Yahoo Lifestyle Model Anok Yai Said She’s “Exhausted” And Publicly Called Out The Fashion Awards After Controversially Losing To Alex Consani, And It’s Sparked A Whole Load Of Discourse
This week, model Alex Consani made history as the first out trans model to win Model of the Year at the Fashion Awards held in London.
However, her win has sparked discourse online after fellow model Anok Yai took to social media to express her frustration.
For context, Alex Consani is a 21-year-old supermodel and influencer who first rose to fame through her hilarious online content under the username @captaincroook on TikTok. She’s known for her bleached blonde hair and brows, and it’s undeniable that this year, she’s been absolutely having a moment.
In October, Alex made history as one of the first out trans women to walk the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. From gracing magazine covers to starring in music videos, she’s been impossible to miss in the fashion world this year.
After taking home the coveted Model of the Year award at the Fashion Awards on Monday, Alex thanked the British Fashion Council on Instagram, excitedly captioning her post: “IM SCREAMING I J WON MODEL OF YHE YEAR.”
However, while many online congratulated Alex for her historic win, others pointed out that others may have deserved the award — namely, renowned supermodel Anok Yai.
Anok has also been making headlines for the past couple of years. You might recognize the South Sudanese model for her incredible Swarovski look at this year’s Met Ball — I, for one, have not stopped thinking about this specific picture for months.
She also received media attention for this show-stopping moment from the Paris Fashion Week Vetements show, when she turned a wardrobe malfunction into an unbelievable improvised performance.
Anok, who wore a huge white ballgown as the collection’s “bride,” explained on Instagram that she had forgotten to ask for a higher heel, and was unsatisfied with her walk. “I had a moment of panic knowing how bad the walk was going,” the model wrote. “I needed to come up w/a way to make it appear as if all my ‘mistakes’ were on purpose.”
After posing at the end of the runway, Anok picked up the voluminous dress and started to run. With her skirts in her hands, Anok transformed into a “runaway bride” according to designer Guram on Instagram.
“I decided to go from elegant to defiant bride, hoping the character switch would work,” she wrote. And Anok’s choice was widely acclaimed and celebrated. Social media users went into a frenzy, with many praising her brave and theatrical choice.
“The drama. The creativity. The passion. The strength,” one TikTok user commented.
Another said, “I feel like she just unlocked a new genre of art.”
Gigi Hadid — who closed the show — commented on Anok’s post, saying, “It was MAAAJOR I thought it was just part of the plan I didn’t know about !!!?! HAA I love u & your mind. You were the most stunning as always sister.”
After Alex’s win, many were quick to take to X to point out Anok’s noteworthy achievements as well. And this feeling was publicly shared by Anok herself.
The award result was met with a lot of responses from supporters of both models. Many social media users were quick to point out that there had been sentiment that Anok should have won the award in 2023 when she lost to another esteemed model, Paloma Elsesser.
Paloma made history in 2023 to be the first plus-size model to have won the award. However, the Vogue cover star ended up having to leave social media after a barrage of hateful and anti-fat comments came her way. “Grateful for so much of the love,” she wrote on Instagram. “I also see the hate. Taking a moment to enjoy this accolade privately. & as always, free Palestine.”
While people were divided, many users acknowledged how both models deserved the win.
One user shared, “alex consani deserves model of the year but anok yai is wayyyy overdue her flowers.”
Another added, “the only one who could win against alex consani this year was anok yai and the only one who could win against anok yai this year was alex consani. they both are GREAT.”
And on Monday night, Anok posted a picture of Kanye West on stage at the 2009 VMAs — when he interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech to declare that Beyoncé should’ve won instead — to her Instagram story. Users online were quick to infer that the model was making a point about being snubbed.
Shortly after, Anok took to X to clarify her stance. “Alex, I love you and I’m so proud of you,” she wrote. “British Fashion Council, thank you but I don’t want it anymore.”
She then followed the post up with another, saying, “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.”
Anok’s response immediately sparked a lot of discourse online, with some criticizing her reaction and accusing her of taking away from Alex’s moment.
However, others disagreed. “Yai can be upset at the institution, honoring her emotions while still being excited for Consani,” wrote Teen Vogue’s Aiyana Ishmael. “The dismissal of her feelings serves no one. For so long Black and brown women have been told to just be grateful to be in the room, especially when it comes to fashion.”
Alex — who has yet to publicly address Anok’s reaction — made a point to acknowledge those who paved the way for her in her acceptance speech.
“I can’t accept this award without thanking those who came before me, specifically the Black trans women who really fought for the space I’m in today,” said Alex. “Dominique Jackson, Connie Fleming, Aaron Rose Philip, and countless more who fought for the space that allowed me to flourish today.”
What do you think? I’m just happy that this discourse has sparked even more recognition for these beautiful ladies and their achievements — I can’t wait to see what’s next for them. LMK your thoughts in the comments.
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