Anok Yai speaks out after losing Model of the Year to Alex Consani at 2024 Fashion Awards

Anok Yai, a prominent model and rising star, expressed mixed emotions after losing the coveted Model of the Year award at the 2024 Fashion Awards to Alex Consani. The event, held on December 2 in London, saw Consani making history as the first transgender model to receive this prestigious recognition.

In a heartfelt message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Yai congratulated Consani, writing, "Alex, I love you and I’m so proud of you. British Fashion Council, thank you but I don’t want it anymore." She emphasized her pride in Consani's accomplishments, acknowledging the immense effort Consani put into her career. However, Yai also conveyed her personal exhaustion with the industry's demands, stating, "But Alex can be proud and I can be exhausted at the same time."

The Model of the Year award, presented by the British Fashion Council, recognizes a model's global influence, contribution to the industry, and impact beyond the runway. Consani's triumph comes after a remarkable year, including appearances at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and covers of Teen Vogue. In her acceptance speech, Consani honored Black transgender models who paved the way for her success, noting the importance of inclusivity and support within the industry.

Although Yai, 26, was also nominated for the prestigious award, having walked for major fashion houses like Versace, Bottega Veneta, and Marc Jacobs, her acknowledgment of Consani’s win reveals a complex mix of admiration and personal fatigue. Both Yai and Consani’s recognition at the Fashion Awards highlights the evolving landscape of the fashion industry, where both hard work and inclusivity are increasingly celebrated.