Anok Yai is a name that has become synonymous the power of representation in the fashion industry. From her humble beginnings as a refugee, the South Sudanese–American supermodel has become one of the most in-demand faces in the fashion industry. Anok Yai’s story is an inspiring one, marked by a series of pivotal decisions that have shaped her modelling career and led her to global prominence.
Anok Yai’s meteoric rise began with a single viral photograph that thrust her into the global spotlight, and since then, she has not only become a standout figure on the runway but also an emblem of the fashion industry’s evolving standards—standards that are increasingly inclusive, diverse, and reflective of the world’s true beauty.
Today, the leggy model graces the runways of the world’s top fashion houses and has appeared on the covers of prestigious magazines. Anok Yai’s journey is one worth telling, and ahead, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this extraordinary model.
Model Anok Yai’s Background
Anok Yai was born on December 20, 1997, in Cairo, Egypt, to South Sudanese parents. Her family had fled the civil war in Sudan, seeking refuge in Egypt before eventually resettling in Manchester, New Hampshire, in the United States.
Growing up as an immigrant in a predominantly white community, Yai often felt the pressures of fitting in while maintaining her cultural identity. She was the second of five children, raised in a close-knit family that emphasized the importance of education and hard work.
Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and environment, Yai excelled in her studies. She attended Manchester High School West, where she was known for her academic diligence and quiet determination. From a young age, she harbored aspirations of pursuing a career in medicine, driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the world.
After graduating from high school, Anok Yai enrolled at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, where she majored in biochemistry. Her goal was to become a doctor, a path that she believed would allow her to contribute to society meaningfully. However, even as she focused on her rigorous coursework, Yai couldn’t ignore her growing interest in fashion and beauty—a passion that had always been a part of her but had taken a backseat to her academic pursuits.
Photo Credit: Getty Images The Viral Moment That Changed Everything for Model Anok Yai
In October 2017, Anok Yai attended Howard University’s Homecoming, a major event that draws Black college students and alumni from across the country. A photographer named Stephen Hall captured her in denim cutoffs and a sheer turtleneck, the detritus of a college bacchanal strewn across the grass behind her. Captivated by her striking features and natural beauty, Hall snapped a few photos of her and later shared one of them on Instagram.
The photo quickly went viral, amassing thousands of likes and shares within hours. Yai’s unique look—defined by her deep, rich skin tone, high cheekbones, and piercing eyes—caught the attention of several modelling agencies. Overnight, Anok Yai became an internet sensation, with people from all over the world admiring her beauty and wondering who she was. The sudden attention was overwhelming, but it also opened doors that Yai had never imagined possible.
Within 24 hours, Yai gained upwards of 30,000 followers on social media. Then the agencies came calling: Next Models flew her out to New York and signed her that same day.
Model Anok Yai’s Career Highlights and Achievements
When Anok Yai transitioned to being a full-time professional model in 2017, she had to abandon her pursuit of a biochemistry degree, which was not well received by her parents. However, her deep passion for fashion and dedication to her career have led to a successful modelling journey filled with enriching experiences for both herself and her management, ultimately earning her parents’ pride.
Initially, Yai attempted to balance her studies with modelling, but it proved unfeasible. Instead, she chose to educate herself about the fashion industry, dedicating her time to researching various aspects, including finances and marketing, and completing online courses in business and economics. Despite being new to the field, she was determined to be well-informed and knowledgeable in fashion industry settings.
Photo Credit: Getty Images Anok Yai made her runway debut in February 2018 at the Fall/Winter Prada show in Milan, marking a historic moment as the first Sudanese model and only the second Black model ever to open a Prada show, since the legendary Naomi Campbell in 1997.
Her performance was widely celebrated, and her career rapidly took off. Since her Prada debut, Yai has become a prominent figure on the runways of the world’s leading fashion houses, including Dior, Chanel, Versace, Saint Laurent, Fendi, and Valentino. Her runway presence is distinguished by an effortless grace and commanding demeanor that sets her apart from her peers.
Along with her runway success, Anok Yai has appeared on the covers of top fashion magazines like Vogue (American, British, Italian, and French), Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Numéro. Her versatility in editorial work—whether showcasing high fashion or minimalist styles—has made her a favorite among photographers and designers.
Yai has also starred in campaigns for major brands such as Estée Lauder, Tiffany & Co., and Marc Jacobs, reinforcing her status as a leading model. In 2021, she was recognized as one of the “Top 50” models by Models.com, spotlighting her massive influence in the fashion industry.
Model Anok Yai’s Personal Style and Interests
The 26 year old supermodel has always been wild with her dress sense. In fact, as a teenager, Anok Yai embraced a bold and eclectic sense of style with colorful hair and her weekly themed outfits. As an adult, thriving in her chosen path as a model, Yai tackles new projects with intense focus, giving her all to everything she does, whether it’s work or personal hobbies.
As per her interview with Elle in February 2024, Anok Yai said she draws inspiration for her personal style and beauty from dark and edgy elements. She has a deep appreciation for the flapper era of the 1920s and 1930s, which heavily influences her aesthetic. Her style is also shaped by icons like Nina Simone and Bette Davis, along with the costumes featured in films from the 1960s and 1970s. Anok is especially enamored with the gowns from the said period, appreciating their use of deep, rich fabrics combined with shimmering silvers and diamonds, which she finds exceptionally stunning.
Photo Credit: Getty Images After her standout appearance at the 2023 Met Gala in a custom Prabal Gurung gown, Anok Yai was celebrated as one of Vogue Australia’s “best dressed supermodels.” W Magazine also highlighted her striking presence, noting, “Yai could not be missed in her look.”
The show-stopping ensemble featured a strapless mini dress adorned with hand-embroidered oxidized gold and silver dégradé sequin paillettes, complemented by long bugle bead fringes cascading from a structured pannier-style skirt that flared elegantly at the hips and enhanced by a sheer tulle mermaid skirt with a dramatic train, perfectly accentuating her figure.
With a determination that has made her comfortable with standing out from her peers, Anok Yai always believed she was destined for more than her small hometown in southern Sudan.
Her journey has been marked by milestone after milestone, and there’s clearly no stopping the dark-skinned, melanin-rich model. She already began 2024 by walking in the Louis Vuitton Men’s F/W show at Paris Fashion Week and also featured as a video vixen in Travis Scott’s music video for “I KNOW?” In February, she became the face of Alien Hypersense, a new fragrance by Mugler.
Anok Yai had, in the past, believed that beauty was something external, defined by what one wore or applied to their skin. However, she now understands that beauty is the essence of one’s being and spirit. It is something that radiates from within, and ultimately, she’s been able to practicalize that on the fashion runways.
