Anok Yai is a South Sudanese-American fashion model. She made history as the first model of South Sudanese heritage and the second black supermodel after Naomi Campbell to open the Prada show.
Yai has appeared on the covers of major fashion publications, including several appearances in iD and international editions of Vogue, with three appearances in Vogue US. Recognized for her impact on the industry, Models.com named her one of the “New Superheroes” of her generation.
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- Full name: Anok Yai
- Stage name: Anok Yai
- Date of birth: December 20, 1997
- Age: 26 years old
- Place of birth: Cairo, Egypt
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: American fashion model
- Height: 1.78 m
- Parent: Kenyang Yai
- Siblings: Alim Yai
- Boyfriend: Offset (Rumor)
- Children: Unknown
- Relationship: Not married
- Net worth: 5 million USD
Early life and education
Anok Yai was born on December 20, 1997 in Cairo, Egypt, to parents Kenyang Yai and an unnamed mother. Her father worked for Easter Seals, and her mother was a nurse. Yai has an older sister named Alim, who serves as her manager and financial consultant. When Anok was two years old, her family moved to the United States. She grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire, where she graduated from Manchester High School West.
After graduating from high school, Yai attended Plymouth State University, where she studied biochemistry with plans to pursue a career in medicine as a physician. However, her life took a different turn when she was discovered as a model. Yai is of South Sudanese descent, although her religion is unknown.
Career
Anok Yai’s journey into the fashion world began in the mid-2010s, but her discovery happened unexpectedly in October 2017 during Howard University’s homecoming week. While attending the event, Yai was approached by photographer Steve ‘theSUNK’ Hall, who took a photo of her and shared it on Instagram.
The photo quickly gained attention, accumulating more than 20,000 likes, attracting the attention of various modeling agencies, including IMG Models. After many calls from agencies, Yai decided to sign with Next Model Management, who persistently contacted her for weeks.
Her rise to prominence continues with impressive collaborations and runway appearances. Yai starred in the Prada SS 2018 campaign and appeared in a Nike campaign designed by Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci. She walked the runways of some of the most prestigious fashion houses, including Versace, Max Mara, Fendi, Burberry and Louis Vuitton.
In addition to her runway success, Yai has also appeared in commercials for Tiffany & Co., Nike and Hood by Air, among others. Her editorial work has graced the covers and pages of major magazines such as Vogue, W Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, iD and V Magazine, cementing her status as one of the most sought-after models. in her generation.
In 2018, Yai’s influence expanded even further when she became the face of Estée Lauder as a spokesperson, marking an important milestone in her career. Later that year, she was also featured in the advertising campaign for Alexander Wang’s “Collection 1”.
The following year, she appeared in a Chanel collaborative short film with Pharrell Williams and continued to dominate editorials, appearing on the covers of AnOther, Vogue (across many international editions) and CR Fashion Book. Her campaign work includes collaborations with major brands such as Versace, Alexander McQueen and Yves Saint Laurent, further cementing her position in high fashion campaigns.
Yai’s success in 2020 and beyond continues to build on her already impressive career. She modeled for Versace’s Resort “Flash 2021” campaign and appeared in Alexander McQueen’s Fall/Winter 2020 campaign.
In 2021, she starred in campaigns for Ambush, Hood by Air and Yves Saint Laurent, and appeared on the cover of Vogue alongside other top models like Bella Hadid and Kaia Gerber. She continued to shine in advertising campaigns for Max Mara, Alexander McQueen and Tiffany & Co., and in 2023, she honored Karl Lagerfeld on the cover of Vogue.
In addition to modeling, Yai also appeared in Lil Yachty’s movies. “Say something” music videos. As her career progressed through 2024, she walked for Louis Vuitton at Paris Fashion Week and appeared in Travis Scott’s music video. “I KNOW?” She also became the face of Mugler’s new fragrance, Alien Hypersense, marking another milestone in her expanding career.
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @anokyai
- TikTok handle: Anok Yai
Personal life
Anok Yai is currently rumored to be dating rapper Offset, after reports that they were spotted together, which sparked speculation about their relationship. Prior to this, there was no public record of Yai being involved in any other known relationships.
Cinema
- “Say something” – Lil Yachty (Music Video)
- “I KNOW? (Official music video)” – Travis Scott (Music Video)
- Saint Laurent – Summer ’21 (Short film)
- Chanel Pharrell Collection (Short film)
- Saint Laurent: Summer 2019 (Short film)
- This is just a test (Editor of Vogue Italia) (Video)
- Salvatore Ferragamo – Spring Summer 2021 Campaign (Short film)
Net worth
Anok Yai’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million as of 2024. This wealth mainly comes from her successful modeling career, which includes high-profile contracts and endorsements with brands. Big brands like Prada and Estée Lauder.
Yai has made a significant impact in the fashion industry, recognized as one of the top models of her generation.
