Anok Yai
{{Short description|Sudanese-American fashion model}}
{{use mdy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2018}}
{{Infobox model
| name = Anok Yai
| image =
| image_size =
| caption = Yai in about 2022
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1997|12|20}}
| birth_place = Cairo, Egypt
| nationality = {{Plainlist|
- American
- South Sudanese}}
| years_active = 2017{{ndash}}present
| education = {{Plainlist|*Plymouth State University
}}
| occupation = Model
| spouse =
| hair_color = Brown
| eye_color = Brown
| agency = {{Plainlist|
- No smoking (New York)
- SAFE Management (Paris){{cite web|url=https://models.com/models/anok-yai|title=Anok Yai - Model|website=models.com}} }}
}}
Anok Yai ({{IPAc-en|ə|'|n|ɒ|k}} {{respell|ə|NOK}}; born December 20, 1997) is South Sudanese-American fashion model. She is the second Black supermodel after Naomi Campbell to open a Prada show.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vogue.com/article/prada-fall-2018-model-cast-supermodels-anok-yai|title=At Prada, Supermodels, Virtual Models, and a History-Making Moment|magazine=Vogue|date=February 22, 2018|last=Okwodu|first=Janelle|publisher=Condé Nast}}{{cite news|url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/models/a18696458/anok-yai-black-model-prada-show/|author=Lauren Alexis Fisher|date=February 23, 2018|title=A Black Model Opened The Prada Show For The First Time Since 1997|work=Harper's Bazaar}} She has made several appearances on i-D and international Vogue covers, including American Vogue three times. Models.com ranks her as one of the "New Supers" of this generation,{{cite web|url=https://models.com/rankings/ui/NewSupers/28645#28645|title=New Supers|website=models.com}} and in 2023, she was chosen by both the industry and fans as "Model of the Year".{{cite web|url=https://models.com/mdx/model-of-the-year-awards-2023/|title=Models.com Model of the Year Awards 2023|date=December 18, 2023|website=models.com}}
Early life
Yai was born in Cairo, Egypt, after her family fled genocide in Sudan. She comes from a Christian family. {{Cite web|last=Singer|first=Olivia|url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/what-you-need-to-know-about-pradas-new-collection|title=What You Need To Know About Prada's New Collection|website=British Vogue|date=January 15, 2018|access-date=March 25, 2024}} When she was 3, her family moved to Manchester, New Hampshire, United States.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2017/10/31/a-photographer-unexpectedly-snapped-her-picture-at-homecoming-then-modeling-agencies-called/|title=A photographer unexpectedly snapped her picture at homecoming. Then, modeling agencies called.|first=Cleve R.|last=Wootson Jr.|date=31 October 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post}} Her mother is a nurse and her father works for Easterseals; her sister Alim is her manager and a financial consultant.{{cite web|url=http://www.newhampshire.com/nh-people/plymouth-state-student-a-model-of-internet-fame-after-instagram-post-20171025|title=Plymouth State student a model of internet fame after Instagram post - New Hampshire|website=newhampshire.com|last=Hayward|first=Mark|access-date=2018-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143820/http://www.newhampshire.com/nh-people/plymouth-state-student-a-model-of-internet-fame-after-instagram-post-20171025|archive-date=2018-06-12|url-status=dead}} Yai graduated from Manchester High School West and attended Plymouth State University studying biochemistry, intending to become a doctor.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/anok-yai-viral-photos-modeling-agencies-plymouth-new-hampshire/|title=Modeling agencies reach out to woman featured in viral photos|website=cbsnews.com|date=October 30, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2017/11/11/new-hampshire-college-student-signs-with-modeling-agency-after-viral-instagram-photo|title=New Hampshire college student signs with modeling agency after viral Instagram photo|date=November 11, 2017|last=Heyward|first=Jasmine|website=boston.com}}
Career
=2017–2021: Discovery and career beginnings=
