Alex Consani And Anok Yai Model Award Controversy
However, her win has sparked discourse online after fellow model Anok Yai took to social media to express her frustration.
For context, Alex Consani is a 21-year-old supermodel and influencer who first rose to fame through her hilarious online content under the username @captaincroook on TikTok. She’s known for her bleached blonde hair and brows, and it’s undeniable that this year, she’s been absolutely having a moment.
In October, Alex made history as one of the first out trans women to walk the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. From gracing magazine covers to starring in music videos, she’s been impossible to miss in the fashion world this year.
After taking home the coveted Model of the Year award at the Fashion Awards on Monday, Alex thanked the British Fashion Council on Instagram, excitedly captioning her post: “IM SCREAMING I J WON MODEL OF YHE YEAR.”
However, while many online congratulated Alex for her historic win, others pointed out that others may have deserved the award — namely, renowned supermodel Anok Yai.
Anok has also been making headlines for the past couple of years. You might recognize the South Sudanese model for her incredible Swarovski look at this year’s Met Ball — I, for one, have not stopped thinking about this specific picture for months.
After Alex’s win, many were quick to take to X to point out Anok’s noteworthy achievements as well. And this feeling was publicly shared by Anok herself.
The award result was met with a lot of responses from supporters of both models. Many social media users were quick to point out that there had been sentiment that Anok should have won the award in 2023 when she lost to another esteemed model, Paloma Elsesser.
While people were divided, many users acknowledged how both models deserved the win.
And on Monday night, Anok posted a picture of Kanye West on stage at the 2009 VMAs — when he interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech to declare that Beyoncé should’ve won instead — to her Instagram story. Users online were quick to infer that the model was making a point about being snubbed.
Shortly after, Anok took to X to clarify her stance. “Alex, I love you and I’m so proud of you,” she wrote. “British Fashion Council, thank you but I don’t want it anymore.”
She then followed the post up with another, saying, “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.”
Anok’s response immediately sparked a lot of discourse online, with some criticizing her reaction and accusing her of taking away from Alex’s moment.
However, others disagreed. “Yai can be upset at the institution, honoring her emotions while still being excited for Consani,” wrote Teen Vogue’s Aiyana Ishmael. “The dismissal of her feelings serves no one. For so long Black and brown women have been told to just be grateful to be in the room, especially when it comes to fashion.”
Alex — who has yet to publicly address Anok’s reaction — made a point to acknowledge those who paved the way for her in her acceptance speech.
“I can’t accept this award without thanking those who came before me, specifically the Black trans women who really fought for the space I’m in today,” said Alex. “Dominique Jackson, Connie Fleming, Aaron Rose Philip, and countless more who fought for the space that allowed me to flourish today.”
What do you think? I’m just happy that this discourse has sparked even more recognition for these beautiful ladies and their achievements — I can’t wait to see what’s next for them. LMK your thoughts in the comments.