Anok Yai Is The First Black Model To Walk For Prada In Decades
Now, here's a real-life Cinderella story.
Imagine being 19 years old and casually enjoying the festivities of Howard University's homecoming when a photographer snaps your pic, uploads it to Instagram, and BOOM - you've gone viral.
And land a modeling contract.
Well, that's exactly what happened to Anok Yai.
On top of all those blessings, there's another one. Anok Yai just made history by opening Prada's Fall 2018 show in Milan this past weekend. Yai's debut on the designer's catwalk makes her the first Black model to open a Prada show in over two decades.
And just last month, Anok Yai was also the first woman model to walk out for Prada's Men '18 line. Can you say killing it on both sides?
The last brown beauty to sashay down the designer's runway was none other than Naomi Campbell. Campbell walked the ceremony back in 1997, meaning Yai wasn't even born the last time a Black model opened a Prada show.
After Naomi's 90's debut, it would be 11 years until another model of color ever walked for Prada again (Jourdan Dunn was casted in 2008 but was not a show opener).
Back in October 2017, Anok was spotted at Howard University Yardfest, where photographer Steven Hall captured her photo at the end of the homecoming event. You can find that picture here.
Talk about saving the best for last.
Steve's photo of Anok quickly went viral on social media, and within a few weeks, the Plymouth State University student was signed to 'Next Model' agency. Fast forward, and in just a semester's worth of time, Anok has already graduated from student to supermodel, walking the runways of Milan Fashion Week years before she's even set to walk a graduation stage. Epic!
Since signing to 'Next,' Steve and Anok have kept in contact, with Anok often booking the photographer for her more intimate shoots.
Steve even took to Instagram back in November to reflect on his chance meeting with the student/model, revealing both of their lives have since changed since that day:
"Meeting Anok on the Yard during homecoming was serendipitous, literally one of the last faces l saw after being there for 5 hrs.
"That day has changed both of our paths and she's inspired me. Definitely wishing her well on her new journey, she's going to kill it. Also thank you to everyone that has supported us and continue to. The good vibes are felt. P.S. No one will ever have a problem pronouncing her name by next year."
Indeed we didn't, and indeed we won't.
Featured image by Kevin Tachman/Getty Images
A modest goddess who keeps it humble between mumbles. I'm a journalism graduate with a HERstory in digital media, print and radio. Roll the credits: Power 96, VH1, xoNecole, EBONY, SOHH. Deemed "Top 20 Women in Media" by Power 105. Bronx made me, Broward raised me.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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How A Stay At Switzerland's Luxurious 7132 Hotel Reminded Me To Live The Life I Deserve
Sometimes, as women—especially as single Black women—we simply need to be reminded that we are deserving of living a life we dream of. Even if that means creating it for ourselves. I recently set out on a weeklong trip to Switzerland, a trip I’ve been wanting to take for years, and near the end of my visit, I had an epiphany.
“DeAnna, this is the life you deserve,” I thought to myself as I took in the gorgeous bathroom in my suite at the famous 7132 Hotel and Thermal Spa. It was one of the most luxurious hotels (and bathrooms) I had ever stayed in—and that’s saying a lot for someone who often travels for work.
To help you better understand why this was such a mental awakening for me, I first need to give a bit of my backstory. I’m in my late thirties. I’m an attorneyand a journalist. I own a home and have traveled the world extensively. Essentially, I’ve done everything in life I set out to do. However, when it comes to dating, I struggle. Not because there is anything wrong with me per se, but because my career and “lifestyle” often create problems in my romantic relationships.
View from my hotel room
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I’ve been told everything from, ‘I can’t continue to date you because you seem to choose your career over wanting to settle down and have kids’ by a man after only the second date to ‘Maybe if you just sat down somewhere for a while, I’d actually wife you’ by someone who has honestly never proven themselves to be the settle down type. And these are only a handful of the things I’ve been told over the years.
It’s been frustrating, to say the least, and there have even been seasons where I purposely dimmed my light in hopes that my career wouldn’t push away potential suitors. I know what you’re thinking, “Girl, why would you even consider that? If they’re for you, it won’t matter what you do.” Hey, don’t judge me, but also, I one hundred percent agree.
My hotel bathroom
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That’s why this recent moment in Switzerland was right on time. When I first walked into the hotel to check in, I was blown away by the surrounding beauty. It was a five-star property with one of the world’s most famous thermal bathhouses. Yet, it was something about seeing that 90% of the hotel’s guests were couples, that forced me to sit back for a bit of introspection—while soaking in the thermal spa, of course.
As I went through the mental conversation, there was a battle of sorts. On one hand, I knew that being able to partake in experiences like the one I was having at that moment was important to me. I knew that, at times I actually love being able to dabble in the finer things—after all, I’ve worked hard to be able to afford them. On the other hand, and sadly, I knew that sometimes being a single Black woman that publicly showcases her “luxurious” habits can intimidate men and even scare them off from pursuing you under the guise of them feeling like they “can’t do anything for you, because you have everything.”
My hotel room
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So, what is a girl to do?
Do I minimize/hide the life and experiences that I have? Do I play down the hard work I’ve put in to get where I am professionally? Or, do I risk being single in exchange for being able to have said life, without backlash?
Luckily, the joy that I felt while being at this property won. There was something about taking a full day to simply pamper myself at the bathhouse and in my in-room steam shower and soaker tub, indulging in cuisine from a 2-star Michelin restaurant and doing all of this while surrounded by an amazing group of Black women that reminded me—this is certainly the life I was meant to live and that I deserve. Even if it means that right now, I’ll just have to provide it for myself until the right partner comes along. And honestly, I’m okay with that.
Restaurant at 7132 hotel
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