Anok Yai stands as one of the most influential black supermodels in fashion today, breaking barriers as a Prada runway model and Vogue magazine cover model. Born in Cairo, Egypt, this Sudanese-American model has transformed the luxury fashion runway scene with her striking beauty and powerful presence, representing South Sudanese heritage across global fashion events worldwide.
Her journey from a biochemistry student turned model to an award-winning runway model exemplifies modern success. With her refugee background upbringing in Manchester, New Hampshire, Anok has become a symbol of Black representation in fashion, working with top fashion houses and earning recognition as a Model of the Year winner while building an impressive supermodel net worth through various fashion campaigns and endorsements.
Biography & Early Life
Date of Birth
Anok Yai was born on December 20, 1997, making her a Sagittarius celebrity with natural charisma and star power.
Birth Details:
- Date: December 20, 1997
- Day: Saturday
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Current Age (2025): 27 years old
As of 2025, this Egyptian-American model continues dominating the international fashion model scene. At this young age, she’s already established herself among rising supermodels who are reshaping industry standards and inspiring the next generation.
Birthplace
Born in Cairo, Egypt, Anok is a true Cairo-born supermodel who relocated to the United States at age two.
Location Background:
- Birth City: Cairo, Egypt
- Childhood Home: Manchester, New Hampshire, USA
- Neighborhood: Elmwood Gardens projects
- Age at Immigration: 2 years old
This Cairo-born model carries her Egyptian roots proudly while embracing her American identity. Her birthplace adds to her unique story as an international modeling career icon representing multiple cultures across continents.
Real Name
Her real name is simply Anok Yai, though she’s affectionately called “Rock” on social media, reflecting her strong character.
Name Variations:
- Official Name: Anok Yai
- Nickname: Chocolate
- Social Media Alias: Rock
- Alternative: Anok Rock the Witch
The name Anok carries significant meaning within her South Sudanese refugee family, connecting her to ancestral roots. She occasionally refers to herself playfully on Instagram, showcasing her confident personality beyond modeling work.
Age
As of December 2025, Anok Yai is 27 years old, achieving what many models dream of before turning 30.
| Age Milestone | Details |
| Current Age | 27 years |
| Discovery Age | 19 years (2017) |
| Prada Opening Age | 20 years (2018) |
| Career Span | 8 years active |
This top contemporary model continues defying expectations, balancing her age with maturity and professionalism. Her youth combined with experience makes her a valuable high-fashion runway model for elite fashion brands collaborations seeking fresh perspectives.
Personal Identity & Unique Traits
Why They Are Unique
Anok Yai made history as the second Black model for Prada, opening their show after legendary Naomi Campbell decades earlier.
Historic Achievements:
- Second Black model to open Prada show
- Discovered through viral Howard University photo
- Instagram followers: 150 to 60,000 in one week
- Represents dark-skinned model representation globally
This Prada show opener achievement marked a pivotal moment in Black representation in fashion. Her modeling career breakthrough started with a viral photo taken at Howard University homecoming viral photo in 2017, forever changing her life trajectory.
Ethnicity & Background
This Sudanese descent model proudly represents her African heritage model background with grace and authenticity.
Ethnic Identity:
- Nationality: American, Egyptian, Sudanese
- Ethnicity: Afro-American
- Descent: South Sudanese
- Heritage: African heritage model
- Complexion: Black
Though born in Egypt, she’s ethnically South Sudanese by descent, making her an important figure in American Sudanese celebrity culture. Her Afro-American ethnicity combines multiple cultural influences into a unique identity.
Religion
Anok Yai practices Christianity and maintains her faith privately while navigating the demanding fashion industry.
- Raised in Christian background
- Maintains spiritual grounding
- Balances faith with fashion career
- Private about religious practices
Her faith provides spiritual grounding amid the fast-paced world of international fashion shows and constant travel. This aspect of her celebrity biographies 2025 profile adds depth to her public persona.
