Anok Yai rose to global fame after a photographer’s viral Instagram post from Howard University’s homecoming in 2017. Signed by Next Models, she made history as the first South Sudanese model—and only the second Black woman after Naomi Campbell—to open a Prada show. A biochemistry student turned supermodel, Yai has since walked for top fashion houses like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Versace, and starred in major campaigns for Estée Lauder, Prada, and Tiffany & Co. Celebrated for her striking beauty and advocacy for representation, she was named Models.com’s 2023 Model of the Year.
