The model of South Sudanese descent was first scouted after a photo of her at a university homecoming went viral. Initially, Yai had planned to attend medical school to become a surgeon, but the universe had different plans. She was flown out to New York and signed with Next Model Management. In the span of months, she opened for Prada, and the rest is history.

Anok Yai’s “Vetements Bride”

Closing out the Vetements Spring 2025 show, Anok Yai took centre stage as the coveted “Vetements Bride.” But as she made her way down the runway, an unexpected mishap occurred—the heel of her shoe snagged on her dress. What could have been a runway disaster quickly transformed into an unforgettable moment. Yai leaned into the chaos, turning the accident into an impromptu performance as she sprinted off the runway, embodying the character of a “runaway bride.”

Closing the Mugler Show

Casey Cadwallader, the creative director of Mugler, took inspiration from jellyfish and octopus for his Spring/Summer 2024 collection. To close the show, Yai wore a corseted mini dress that had tulle accents that covered her face and flew behind her. The entire look, though simple, was breathtaking as the fabric came to life while she glided down the runway.

Versace Spring/Summer 2025

At the Versace Spring 2025 show, Anok Yai dazzled in a jaw-dropping dress crafted from thousands of olive-green metallic squares, creating a shimmering, disco ball-like effect. The striking design was the undeniable centrepiece of the look. Styled with sleek, pin-straight black hair, a minimalist black clutch, and classic black heels, Yai’s accessories were kept understated, allowing the dress to take centre stage. It was a perfect representation of Versace’s daring and glamorous aesthetic.