Alex Consani And Anok Yai Mannequin Award Controversy

Nonetheless, her win has sparked discourse on-line after fellow mannequin Anok Yai took to social media to precise her frustration.

For context, Alex Consani is a 21-year-old supermodel and influencer who first rose to fame via her hilarious on-line content material beneath the username @captaincroook on TikTok. She’s recognized for her bleached blonde hair and brows, and it’s plain that this yr, she’s been completely having a second.

In October, Alex made historical past as one of many first out trans ladies to stroll the runway on the Victoria’s Secret Vogue Present. From gracing journal covers to starring in music movies, she’s been unimaginable to overlook within the trend world this yr.

After taking residence the coveted Mannequin of the Yr award on the Vogue Awards on Monday, Alex thanked the British Vogue Council on Instagram, excitedly captioning her publish: “IM SCREAMING I J WON MODEL OF YHE YEAR.”

Nonetheless, whereas many on-line congratulated Alex for her historic win, others identified that others could have deserved the award — specifically, famend supermodel Anok Yai.

Anok has additionally been making headlines for the previous couple of years. You may acknowledge the South Sudanese mannequin for her unimaginable Swarovski have a look at this yr’s Met Ball — I, for one, haven’t stopped fascinated by this particular image for months.

After Alex’s win, many had been fast to take to X to level out Anok’s noteworthy achievements as effectively. And this sense was publicly shared by Anok herself.

The award end result was met with lots of responses from supporters of each fashions. Many social media customers had been fast to level out that there had been sentiment that Anok ought to have gained the award in 2023 when she misplaced to a different esteemed mannequin, Paloma Elsesser.

Whereas individuals had been divided, many customers acknowledged how each fashions deserved the win.

And on Monday evening, Anok posted an image of Kanye West on stage on the 2009 VMAs — when he interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech to declare that Beyoncé ought to’ve gained as a substitute — to her Instagram story. Customers on-line had been fast to deduce that the mannequin was making some extent about being snubbed.

Shortly after, Anok took to X to make clear her stance. “Alex, I like you and I’m so happy with you,” she wrote. “British Vogue Council, thanks however I don’t need it anymore.”

She then adopted the publish up with one other, saying, “If in case you have seen the hassle that I’ve seen Alex put in; you’ll perceive how proud I’m of her. However Alex could be proud and I could be exhausted on the similar time. It doesn’t take away how a lot love we have now for one another.”

Anok’s response instantly sparked lots of discourse on-line, with some criticizing her response and accusing her of taking away from Alex’s second.

Nonetheless, others disagreed. “Yai could be upset on the establishment, honoring her feelings whereas nonetheless being excited for Consani,” wrote Teen Vogue’s Aiyana Ishmael. “The dismissal of her emotions serves nobody. For thus lengthy Black and brown ladies have been advised to only be grateful to be within the room, particularly on the subject of trend.”

Alex — who has but to publicly deal with Anok’s response — made some extent to acknowledge those that paved the way in which for her in her acceptance speech.

“I can’t settle for this award with out thanking those that got here earlier than me, particularly the Black trans ladies who actually fought for the house I’m in at this time,” stated Alex. “Dominique Jackson, Connie Fleming, Aaron Rose Philip, and numerous extra who fought for the house that allowed me to flourish at this time.”