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Anok Yai

Anok Yai is a South Sudanese-American fashion model known for her runway work and major fashion campaigns.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Anok Yai is a South Sudanese-American fashion model known for her runway work and major fashion campaigns. She became the second Black model after Naomi Campbell to open a Prada show and has appeared on multiple international Vogue covers, including American Vogue three times. Born in Cairo, Egypt, she later moved to the United States.

Early life

Anok Yai was born on 20 December 1997 in Cairo, Egypt, to South Sudanese parents. Her family later moved to the United States, settling in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Career breakthrough

Yai's breakthrough came after being discovered in the fashion industry. In 2018, she made her Prada runway debut, becoming the second Black model to open a Prada show after Naomi Campbell, drawing significant attention for its historical significance.

Runway and campaign work

Yai has worked with major fashion houses and appeared in campaigns and runway shows for brands including Prada, Mugler, Versace, Valentino, Saint Laurent, and others.

Recognition

Yai's profile has risen through editorial covers and industry awards. Models.com named her Model of the Year in 2022, and the British Fashion Council named her 2025 Model of the Year. She has appeared on multiple international Vogue covers, including American Vogue three times.

Key facts

  • Yai was born in Cairo, Egypt, on 20 December 1997.
  • She is a South Sudanese-American fashion model.
  • In 2018, she became the second Black model to open a Prada show, after Naomi Campbell.
  • She has appeared on several Vogue covers, including American Vogue three times.
  • She received Model of the Year awards from Models.com (2022) and British Fashion Council (2025).

Frequently asked questions

Who is Anok Yai?
Anok Yai is a South Sudanese-American fashion model known for runway work, major campaigns, and magazine covers.
Where was Anok Yai born?
The provided sources say she was born in Cairo, Egypt, on 20 December 1997.
What is Anok Yai known for in fashion?
She is known for being the second Black model to open a Prada show, after Naomi Campbell, and for multiple Vogue appearances.
Has Anok Yai won any awards?
Yes. The provided sources report that Models.com named her Model of the Year in 2022 and the British Fashion Council named her Model of the Year in 2025.
How many times has Anok Yai appeared on American Vogue?
The provided sources state that she has appeared on American Vogue three times.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anok_Yai
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, Prada milestone, Vogue covers, and 2026 TIME recognition.
  2. W Magazine — https://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/anok-yai-cover-interview-2023
    Supports: Runway breakthrough and professional modelling career details.
  3. Euronews — https://www.euronews.com/culture/2025/11/29/who-is-anok-yai-and-why-is-she-the-most-influential-model-of-2025
    Supports: 2025 British Fashion Council Model of the Year recognition and biographical background.
  4. Elle — https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a61159495/anok-yai-interview-2024/
    Supports: Birth place, family background, and Prada runway milestone.