Anok Yai, a well-known supermodel, shared her frustrations after losing the “Model of the Year” title at the 2024 British Fashion Awards. The award went to Alex Consani, who made history as the first transgender model to win the honor. After the event, Anok asked not to be nominated for future awards.
Anok was born in Egypt and raised in New Hampshire. She had been nominated for this prestigious title before, but lost the award for the second year in a row. The other nominees included models like Alva Claire, Amelia Gray, and Liu Wen. After her loss, Anok posted an image on social media that hinted at her feeling overlooked by the British Fashion Council. Some fans speculated that it was a reference to Kanye West’s famous interruption of Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV VMAs.
The supermodel later posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Alex [Consani], I love you and I’m proud of you. British Fashion Council, thank you but I don’t want it anymore.” This comment sparked mixed reactions. While some supported Anok, others felt she was being unfair to Alex.
Anok’s frustration seemed to highlight the struggles Black and brown models face in the fashion world. Teen Vogue’s Aiynaha Ishmael wrote that Anok’s frustration wasn’t an attack on Alex’s win but a critique of the fashion industry’s systemic biases. Many fans supported Anok, emphasizing that her comments had nothing to do with Alex’s victory.
Despite her frustration, Anok acknowledged Alex’s achievement, writing: “I’m proud of you, Alex.” She also pointed out her own impact in the fashion world, having walked for major brands like Versace, Fendi, and Louis Vuitton.
Meanwhile, Alex Consani’s win was celebrated for promoting transgender visibility in the industry. In her acceptance speech, she thanked the Black transgender women who paved the way for her. Alex’s message called for unity and progress in the fashion world.
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