Anok Yai is taking centre stage once again, this time as the latest cover star of Teen Vogue’s November issue. Nearly a decade after a photograph of her at Howard University’s homecoming went viral and launched her modelling career, Yai has grown into one of the most recognisable faces in the fashion industry.
Her career has been nothing short of remarkable. With five Met Gala appearances, numerous international Vogue covers and three Victoria’s Secret runway appearances, she has established herself among the leading models of her generation. She also made history as only the second Black model to open a Prada show, following in the footsteps of Naomi Campbell.
However, a health scare in December 2025 prompted the supermodel to rethink her priorities and approach to life and work. In her conversation with Teen Vogue, Yai opens up about the experience, finding greater clarity, her plans to explore acting and her decision to embrace quality over quantity as she considers the next chapter of her career.
