Anok Yai went on X(formerly Twitter) to express her feelings regarding being snubbed for the British Fashion Council “Model of The Year” award after being snubbed for the second year. While congratulating Alex Consani, who made history for becoming the first transgender model to win the award, the win sparked a social media debate.
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“Alex, I love you and I’m so proud of you,” Yai wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “British Fashion Council, thank you, but I don’t want it anymore.” Following up with a second post, Yai added, “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 Root, the award show has ignited debate on Black Twitter, as many believed that Yai deserved the award after appearing in major campaigns for Versace and Bottega Veneta and walking the runway for shows such as Victoria’s Secret, Vetements, and Balenciaga.
“Anok has deserved this award for a very long time. Alex had an incredible year and should be awarded but Anok’s award is long overdue,” one user wrote. “Normal, intelligent people, understand your frustration babes. we love you. we are proud of you. we ALSO have seen the effort you’ve put in for so many years and KNOW you’ve been done wrong many times. you have every right to be upset. hope you’re in a good place with loved ones,” another user wrote in support of Yai.
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“You can be as angry as you want that Anok Yai didn’t win this award yet. Disagreeing and being upset is perfectly fine especially because the industry tends to not be that kind to black models. They tend to overlook A LOT,” another user wrote.
During her speech, Cosani acknowledged Black transgender models such as Aaron Rose Philip and Connie Fleming, who helped pave the way in the fashion industry:
“Now, more than ever, it’s an important conversation that should be had about how to truly support and uplift one another within this industry, especially those who have been made to feel insignificant,”