Nickname
Beyond her professional name, Anok goes by several nicknames that reflect her personality and appearance.
| Nickname | Meaning/Origin |
| Chocolate | Celebrates her beautiful dark skin |
| Rock | Represents strong, solid character |
| Anok Rock the Witch | Playful Instagram persona |
The nickname “Rock” particularly resonates with her personality—solid, reliable, and powerful. It’s become part of her brand identity, appearing frequently across her social media presence.
Trademarks
Her dark skin tone stands as her most recognizable trademark, celebrating natural beauty in the fashion industry.
Signature Features:
- Dark skin tone – Primary trademark
- Sharp eyes – Piercing gaze
- Curly hair – Natural texture
- Flexible thumb – Can bend backward completely
- Commanding presence – 5’10” stature
These physical characteristics combined with her confident walk define her signature look. Her flexible thumb trait is a unique party trick that fascinates fans and colleagues alike.
Physical Appearance
Height
Standing at 178 cm (5 feet 10 inches), Anok Yai possesses the ideal fashion model height for international runways.
Height Specifications:
- Metric: 178 cm
- Imperial: 5 feet 10 inches
- Industry Standard: Perfect for high fashion
- Runway Advantage: Commands attention naturally
Her height contributes significantly to her success in luxury fashion brand model work. She commands attention during runway shows for Dior, Chanel, Versace, where proportions matter immensely for haute couture.
Weight
Maintaining a healthy 54 kg (119 lbs), Anok keeps her slim body type through balanced lifestyle choices.
| Weight Details | Measurements |
| Weight (KG) | 54 kg |
| Weight (LBS) | 119 lbs |
| Body Type | Slim |
| Figure Type | Banana |
Unlike extreme dieting, she focuses on sustainable health practices including swimming and basketball activities. This model with athletic background approach ensures longevity in the demanding high-fashion campaigns world.
Eye Color
Her captivating brown eyes are expressive and soulful, often the focal point in editorial photography.
- Color: Rich brown
- Expression: Soulful and piercing
- Photography Appeal: Highly photogenic
- Campaign Focus: Featured in Estée Lauder spokesmodel work
These brown eyes model features photograph beautifully, conveying emotion and depth. They’re particularly striking against her dark complexion, enhancing her overall appeal in beauty advertising campaigns.
Hair Color
Sporting natural dark brown hair, Anok embraces her curly hair texture with pride and confidence.
Hair Characteristics:
- Natural Color: Dark brown
- Texture: Curly/natural
- Styling: Versatile (curls to sleek)
- Industry Impact: Challenges beauty standards
Her curly hair supermodel aesthetic inspires women worldwide to love their natural textures. This versatility makes her perfect for diverse high-fashion editorials requiring different aesthetic presentations.
Body Measurements
Her figure measures 30-23-34 inches (bust-waist-hips), creating elegant proportions ideal for haute couture.
| Measurement | Size |
| Bust | 30 inches |
| Waist | 23 inches |
| Hips | 34 inches |
| Bra Size | 30B |
| Dress Size | 2 (US) |
| Shoe Size | 10 US / 40 EU |
These model measurements combined with her proportions fit sample sizes used by luxury designers perfectly. Her measurements showcase natural beauty without conforming to unrealistic expectations.
Family & Relationships
Parents
Anok Yai’s father, Kenyang Yai, works as an employee with Easterseals, supporting people with disabilities throughout his career.
Parents’ Information:
- Father: Kenyang Yai (Easterseals employee)
- Mother: Licensed nursing assistant
- Family Size: 6 children total
- Residence History: Cairo to Manchester, NH
Her mother serves as a licensed nursing assistant, demonstrating strong work ethic. This Yai family background shaped Anok’s grounded personality despite achieving international fame and success.
Siblings
Anok has four sisters and one brother, totaling six children in the family of six siblings.
Yai Siblings:
- Alim Yai – Sister, manager, financial consultant
- Thiik Yai – Brother
- Angong Yai – Sister (twin with Athel)
- Athel Yai – Sister (twin with Angong)
- Additional unnamed sibling
Her sister Alim Yai serves as her manager and founded Yai & Co. Wealth Management in Manchester, handling Anok’s finances professionally and protecting her interests.
