The British Fashion Council had us on a chokehold this year with the annual Fashion Awards’ “Model Of The Year” honor, and thank God it went to Anok Yai. Announcing the winner of a category ahead of the ceremony, alongside the rest of the nominees, is a never been done before situation, but honestly, it couldn’t have gone to anyone more deserving, the perfect nod to her impact in fashion.
One of the most highlighted nights on the fashion calendar is set to take place on December 1 at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The Fashion Awards double as the BFC Foundation’s key fundraiser, fueling the next wave of talent and keeping the industry moving forward. This year, the “Model of the Year” honor goes to a model who’s ruled the fashion scene over the past 12 months, chosen by industry pros Laura Weir, Campbell Addy, Rosie Vogel, and Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou, almost a month before the actual ceremony.
Vetements’ Runaway bride, Mugler’s flowing closing, Victoria’s Secret’s bombshell walk, red carpets’ favorite guest, every magazine’s face, Anok Yai’s name is all over the industry. This year alone, she opened for Ferragamo, Coperni, Hugo Boss, closed for Fendi, Vetements, Ralph Lauren, walked for countless others including Vogue World, Maison Alaia, Saint Laurent, Mugler, Tom Ford, Bottega Veneta, Chanel, and Victoria’s Secret. She was the cover of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Perfect Magazine, while gracing the Met Gala, the Oscars and many more. “Being named Model of the Year is such an honor. My journey – from Egypt to South Sudan to the U.S. – is one of resilience and community. This recognition is for everyone who’s ever seen their story in mine”.
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She walks in, the industry stops, she walks out, everyone talks. This title isn’t just about recognition, it’s about representation and resilience. Let’s take this as a reminder that change and authenticity don’t live backstage, they can walk down a runway.
Nominees
DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
- Glenn Martens for Diesel and Maison Margiela
- Jonathan Anderson for DIOR and JW Anderson
- Miuccia Prada for Miu Miu
- Rick Owens for Rick Owens
- Willy Chavarria for Willy Chavarria
- Martine Rose for Martine Rose
BRITISH WOMENSWEAR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
- Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena for Chopova Lowena
- Erdem Moralıoğlu for ERDEM
- Charlotte Knowles and Alexandre Arsenault for KNWLS
- Simone Rocha for Simone Rocha
- Sarah Burton for Givenchy
BRITISH MENSWEAR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
- Kiko Kostadinov for KIKO KOSTADINOV
- Grace Wales Bonner for Wales Bonner
- Craig Green for Craig Green
- Foday Dumbuya for LABRUM London
- Nicholas Daley for Nicholas Daley
- Stefan Cooke and Jake Burt for STEFAN COOKE
VANGUARD
- Aaron Esh for AARON ESH
- Dilara Fındıkoğlu for Dilara Fındıkoğlu
- Feben for FEBEN
- Steve O Smith for Steve O Smith
- Tolu Coker for TOLU COKER
- Torishéju Dumi for TORISHÉJU
