Model Anok Yai has publicly expressed her disappointment after losing the Model of the Year award at the British Fashion Council Awards to Alex Consani.
In a historic and emotional moment for the fashion industry, Alex Consani, a 21-year-old rising star, became the first out transgender model to win the coveted Model of the Year Award at the British Fashion Council Awards.
While the win marked a groundbreaking achievement for the LGBTQ+ community, it left many fans heartbroken for supermodel Anok Yai, who lost the award for the fourth consecutive time.
Anok Yai, widely regarded as one of the most influential models of her generation, had been a favorite among industry insiders and fans alike. The internet still talks about her “runaway bride” moment from the Vetements show during Paris Fashion Week.
When the announcement was made on December 2, the fashion world was abuzz with reactions, from celebration to disappointment.
Following the loss, Anok Yai took to social media to express both her admiration for Alex Consani and her frustration with the relentless pursuit of recognition in the industry.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Yai extended heartfelt congratulations to 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.”
In a follow-up post, Yai shared a more nuanced perspective, acknowledging the incredible effort Consani has put into her career while candidly admitting her own exhaustion.
“If you have seen the effort that I’ve seen Alex put in, you would understand how proud I am of her. But Alex can be proud, and I can be exhausted at the same time. It doesn’t take away how much love we have for each other.”
According to the British Fashion Council, the Model of the Year award “recognizes the global impact of a model who over the last 12 months has dominated the industry.”
The awarded model also must have an “influence that transcends the catwalk” and make “an outstanding contribution to the industry, garnering numerous editorial and advertising campaigns throughout the year.”
Consani and Yai received nominations for the award, along with Alva Claire, Amelia Gray, Liu Wen, and Mona Tougaard. Yai was also nominated last year, but Paloma Elsesser took home the prize.