Husband / Partner
Anok Yai is in a relationship with fellow model Alton Mason, creating one of fashion’s most glamorous couples.
| Relationship Status | Details |
| Partner | Alton Mason |
| Profession | Fashion model |
| Relationship Type | Dating |
| Public Appearances | On and off runway |
The Alton Mason relationship has been spotted both on fashion runways and private occasions. They support each other professionally while maintaining privacy about their personal lives despite public interest.
Children
Currently, Anok Yai has no children, focusing on her thriving international modeling career and educational pursuits.
- Current Children: None
- Future Plans: Desires children and grandchildren
- Priority Focus: Career and education
- Career Stage: Building foundation first
As an aspiring medical doctor, she’s strategically planning her future before expanding her family. Her focus remains on completing biochemistry studies and establishing long-term career success.
Relatives
Her brother-in-law Sam Quinta is married into the family, and relative Marach Yai is part of her extended family network.
Extended Family:
- Brother-in-Law: Sam Quinta
- Relative: Marach Yai
- Family Pet: Draco (German Shepherd dog)
- Family Bond: Close-knit support system
The Yai family remains close-knit despite Anok’s demanding schedule. They celebrate her achievements while keeping her grounded, often appearing in her social media posts.
Education
Schooling
Anok Yai attended Bakersville School during her elementary years alongside her sister and siblings.
Early Education:
- Elementary School: Bakersville School
- Attended With: Sister Alim
- Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
- Foundation: Strong academic start
This early education foundation provided structure before her family’s transition through different educational institutions. Her early schooling experience shaped her work ethic and discipline essential for future success.
High School
She graduated from Manchester High School West, a public high school where she excelled both academically and athletically.
| High School Details | Information |
| School Name | Manchester High School West |
| Type | Public high school |
| Location | Manchester, New Hampshire |
| Activities | Basketball team leader |
| Achievement | Led team despite junior year injury |
This model with athletic background experience taught perseverance essential for competitive fashion industry challenges. Despite suffering injuries, she demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities throughout her high school years.
University
Anok Yai enrolled at Plymouth State University (PSU), pursuing a degree in biochemistry while building modeling career.
University Education:
- Institution: Plymouth State University (PSU)
- Type: Public university
- Student Body: Over 4,000 undergraduates
- Major: Biochemistry
- Career Goal: Medical doctor
This biochemistry student turned model balances rigorous science studies with international fashion commitments. Her education goals reflect ambitions beyond modeling, planning eventual career as aspiring medical doctor after fashion success.
Qualifications
Her educational qualifications showcase dedication to academics despite demanding modeling schedule and international commitments.
Complete Education Timeline:
- Elementary: Bakersville School
- Middle School: Parkside Middle School
- High School: Manchester High School West (Graduate)
- University: Plymouth State University (Biochemistry – In Progress)
- Career Interest: Medicine and healthcare
She’s demonstrated commitment to STEM education supporter values, encouraging young girls toward science careers. Her academic pursuit inspires fans that beauty and intelligence coexist successfully.
Career Overview
Early Career
Anok’s early career began unexpectedly in 2017 during Howard University’s homecoming week festivities in Washington, D.C.
Career Origin Story:
- Year: 2017
- Location: Howard University homecoming
- Photographer: Steve Hall (SUNK Creative)
- Outfit: Blue jean shorts, black top
- Result: Viral Instagram sensation
Photographer Steve Hall noticed her striking features and requested photos. The image went viral among fashion enthusiasts, leading to IMG Models scouting and offers from White Cross Management and Next Model Management.
