03/12/2025
South Sudanese-American model Anok Yai delivered an emotional message as she accepted the Model of the Year award at the 2025 British Fashion Awards, telling “little Black girls” that their “colour is not a curse” and calling for peace in her home country of South Sudan.
The ceremony at London’s Royal Albert Hall recognised leading figures across the industry, but Yai’s win was among the night’s standout moments.
At 27, she has become one of fashion’s most influential models, with major campaigns, covers and runway appearances to her name.
“To all my little Black girls who are watching me right now - your colour is not a curse. You are not a trend, you are not unfortunate. You are worthy, you are capable and you are more powerful than you can imagine,” she said in her acceptance speech.
Yai’s rise began in 2017 when a photo of her at a Howard University homecoming event went viral, helping launch her into the global spotlight.