Yai was discovered in October 2017 during Howard University's homecoming week by a professional photographer, Steve 'theSUNK' Hall, who asked to take her picture. He posted the photo on Instagram, accruing over 20,000 likes, and modeling agencies, including IMG Models, asked to get in touch with her. She eventually chose to sign with Next Model Management, who had called her daily for several weeks.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.essence.com/beauty/anok-yai-howard-homecoming-modeling-contract|title=This 19-Year-Old College Student Signs Major Modeling Contract After Her Photo From Howard Homecoming Goes Viral|magazine=Essence|last=Tate|first=Crystal|date=October 26, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/global-currents/secrets-of-the-supermodel-trade|title=Secrets of the Supermodel Trade|work=Business of Fashion}} Within 4 months, she became the first Sudanese model to open a Prada fashion show, which is deemed the highest feat in fashion modeling because of the careers Prada has launched.{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/south-sudanese-college-student-now-top-model-prada-thanks-internet-203816961.html|title=This South Sudanese college student is now a top model at Prada, thanks to the internet|website=yahoo.com|last=Yates|first=Jacqueline Laurean|date=February 23, 2018}} She has also appeared in the Prada SS 2018 campaign and a Nike campaign designed by Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/09/t-magazine/fashion/models-to-watch-fashion-week.html|title=8 Models to Watch This Season|work=The New York Times |date=9 February 2018|publisher=|via=NYTimes.com}}
On her breakthrough moment, she told Vogue:
It was an honor and I'm proud that I was the one chosen to open, but this is bigger than me. Me opening for one of the top fashion houses is a statement to the world–especially for Black women–that their beauty is something that deserves to be celebrated.{{Cite web |date=2018-02-26 |title="This Is Bigger Than Me" - Anok Yai On Being The First Black Model To Open Prada In 20 Years |url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/anok-yai-prada-model-2018 |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=British Vogue |language=en-GB}}
Yai has walked the runways for brands including Versace, Max Mara, Fendi, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton. She has also appeared in advertisements for Tiffany & Co., Nike, Hood by Air, and Ambush.{{Cite web |title=Anok Yai - Model |url=https://models.com/models/anok-yai |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=MODELS.com}}
Yai has appeared on the covers and editorials of Vogue (including several of international editions), W magazine, CR Fashion Book, AnOther, Dust, Purple, Harper's Bazaar, i-D, Self Service, V Magazine, Elle, Garage, Document Journal, Dazed, and Pop.{{Cite web |title=Anok Yai - Gallery with 100 editorials - Fashion Model {{!}} Models {{!}} The FMD {{!}} Page 9 |url=https://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/models/anok_yai/editorials/?start=96 |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=The FMD - FashionModelDirectory.com}}
In 2018, Yai appeared in an advertising campaign for a S/S Nike, Riccardo Tisci, and Minotaurs collaboration.{{Cite web |date=2018-02-08 |title=Riccardo Tisci x Nike's Victorious Minotaurs Return in Newest Collection |url=https://hypebeast.com/2018/2/riccardo-tisci-nikelab-spring-2018 |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=Hypebeast}} In July 2018, she became an Estée Lauder spokes model.{{Cite web|url=https://www.crfashionbook.com/beauty/a22677124/anok-yai-interview-diversity-estee-lauder/|title=Anok Yai On Making Fashion and Beauty History|first=Bridget|last=March|date=August 8, 2018|website=CR Fashion Book|access-date=October 3, 2018|archive-date=October 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003181748/https://www.crfashionbook.com/beauty/a22677124/anok-yai-interview-diversity-estee-lauder/|url-status=dead}} In December 2018, she was featured in a campaign for Alexander Wang's "Collection 1" Drop 2.{{Cite web |date=2018-12-20 |title=Alexander Wang's Drop 2 of "COLLECTION 1" Just Dropped |url=https://hypebae.com/2018/12/alexander-wang-collection-1-drop-2-campaign |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=Hypebae}} Also in that year, she was featured on the covers of Dazed, i-D, Purple Fashion, and Dust.
In 2019, Yai appeared in a short film for the Chanel-Pharrell Collection, alongside Adut Akech and Alton Mason.{{Cite web |date=2019-03-25 |title=An Exclusive Look At The Making Of The Chanel-Pharrell Capsule Collection |url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/chanel-pharrell |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=British Vogue |language=en-GB}} She was featured on the covers of AnOther, CR Fashion Book, PRINT, W, Vogue (including its Korean, Italian, Brazilian, and Japanese editions).
