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Representation matters. Now that it’s Milan Fashion Week, we’re always on the lookout for which models are being featured in shows and what they’re wearing. Fashion Week is always an opportunity for brands to not just set the latest style trends but to be inclusive in who they decide will walk in their show.
Italian fashion house Prada just made waves by choosing model Anok Yai as their opener. Anok is the second black model to have opened a show for the luxury brand, the first being Naomi Campbell in 1997. And it’s been 21 years too long.
N ° 1 — @anok_yai wears opening look for @Prada Fall / Winter 2018. #PradaFW18 #NextFall2018 #AnokYai pic.twitter.com/dYfxT3RUxR
— Next Models (@NextModels) February 22, 2018
It’s always a significant honor for a model to either open or close a runway show. The opener is the first one you see, and naturally, they set the tone for the show. The closer is the last model you see, and they’re the ones leaving you wanting more and feeling impressed with the collection. Kaia Gerber, daughter of veteran model Cindy Crawford, has been a familiar face as she’s been both opening and closing shows.
How did Anok get her start exactly? Well, it was sort of an accident for the Sudanese beauty. According to the Washington Post, Anok was celebrating Homecoming at Howard University when she was caught off guard by a photographer. The photo that was captured caught the attention of dozens of modeling agencies. While she’s said she’s not a fan of how she looks in the pic, it’s apparent that she was born to do this.
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While it may look like a plandid, it was definitely a candid. Anok was just a student a few months ago, and with her raw talent, she’s making her way to the top of the modeling industry.
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In her Instagram post, Anok wrote, “This is something that I’d only dream of. Thank you, Ms. Prada…and the Next team for giving the little girl from Manch a chance. Can’t believe I’m the first black woman to open for Prada since queen @iamnaomicampbell, forever grateful…”
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This isn’t Anok’s first time walking for Prada either. Last month, in a unisex show for Prada’s menswear, Anok was the first female model to step out after the first segment of male models. You might also be seeing her at airports as she’s sporting Prada’s eyewear on billboards.
If this is only the beginning for Anok, there’s no telling what’s to come.
