When South Sudanese–American model Anok Yai stepped onto the red carpet at the 2025 Fashion Awards in London, the world already knew she was a force. But her win as Model of the Year didn’t just crown a successful season—
it marked a moment of celebration for Black beauty, African heritage, and the global diaspora.
At ColourFro, we honour moments like this because they represent everything our brand stands for: culture, confidence, identity, and unapologetic self-expression.
From Refugee Roots to Fashion Royalty
Anok's journey reads like a modern legend.
Born in Cairo, Egypt, to South Sudanese parents who fled civil conflict, Anok spent her early childhood navigating displacement and change. Her family later resettled in the United States, where she grew up in New Hampshire—far from fashion runways and global cameras.
Her career began unexpectedly in 2017 when a photographer captured her at Howard University’s homecoming. The photo went viral on Instagram. Within days, she was receiving agency calls.
Within months, she was signed.
And by 2018, she had already made history at Prada, becoming only the second Black model ever to open a Prada runway, following the iconic Naomi Campbell.
Anok didn’t walk into the fashion industry—she broke through the gates and carved out space.
2025 Fashion Awards: A Win for the Culture
Held at London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall, the 2025 ceremony was a celebration of creativity and bold expression. When Anok Yai’s name was announced as Model of the Year, the audience erupted.
This award honours the model whose influence, visibility, and impact have shaped global fashion in the past year. And Anok owned the year:
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Countless runways
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Multiple global campaigns
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Several Vogue covers
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A fandom inspired by her elegance, edge & identity
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A powerful voice on representation in fashion
She arrived in a stunning, custom-made ivory satin corset gown by Dilara Findikoglu—structured, sculptural, and dramatic.
The look itself became a headline.
In her acceptance speech, she said the win was for “everyone who has ever seen their story in mine”—a statement that resonated deeply across the diaspora.
A Symbol for the Continent and the Diaspora
For many Africans and Black creators around the world, Anok’s rise represents:
✨ Visibility — darker skin, African features, and refugee backgrounds rarely get celebrated at this level.
✨ Resilience — moving from war-displacement to global stardom shows what perseverance looks like.
✨ Redefining beauty — her presence challenges dated standards and expands what beauty means on a global scale.
✨ Inspiration — young girls across Africa and the diaspora now see themselves in the spotlight.
Anok embodies the richness, pride, and strength of African heritage—and the limitless potential of the global Black story.
Why This Matters to ColourFro
ColourFro was built on a similar truth: that culture is power.
That African identity is worth showcasing, celebrating, and wearing boldly.
That our stories are not background noise—they are centre stage.
Anok Yai’s win isn’t just a fashion moment.
It's a cultural milestone, a reminder that the world is catching up to what we’ve known all along:
Black beauty is excellence. African identity is iconic. Representation matters.
A Win for All of Us
Whether you come from South Sudan, Ghana, Nigeria, the Caribbean, or anywhere across the diaspora, Anok’s story is a reflection of our collective glow.
Her victory is proof that:
We rise.
We influence.
We redefine the world in colour.
And ColourFro celebrates that every day.
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Let’s celebrate Black brilliance together—one story, one thread, one colour at a time.
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