In 2020, Yai modeled for the Versace Resort "Flash 2021" campaign.{{Cite web |date=2020-08-23 |title=Vibrant Versace Flash 2021 Campaign Honors BLM |url=https://anneofcarversville.com/fashion/2020/8/23/vibrant-versace-flash-2021-campaign |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=Anne of Carversville |language=en-US}} She appeared in the Alexander McQueen F/W 2020 campaign, photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth.{{Cite web |date=2020-08-17 |title=Alexander McQueen Fall 2020 Campaign |url=https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/alexander-mcqueen-fall-2020-campaign/ |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=www.fashiongonerogue.com |language=en-US}} Yai once again appeared on cover of Vogue (its Japanese, German, Dutch, and American editions).
In 2021, Yai starred in the Ambush S/S 2021 collection campaign photographed by Ethan James Green.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2021-02-08 |title=Inside the Comfort Zone: AMBUSH Spring Summer 2021 Collection |url=https://www.designscene.net/2021/02/ambush-ss21.html |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=DSCENE |language=en-US}} She led Hood by Air's "02 PROLOGUE" campaign photoshoot in June 2021.{{Cite web |title=HOOD BY AIR "GENESIS" |url=https://www.philipdanielducasse.com/hood-by-air-genesis |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=Philip-Daniel Ducasse |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=June 2021 |title=Hood By Air "02 PROLOGUE" Campaign |url=https://models.com/work/hood-by-air-hood-by-air-02-prologue-campaign/1537687 |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=models.com}} Juergen Teller photographed her for a Yves Saint Laurent Winter 2021 advertisement.{{Cite web |date=2021-10-21 |title=Kiki Willems, Awar Odhiang Front Saint Laurent Winter 2021/22 Campaign |url=https://anneofcarversville.com/fashion/2021/10/21/juergen-teller-ysl-winter-2021 |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=Anne of Carversville |language=en-US}} In September 2021, she appeared on the cover of Vogue along with other models including Ariel Nicholson, Bella Hadid, and Kaia Gerber.{{cite magazine |last=Singer |first=Maya |date=August 5, 2021 |title=Generation America: The Models Changing an Industry |url=http://www.vogue.com/article/september-issue-2021-cover-new-beginnings/ |magazine=Vogue}}
=2022–present: Supermodel status=
In 2022, Yai appeared in two S/S campaigns shot by Steven Meisel for Max Mara and Alexander McQueen.{{Cite web |last=Enke |first=Anne |date=2022-02-21 |title=Max Mara Spring 2022 Campaign by Steven Meisel with Anok, Loli, Vittoria and Yilan |url=https://anneofcarversville.com/daily/2022/2/21/max-mara-ss-2022-campaign-steven-meisel-42b9g |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=Anne of Carversville |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Benjamin |first=Mark |date=2022-01-20 |title=Alexander McQueen taps Steven Meisel for spring summer 2022 |url=https://rain-mag.com/alexander-mcqueen-taps-steven-meisel-to-capture-the-spring-summer-2022-campaign/ |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=Rain |language=en-US}} She modeled for Loro Piana in a photoshoot shot by Mario Sorrenti.{{Cite web |title=Loro Piana S/S 2022 : Anok Yai, Rianne Van Rompaey & Leon Dame by Mario Sorrenti |url=https://forums.thefashionspot.com/threads/loro-piana-s-s-2022-anok-yai-rianne-van-rompaey-leon-dame-by-mario-sorrenti.406532/ |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=the Fashion Spot |language=en-US}} Yai later reunited with Meisel for a September campaign for Tiffany & Co. Rose Gold Eau de Parfum.{{Cite web |title=Tiffany & Co. 'Rose Gold' Fragrance 2021 : Anok, Kristina & Fei Fei by Steven Meisel |url=https://forums.thefashionspot.com/threads/tiffany-co-rose-gold-fragrance-2021-anok-kristina-fei-fei-by-steven-meisel.404357/ |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=the Fashion Spot |language=en-US}} In February 2022, she appeared on the cover of British Vogue alongside an all Black modeling cast.{{Cite web |last=Saltzman |first=Stephanie |date=2022-01-14 |title=Must Read: British 'Vogue' Celebrates African Models, a New York State Senator Discusses The Fashion Act |url=https://fashionista.com/2022/01/british-vogue-february-2022-cover-african-models |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=Fashionista |language=en}} One of the first instances Yai was officially recognized as a supermodel was in a September 2022 cover celebrating the 50th anniversary of W.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-06 |title=Anok Yai on Her History-Making Model Moment |url=https://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/anok-yai-model-interview |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=W Magazine |language=en}}