Rise to Fame
Within one week of the viral photo, Anok’s life transformed completely as fashion industry giants competed for representation.
| Rise Timeline | Achievement |
| Week 1 | Instagram: 150 to 60,000 followers |
| 2017 | Signed with Next Model Management |
| 2018 | Opened Prada show (historic moment) |
| 2018 | Became Estée Lauder spokesmodel |
Her modeling career breakthrough 2017 represents modern discovery through social media. The Howard University homecoming viral photo became one of fashion’s most famous discovery stories, proving talent can be found anywhere.
Major Achievements
Anok Yai has accumulated impressive achievements establishing her as a top contemporary model in the industry.
Career Highlights:
- Second Black model to open Prada show
- Estée Lauder spokesmodel (July 2018)
- Listed in Top 50 models by Models.com
- Model of the Year winner recognition
- British Fashion Council awards recipient
- Opened shows for multiple elite fashion brands collaborations
She ranks highly across multiple metrics: #1 by number of campaigns, #3 by magazine covers, and maintains massive social media following globally.
Breakthrough Moments
Several pivotal moments defined Anok’s trajectory from student to international fashion model superstar status.
Key Breakthrough Events:
- 2017: Viral Howard University photo discovery
- 2018: Historic Prada runway opening
- 2018: Estée Lauder contract signing
- 2019: Multiple Vogue cover appearances
- 2020-2025: Consistent high-fashion campaigns bookings
Each milestone reinforced her position in luxury fashion runway hierarchy. Her Prada show opener moment particularly resonated, representing progress in Black representation in fashion after decades.
Movies, Shows & Fashion Work
Best Movies
Anok Yai primarily focuses on modeling rather than acting, with no major film appearances to date currently.
- Film Career: Not applicable
- Focus: Fashion and runway modeling
- Media Appearances: Fashion documentaries and features
- Future Potential: Open to opportunities
While she hasn’t pursued acting, her striking presence and expressive capabilities could translate well to screen. Her current priority remains high-fashion runway model work and completing her biochemistry degree.
Runway Shows
Anok has walked for virtually every major luxury fashion brand model house, establishing herself among elite runway models.
Major Runway Shows:
- Prada – Historic show opener
- Chanel – Multiple seasons
- Dior – Regular appearances
- Versace – Campaign and shows
- Saint Laurent – Runway and campaigns
- Tom Ford – Exclusive bookings
- Givenchy – Nike fashion campaign collaboration
- Burberry – Shows and advertising
- Valentino – International runways
- Marc Jacobs – New York Fashion Week
- Alexander McQueen – London shows
- Bottega Veneta – Milan presentations
Her runway shows for Dior, Chanel, Versace represent pinnacle achievements. She’s become a high-fashion runway model staple at global fashion events worldwide each season.
Magazine Covers
As a Vogue magazine cover model, Anok has graced covers of the world’s most prestigious fashion publications.
| Magazine | Editions/Features |
| Vogue | Japan, Brazil, American, British, Italian, Korea |
| Harper’s Bazaar | U.S. edition featured |
| CR Fashion Book | Multiple editorials |
| Another Magazine | Cover feature |
| Dazed Magazine | Editorial spreads |
| Dust Magazine | Cover appearance |
| Garage Magazine | Fashion features |
| V Magazine | Cover and interviews |
| W Magazine | Editorial content |
| i-D Magazine | high-fashion editorials |
Her fashion magazine covers showcase versatility across editorial styles. The Harper’s Bazaar features and CR Fashion Book editorial work demonstrate her range beyond runway modeling.
Advertising Campaigns
Anok’s advertising portfolio includes campaigns for the world’s most prestigious luxury fashion brand model houses globally.
Major Advertising Campaigns:
- Estée Lauder – Spokesmodel and beauty campaigns
- Saint Laurent – Saint Laurent campaigns (multiple seasons)
- Prada – Print and digital advertising
- Versace – Global campaign model
- Tom Ford – Beauty and fashion
- Nike – Nike fashion campaign with Givenchy designer
- Burberry – Balenciaga / Burberry campaigns
- Max Mara – Seasonal advertising
- Fendi – Luxury campaign work
- Alexander Wang – Brand campaigns
- H&M – Accessible fashion collaboration
These global advertising campaigns solidify her status among top fashion houses preferred models. Her modeling agencies and contracts negotiations have secured lucrative fashion campaigns and endorsements deals.
