Anok Yai, the South Sudanese-American supermodel has become a beacon of inspiration in the fashion industry. Her journey from a refugee child to a global icon is a testament to her resilience and talent. This year, she was named one of Time‘s 100 most influential people, solidifying her status as a cultural figure.
Yai’s career took off in 2017 when a photo of her at Howard University’s homecoming went viral. Since then, she has graced the covers of Vogue more than a dozen times and walked the runways for top designers like PradaBalenciaga and Chanel.
From Refugee to Runway
Born in Egypt to South Sudanese refugees, Yai moved to New Hampshire at the age of four. Growing up, she faced racism and insecurity about her skin color. “Growing up, I was really insecure about my skin color,” she admits. “I was…I wouldn’t say I was bullied, ’cause I fought back. But I grew up being told that my skin wasn’t beautiful.” Despite these challenges, Yai’s parents instilled in her a strong work ethic and a love for learning.
Yai’s path to modeling was not straightforward. She initially aspired to become a doctor and was studying biochemistry at Plymouth State University. However, her life took a dramatic turn when she attended Howard University’s homecoming on a whim. A photo from that event went viral, catching the attention of the fashion world.
A Chameleon on the Runway
Yai’s versatility is one of her most remarkable traits. She can transform her look to suit any designer’s vision, from coy for Chanel to glamazonian for Versace. Her ability to embody different characters has earned her comparisons to legendary supermodels like Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington.
One of Yai’s most memorable moments was her appearance at the 2026 Met Gala. Dressed as the Black Madonna by Balenciaga creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli she captivated the audience with her performance. Her ensemble was so impactful that one of her fans had an image of her face from the event tattooed onto his forearm.
Embracing Her Heritage
Yai’s identity as both African and American is a central theme in her life and career. “I always would say I’m African first,” she says. “I grew up here, so I’m American too.” This duality is reflected in her work, where she often represents the melting pot that is America.
In honor of America’s 250th birthday, Yai embraced the American flag in a photoshoot. This act symbolized her acceptance of her American identity alongside her African roots. “It’s a representation of the fact that America is a melting pot,” she explains. “It’s a land of immigrants, and we’re all American.”
Yai’s journey is a powerful narrative of embracing one’s heritage and the opportunities that America provides. Her story resonates with many immigrants who have found a new home in the United States. As she continues to break barriers in the fashion industry, Yai serves as an inspiration to those who strive to achieve their dreams despite the odds.
