Anok Yai is redefining what it means to be a modern supermodel. Born in South Sudan and discovered by chance through a viral Instagram photo, Yai has quickly ascended the ranks of the fashion elite. From making history at Prada to walking for luxury brands like Chanel and Dior, she’s more than just a pretty face—she’s a trailblazer. By following in the footsteps of icons like Naomi Campbell, Yai is breaking barriers and pushing for greater diversity on the runway. Her rise is a testament to her talent, dedication, and drive to create something truly new in fashion.
The Viral Moment That Changed Everything
In 2017, while a 19-year-old student studying biochemistry at Plymouth State University, Yai attended Howard University’s homecoming event. Little did she know that this day would change her life forever. A photographer snapped a picture of her in denim cutoffs and a sheer turtleneck, which quickly went viral after being posted on Instagram. “When I first saw the number of notifications, I thought I had become a meme,” Yai recalls. But instead of ridicule, she was met with admiration. Within 24 hours, Yai gained over 30,000 Instagram followers, and modeling agencies scrambled to sign her.
Soon after, Next Models flew her to New York, signing her the same day. Yai’s natural beauty and magnetic presence on camera propelled her into the spotlight. Just a year later, in 2018, she made history by becoming the first Black model since Naomi Campbell to open a Prada show—a landmark moment in her career.
From South Sudan to the Global Stage
Anok Yai’s journey began long before her rise to fame. Born in South Sudan, Yai immigrated to the United States with her family as a young child. Growing up in New Hampshire, Yai stood out not only because of her striking appearance but also due to her ambition. “I always wanted to get into fashion but couldn’t afford to go to New York,” she says. Despite being scouted multiple times in her teenage years, Yai focused on her education, pursuing a degree in biochemistry with the hope of becoming a doctor.
However, after being signed by Next Models, she put her studies on hold to follow her newfound passion. Yai quickly realized that modeling required more than just striking poses. Determined to master the industry, she delved into self-education, researching fashion, finances, and marketing while also taking online business courses. Her dedication to understanding every aspect of her career set her apart as a model who is not only the face of campaigns but also an active participant in shaping her career trajectory.
A Historic Moment in Fashion
In 2018, Anok Yai made fashion history by becoming the first Black model to open a Prada show since Naomi Campbell in 1997. This was a significant moment not just for Yai, but for the entire fashion industry. Naomi Campbell, one of the first Black supermodels to achieve global success, broke barriers throughout her career. She shattered racial boundaries in an industry that, for decades, favored a narrow standard of beauty. Campbell’s impact was revolutionary—she opened doors for generations of Black models and proved that beauty transcends race.
Naomi Campbell’s runway presence was iconic. She was known for her fierce walk and commanding presence, gracing the catwalks of major fashion houses like Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, and of course, Prada. When Campbell opened Prada’s show in 1997, it was a groundbreaking moment, signaling that Black women had a place in high fashion, a space that often excluded them.
More than 20 years later, Anok Yai carried that torch forward. In 2018, when Yai took to the Prada runway, her presence marked another chapter in the ongoing evolution of diversity in fashion. Her achievement was a reminder of how far the industry has come and how much further it still needs to go. Opening a Prada show is one of the most coveted moments for any model, and for Yai to be the first Black woman to do so since Campbell highlights the slow but meaningful strides toward inclusivity.
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Anok Yai on the Prada Runway
At the Prada show, Yai stunned in a dark, minimalist ensemble, embodying the sleek, sophisticated aesthetic the brand is known for. Her look was bold, yet understated—her outfit featured an oversized black coat with sharp tailoring, paired with a sleek skirt that gave her a statuesque silhouette. Her makeup was kept natural, allowing her flawless skin to shine. What stood out most was her confidence. Yai’s presence on the runway commanded attention, proving that she wasn’t just a part of the show—she was the show.
This Prada moment was a turning point for Yai, solidifying her place among the fashion elite. Since then, she has walked in countless shows for prestigious brands like Chanel, Dior, Fendi, and Valentino. Her elegant features and striking beauty have made her a favorite of designers and photographers alike. Yai’s high cheekbones, almond-shaped eyes, and deep brown skin set her apart, allowing her to be a chameleon in front of the camera. She can embody the regal, high-fashion aesthetic of a Chanel runway one day and transform into a bold, avant-garde muse for designers like Rick Owens the next.
But beyond her physical beauty, it’s Yai’s confidence and sense of purpose that make her so influential. Like Naomi Campbell before her, Yai is committed to pushing boundaries and opening doors for future generations of models of color. She recognizes that her success isn’t just about her—it’s about making sure that Black women, and models from all backgrounds, have a place in high fashion. “I want to do something different from anything anyone has ever seen,” she said, echoing the trailblazing spirit that Campbell embodied throughout her career.
Yai’s Prada debut wasn’t just a moment of personal triumph—it was a reflection of the changing tides in fashion. Her rise, like Campbell’s before her, is a testament to the resilience, talent, and sheer determination of Black women in an industry that has historically marginalized them. By carrying the torch Naomi Campbell lit over two decades ago, Anok Yai is ensuring that fashion continues to evolve in the direction of true diversity and representation.
Expanding Her Creative Talents
Yai’s artistic talents go beyond modeling. She is a visual artist, primarily working with oils. Recently, she has experimented with different media, including fire. Her dedication to creativity shows in everything she does.
Yai also enjoys more unusual hobbies. During the pandemic, she took up knife fighting as a way to stay active. Now, she trains under a sifu who choreographs fight scenes in movies.
Her bold spirit even led to an appearance in Lil Yachty’s music video for “Split/Whole Time.” Yai’s unique look and energy caught the attention of the music world too.
What’s Next for Anok Yai?
Yai’s future in fashion looks incredibly bright. She’s not just focused on her career but on creating something completely new. “I want to do something different from anything anyone has ever seen,” she says.
Anok Yai is much more than a pretty face. She’s a powerful figure in fashion, pushing boundaries and paving her own way. From her viral discovery to starring in a Lil Yachty video, Yai continues to redefine what it means to be a model.