Net Worth & Assets
Net Worth
Anok Yai’s estimated supermodel net worth ranges between $1 million to $10 million as of 2025.
Income Sources:
- Runway shows – Major fashion weeks globally
- Advertising campaigns – Luxury brand contracts
- Magazine editorials – High-profile publications
- Spokesmodel deals – Estée Lauder partnership
- Social media – Sponsored content and partnerships
Her wealth continues growing through consistent modeling agencies and contracts work. As one of the most sought-after rising supermodels, her earning potential increases annually with each successful campaign.
Cars
Information about Anok Yai’s car collection remains private, as she maintains discretion about personal assets.
| Asset Type | Status |
| Car Collection | Not publicly disclosed |
| Vehicle Preferences | Unknown |
| Transportation | Private information |
Like many celebrities, she keeps luxury purchases confidential. Her focus remains on career achievements rather than displaying material wealth publicly through social media or interviews.
Mansions
Details about Anok Yai’s real estate holdings are not publicly available, maintaining her privacy standards.
- Current Residence: New York, United States
- Property Details: Not disclosed
- Real Estate: Private information
- Lifestyle: Low-key despite fame
She resides in New York for convenient access to fashion industry headquarters. While successful enough to afford luxury properties, she maintains modest public image consistent with her grounded personality.
Lifestyle, Favorites & Hobbies
Favorite Foods
Anok Yai enjoys classic American comfort foods despite her model physique and demanding career schedule.
Food Preferences:
- Cheeseburger – Top favorite meal
- French fries – Preferred side dish
- Pickles – Enjoys as snack
- Balanced diet with occasional indulgences
Her favorite foods cheeseburger, fries choices show she maintains healthy relationship with food. Unlike stereotypical model diets, she believes in moderation and enjoying life while maintaining professional standards.
Hobbies
Beyond modeling, Anok Yai pursues various activities reflecting her dynamic personality and diverse interests beyond fashion.
| Hobby | Details |
| Swimming | loves swimming and music |
| Singing | Passionate about vocals |
| Music | Listening and appreciation |
| Basketball | Former basketball team leader |
| Bingo | Enjoys playing casually |
Her hobbies singing and basketball background demonstrates athletic and artistic versatility. These activities provide balance against the demanding international modeling career schedule requiring constant travel.
Favorite Colors
Anok Yai gravitates toward bold, striking colors that complement her dark skin tone beauty and fashion sensibilities.
Color Preferences:
- Black – Primary favorite
- Red – Secondary preference
- Both colors suit her complexion perfectly
- prefers black and red colors in personal style
These favorite colors choices reflect sophistication and confidence. Black and red appear frequently in her personal wardrobe and social media posts, showcasing her style preferences.
Sports Activity
As a former high school athlete, Anok Yai maintains strong connection to basketball throughout her life.
Athletic Background:
- Primary Sport: Basketball
- Position: Team leader
- Achievement: Led team despite junior year injury
- Current Activity: Recreational swimming
- Athletic Influence: Shapes work ethic
Her basketball experience taught discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These qualities translated directly into modeling success, where professionalism and perseverance determine longevity in competitive industry.
Social Media Presence
Anok Yai maintains active Instagram presence where she connects with millions of fans and industry professionals worldwide.
Instagram Details:
- Handle: @anokyai
- Followers: Millions (grew from 150 in 2017)
- Content: Fashion shoots, personal moments, advocacy
- Engagement: High interaction with followers
- Influence: Major platform for Black representation in fashion
Her Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes fashion content, personal life glimpses, and messages about self-love and confidence. She uses the platform to inspire young dark-skinned women globally.
