Anok Yai

Anok Yai is a fashion model of South Sudanese descent known for her impact on the global fashion industry and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion. Yai was discovered during Howard University's homecoming week when a professional photographer took her picture and posted it on Instagram, leading to significant attention from modeling agencies. At the time, she was a sophomore at Plymouth State University studying biochemistry with aspirations to become a doctor. Next Models signed Yai in New York shortly after her discovery.

Within four months of signing, Yai became the second Black model to open a Prada show after Naomi Campbell and the first South Sudanese model to do so. She has spoken about the significance of this milestone, emphasizing its importance for Black women in fashion and the broader message it sends about beauty standards.

Yai has walked the runways for brands including Versace, Max Mara, Fendi, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton, and has appeared in advertising campaigns for Tiffany & Co., Nike, Hood by Air, and Ambush. She has also served as an Estée Lauder spokesmodel. Her editorial work includes covers and features in Vogue, W Magazine, CR Fashion Book, Harper's Bazaar, i-D, V Magazine, Elle, and Dazed. Yai appeared on the cover of British Vogue alongside an all-Black modeling cast and was featured on the September cover of W Magazine, where she was recognized as a supermodel.

Yai has opened shows for Ferragamo, Coperni, and Hugo Boss, and closed for Ralph Lauren, Fendi, Vetements, and Messika. She has fronted Mugler's "Alien" fragrance campaign, appeared in Gap advertisements, and featured in the revived Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Her editorial presence includes covers for Vogue France, Perfect, and Allure. Yai has received both the Industry's Vote and the Reader's Choice as Model of the Year: Women+ by models.com and was awarded Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council.

In addition to her modeling career, Yai is an advocate for inclusive beauty standards, refugee issues, Black representation, racial injustice, and colorism. She has expressed a commitment to making dark-skinned beauty more visible in the fashion industry and encourages young girls to pursue STEM fields, drawing from her own academic background. As only the second Black model to open a Prada show, Yai's achievements have contributed to greater representation for dark-skinned Black women in luxury fashion, and her influence extends beyond modeling, shaping conversations around modern beauty and cultural representation.