Anok Yai is a well-known fashion model, celebrated for her exceptional achievements in the industry. She is not only famous as the first model of South Sudanese descent but also as the second model of colour to open a Prada show.
With multiple appearances on prestigious platforms like i-D, Anok has become a prominent figure in the fashion industry. Recognized as one of the “New Supers” by Models.com, she earned the titles of USA Top Model and Model of the Year 2024. To know more about her career journey and success story, give this post a read.
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Early Life
Anok Yai was born on 20th December 1997, in Cairo, Egypt. Her family moved to Manchester, New Hampshire when she was just three years old. Growing up in the United States, she led her life as an immigrant and found her place in a new culture.
As per online sources, her mother works as a nurse, while her father is employed at Easterseals. Anok also has a sister named Alim, who serves as her manager.
As for education, Anok attended Manchester High School West and later enrolled at Plymouth State University to study biochemistry. She planned to pursue a career in medicine, but fate had other plans.
Beginning of Career
Anok’s journey into the modelling world started unexpectedly. In 2017, she attended Howard University’s Homecoming event, where a photographer captured her picture and shared it on Instagram. The photo quickly went viral and caught the attention of modelling agencies. With her unique beauty, she managed to make her way into the industry.
Anok was signed by Next Management, one of the world’s leading modelling agencies. What started as a viral photograph turned into a promising career for Anok.
Shot to Fame
Anok Yai’s big break came in 2018 when she became the second Black model to open a Prada show. The first model to do so was Naomi Campbell. This was a major milestone in Anok’s career, which solidified her position in the fashion industry.
After her debut with Prada, Anok’s career skyrocketed. She walked for top designers like Chanel, Tom Ford, Versace, and Dior. In addition to runway shows, Anok also became a sought-after face for magazine campaigns and editorials. So far, she has appeared on the covers of major publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle.
Relationship
Anok Yai is known to keep her personal life private. She focuses more on her career and rarely speaks about her relationships in public. As of now, there are no reports about her romantic life. Anok is one of those people who prefer to maintain a low profile when it comes to personal matters.
Major Source of Income and Net Worth
As of 2024, Anok Yai’s estimated net worth is around $5 million. This reflects her success as a rising model and the influence she has on modern fashion. Her primary source of income is modelling. She earns a large amount through runway shows, brand endorsements, magazine covers, and advertising campaigns. With her success in the fashion industry, she has also become a brand ambassador for several luxury labels.