Anok Yai also engages with followers through Twitter, sharing thoughts and connecting with fashion community members.
| Platform | Details |
| Platform | Twitter/X |
| Content Type | Industry insights, personal thoughts |
| Audience | Fashion enthusiasts, supporters |
| Activity Level | Regular updates |
Her Twitter profile provides another avenue for promoting diversity in fashion and sharing career updates. She maintains authentic voice across all social platforms.
Other Platforms
Beyond Instagram and Twitter, Anok Yai’s digital presence extends across multiple platforms for maximum reach.
- LinkedIn: Professional networking
- TikTok: Emerging presence
- Facebook: Limited activity
- YouTube: Featured in fashion content
While Instagram remains primary platform, she adapts to new social media trends. Her digital strategy supports career while maintaining advocate for self-love and confidence messaging.
Additional Information
Facts & Trivia
Anok Yai has numerous fascinating facts that reveal her personality beyond the international fashion model persona she presents.
Interesting Facts:
- Watched “America’s Next Top Model” as child
- Flexible thumb – Can bend completely backward
- Night owl personality – Prefers staying awake late
- Dog lover – Family owns German Shepherd named Draco
- Originally discovered by chance, not actively seeking modeling
- Ranks #1 by campaign count on Models.com
- Naomi Campbell inspiration – Saw her at Victoria’s Secret 2003
- Discovered at 19 years old at Howard University
- Follower count exploded from 150 to 60,000 in one week
- Balances biochemistry studies with modeling career
Her flexible thumb trait fascinates fans and colleagues. As a night owl, she thrives during late hours, perfect for international time zones and fashion industry schedules.
Quotes
Anok Yai shares powerful messages about representation, beauty standards, and empowerment throughout her career journey.
Inspiring Quotes:
On Representation:
“Me opening for one of the top fashion houses is a statement to the world – especially for black women, that their beauty is something that deserves to be celebrated.”
On Career Backup:
“Being a model is not like a stable job. If modeling doesn’t work out, I’ll just get my degree.”
On Dreams:
“I have always thought about modeling. It is a dream that I have wanted for a long time but always pushed to the side because of self doubt & distractions from school.”
On Naomi Campbell:
“I saw that she was dark-skinned, and I saw how powerful she was and how successful her career had been, and it just inspired me to want to be like her.”
On Representation:
“I feel like I’m representing all the women of color who don’t see themselves often portrayed or appreciated in the media.”
On Beauty Standards:
“I could never get the right shade in the past, in an average store. But black is a very broad spectrum [by itself]. We can show the world that there is more than one standard of beauty.”
On STEM Education:
“Women are not always raised to be as great as they can possibly be. I definitely want girls to be looking into STEM programs.”
On Self-Love:
“I was insecure about my skin because I looked up to people in the media. I want to be a role model for young dark skinned girls, I want to bring to light ideas of self-love & self-confidence.”
These quotes demonstrate her role as role model for young girls and commitment to breaking beauty standards in fashion industry.
Contact / Talent Agent
For professional inquiries, Anok Yai is represented by Next Model Management, one of the industry’s leading agencies.
| Contact Information | Details |
| Agency | Next Model Management |
| Type | Talent representation |
| Services | Booking, contracts, negotiations |
| Professional Contact | Through agency only |
Next Model Management handles all her modeling agencies and contracts negotiations, bookings, and professional communications. They’ve guided her career since the viral discovery, securing prestigious elite fashion brands collaborations opportunities.
Conclusion
Anok Yai represents a new generation of supermodels who combine beauty, intelligence, and purpose in their careers. From her unexpected discovery at Howard University to becoming the second Black model for Prada, she’s broken barriers while maintaining focus on education. Her biochemistry student background proves that modeling and academics can coexist successfully, inspiring countless young women.
As a Sudanese-American model with South Sudanese heritage, Anok continues championing Black representation in fashion through every runway walk and campaign. Her journey from Cairo-born model to international fashion model icon demonstrates that authenticity, hard work, and staying true to one’s roots create lasting impact. With millions inspired by her advocacy for self-love and confidence, Anok Yai’s legacy extends far beyond fashion.