In 2023, Yai was featured in a Vogue tribute cover to Karl Lagerfeld, photographed by Annie Leibovitz.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-11 |title=Amanda Harlech Remembers Karl Lagerfeld—And Styles 16 Dynamic Looks From 'A Line of Beauty' |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/karl-and-me-amanda-harlech-karl-lagerfeld-tribute-may-2023 |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}} She also covered Vogue Spain, Vogue Italy and i-D.{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Anok Yai - Gallery with 27 magazine covers - Fashion Model {{!}} Models {{!}} The FMD {{!}} Page 1 |url=https://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/models/anok_yai/covers/ |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=FashionModelDirectory}} Yai appeared in the music video for the song "Say Something" by American rapper Lil Yachty.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-29 |title=Lil Yachty Shares The Bizarre 'Say Something' Video |url=https://uproxx.com/music/lil-yachty-say-something-video/ |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=UPROXX |language=en-US}} During Paris Fashion Week, Yai opened her first Mugler runway show.{{Cite web |last=Street |first=Chloe |date=2023-01-27 |title=Mugler's all-star cast serve highly-sexed attitude in Paris |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/fashion/mugler-paris-couture-week-show-ss23-b1056023.html |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Evening Standard |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Cary |first=Alice |title=Naomi Campbell Reminded Everyone What "Supermodel" Means at Paris Fashion Week |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/naomi-campbell-off-white-fall-2023 |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Vogue |date=March 3, 2023 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Anok Yai - Model |url=https://models.com/models/anok-yai |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=MODELS.com}} Following her appearance at the 2023 Met Gala in custom Prabal Gurung, she was ranked one of the "best dressed supermodels" by Vogue Australia.{{Cite web |last=Lai |first=Gladys |date=1 May 2023 |title=Met Gala 2023: The Best Dressed Supermodels |url=https://www.vogue.com.au/culture/red-carpet/supermodels-met-gala-2023/image-gallery/9b729780e2d9cb3b2c49ce4e45b2ea80 |website=Vogue Australia}} W magazine remarked: "Yai could not be missed in her look".{{Cite web |title=Anok Yai Knows How to Deliver a Model Off-Duty Look |url=https://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/anok-yai-model-off-duty-look-street-style |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=W Magazine |language=en}} Yai capped off the year as the models.com Industry and Readers' vote for "Model of the Year".{{Cite web |date=2023-12-20 |title=Who Are The Models of the Year? |url=https://fashionweekdaily.com/who-are-the-models-of-the-year-cindy-crawford-and-prince-williams-connection-tommy-hilfigers-latest-venture-and-more/ |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=Daily Front Row |language=en}}
Yai began her 2024 walking for the Louis Vuitton Men's F/W show during Paris Fashion Week.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-16 |title=Louis Vuitton Fall 2024 Menswear Collection |url=https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2024-menswear/louis-vuitton |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}} She next appeared as a video vixen in American rapper Travis Scott's music video "I KNOW?"{{Cite web |date=2024-01-23 |title=Watch Travis Scott Juggle Models Emily Ratajkowski & Anok Yai as His Love Interests in ‘I Know?’ Video |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/travis-scott-i-know-music-video-1235587335/ |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=Billboard}} In February, she become the face of Alien Hypersense, a new fragrance by Mugler.{{Cite web |last=Weil |first=Jennifer |date=2024-02-01 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Mugler Is Launching Alien Hypersense and a New Concept Store in China |url=https://wwd.com/business-news/business-features/mugler-launching-alien-hypersense-new-concept-store-china-1236160263/ |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=WWD |language=en-US}} Later in 2024, Yai appeared in the music video for Offset's "Swing My Way".{{Cite web |date=2024-12-13 |title=Offset Entices the Women Around Him in Lavish ‘Swing My Way’ Video: Watch |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/offset-swing-my-way-video-anok-yai-1235856203/ |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}
Filmography
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons}}
- {{IMDb name|10040030}}
- {{Instagram|anokyai|Anok Yai}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Yai, Anok}}
Category:American people of South Sudanese descent
Category:Plymouth State University alumni
Category:People from Manchester, New Hampshire
Category:African-American female models
Category:Naturalized citizens of the United States
Category:Next Management models
Category:South Sudanese female models