Anok Yai
Anok Yai is a South Sudanese-American model whose work spans Prada runways, Vogue covers and Mugler fragrance campaigns.
At 100 nudges, fangea sends Anok’s team an official invite.
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Latest
Anok’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus their backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Overview
- Roots
- Born in Cairo to South Sudanese parents; raised in New Hampshire.
- Work
- Fashion model and campaign collaborator.
- Before modeling
- Studied biochemistry at Plymouth State University.
- Breakout
- A viral photograph at Howard University’s 2017 homecoming.
- Runway milestone
- Opened Prada’s Fall 2018 show.
Mini bio
How it started.
Anok was studying biochemistry at Plymouth State University when a photograph from Howard University’s 2017 homecoming went viral. Modeling agencies called, and Anok signed with Next Models. The trip to Howard was a visit, not enrollment there.
The Prada breakthrough.
In February 2018, Anok opened Prada’s Fall show, becoming the first Black model to open for the house since Naomi Campbell in 1997. It was a defining early moment in a career that grew into runway, editorial and campaign work.
Making the work their own.
Alongside modeling, Anok paints and studies the creative side of the business. The British Fashion Council’s 2025 award announcement also noted a creative director credit on a Perfect Magazine shoot.
Creditschronological, newest first
Covers and campaigns
- 2026Vogue Brasil, OctoberCover model; photographed by Mar + Vin
- 2026British Vogue, JuneCover model; photographed by Rafael Pavarotti
- 2026Mugler Alien PulpCampaign model; photographed by Elizaveta Porodina
Runway and performance
- 2025Vogue World: HollywoodModeled Colleen Atwood’s Edward Scissorhands costume
- 2018Prada Fall 2018Opened the runway show
Awards
Quotes
I’m at a place now where I want to create my own lane.Anok Yai, W Magazine, September 6, 2023
On pushing creative boundaries beyond modeling. Source: https://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/anok-yai-cover-interview-2023
Trivia
- Anok paints, mainly in oils, and has experimented with other media.
- Naomi Campbell and Grace Jones are among Anok’s inspirations.
- Dostoevsky and Edgar Allan Poe are two favourite writers.
- Asked about the greatest love of their life in Victoria’s Secret’s Q&A, Anok chose flaky sea salt.
Find Anok
Follow Anok for runway moments, shoots and glimpses behind the scenes.
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