Personal Details :
- Full Name: Anok Yai
- Date of Birth: December 20, 1997
- Place of Birth: Cairo, Egypt
- Nationality: South Sudanese-American
- Ethnicity: South Sudanese
- Height: Approximately 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Brown
- Languages: English
- Family:
- Mother: Nurse
- Father: Works for Easterseals
- Sister: Alim (Manager and Financial Consultant)
- Education: Attended Plymouth State University, studied biochemistry
- Early Life: Family fled genocide in Sudan; settled in Manchester, New Hampshire
- Current Residence: New York City, USA (assumed from career base)
Social Media Presence :
- Instagram: @anokyai
- Twitter: @anokyai
- TikTok: @anokyai
- Facebook: Anok Yai
- Official Website: anokyai.com (if available)
Career Overview :
- Viral Discovery (2017): Anok Yai was discovered after a photo of her taken at Howard University’s homecoming went viral, launching her modeling career almost overnight.
- Prada Runway Breakthrough (2018): She made history as the second Black model ever, after Naomi Campbell, to open a Prada runway show, signaling her arrival as a major force in high fashion.
- Major Runway Appearances: Since her debut, Anok has walked for top designers including Versace, Givenchy, Chanel, Balmain, Fendi, Dior, and more.
- High-Profile Campaigns: She has been the face of campaigns for Versace, Givenchy, Tiffany & Co., Nike, and Estée Lauder, among others.
- Editorial Features: Anok has graced the pages and covers of international fashion magazines like Vogue (US, Italia, Paris), Harper’s Bazaar, i-D, Elle, and Dazed, showcasing her versatility and appeal.
- Awards and Recognition: In 2023, Anok Yai was honored as “Model of the Year” by several fashion industry outlets, reflecting her influence and status as a top model.
- Beauty Industry Impact: Signed with Estée Lauder as a global ambassador, contributing to diversity representation in beauty campaigns.
- Advocacy: Anok is vocal about social issues including representation, mental health, and breaking racial barriers in fashion.
- Other Ventures: Participated in fashion events, panel discussions, and brand collaborations expanding her influence beyond modeling.
- Current Status: Continues to be a prominent figure in modeling with ongoing campaigns, runway shows, and media appearances globally.
Personal Life & Interests :
- Background: Born in Cairo, Egypt, Anok Yai’s family fled the Sudanese genocide and settled in Manchester, New Hampshire, where she was raised.
- Education: Studied biochemistry at Plymouth State University before pursuing modeling full-time.
- Family: Close-knit family; her sister Alim serves as her manager and financial consultant.
- Interests: Passionate about science and education, reflecting her academic background.
- Advocacy: Actively promotes diversity and mental health awareness within and beyond the fashion industry.
- Hobbies: Enjoys traveling, reading, and engaging in cultural experiences.
- Personality: Known for being humble, grounded, and dedicated despite rapid fame.
- Languages: Fluent in English.
Net Worth :
- Estimated Net Worth (2024): Approximately $5 million to $7 million
- Projected Net Worth (2025): Estimated to reach $10 million
- Primary Income Sources:
- Runway Shows: Commands between $10,000 and $20,000 per show, with exclusive contracts valued in the mid-six figures annually.
- Endorsement Deals: Partnerships with brands like Estée Lauder and Nike, generating between $1 million and $2 million annually.
- Editorial and Campaign Work: Featured in high-profile campaigns and editorial shoots, with fees ranging from $300,000 to $500,000 per campaign.
- Business Ventures: Investments in beauty startups and a developing skincare line tailored for diverse skin tones, indicating potential for future income growth.
- Financial Trajectory: Anok Yai’s net worth has seen significant growth since her discovery, reflecting her successful modeling career and strategic business endeavors.
Awards & Achievements :
- Model of the Year (2023): Awarded by Models.com, recognizing her as one of the top models in the industry.
- Forbes 30 Under 30 (2019): Honored in the Art & Style category for her significant impact in the fashion world.
- Model of the Year (2019): Recognized by Models.com for her outstanding contributions to the modeling industry.
- Top 50 Models: Listed among the top 50 models globally by Models.com, highlighting her status in the fashion industry.
- Breakout Star (2018): Nominated by Models.com for her rapid rise and success in the fashion world.
- Best Streetstyle (2018): Nominated by Models.com for her exceptional fashion sense and style.
- Vogue Covers: Featured on multiple international editions of Vogue, including U.S., Italia, Paris, and British Vogue.
- Campaigns: Fronted major campaigns for brands like Prada, Givenchy, Tiffany & Co., Nike, and Estée Lauder.
- Runway Shows: Walked for prestigious fashion houses such as Versace, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Fendi, and Burberry.
- Industry Recognition: Celebrated as one of the new supermodels of her generation, influencing the future of fashion.
Fun Facts :
- Anok Yai was discovered unexpectedly when a photo of her at a college homecoming went viral on social media.
- She is only the second Black model ever to open a Prada runway show, following Naomi Campbell.
- Before modeling, Anok was studying biochemistry with hopes of becoming a doctor.
- Her sister serves as her manager and financial consultant, keeping her career and finances closely managed within the family.
- Anok has been vocal about mental health, openly discussing her experiences with social anxiety.
- She is passionate about diversity and representation, often using her platform to advocate for inclusivity in fashion.
- Despite rapid fame, she remains humble and grounded, valuing education and personal growth.
- Anok enjoys traveling and exploring different cultures around the world.