modelling career almost overnight.
Within months, Yai made history by becoming the first Sudanese model, and only the second Black woman since Naomi Campbell—to open a Prada runway show in 2018, a moment that propelled her to the top of the fashion world. Since then, she has become one of the most influential figures in modern fashion, walking for major houses such as Prada, Versace, Louis Vuitton, and Mugler, appearing on numerous Vogue covers, and fronting global beauty and fashion campaigns.
For more information or to see the full list of awards, visit fashionawards.com/2025-Winners.
