Anok Yai’s Best Street Style Moments
Supermodel Anok Yai balances Y2K’s whimsicality with modern refinement in her on-the-go fashion.
Since Anok Yai was discovered by a professional photographer less than seven years ago at a university homecoming, she has become invincible. At only 26 years old, Yai has already garnered the influence and accomplishments of a seasoned veteran. The South Sudanese supermodel has an illustrious portfolio whose hallmarks include an Estée Lauder ambassadorship, multiple Met Gala appearances, Marc Jacobs, Khaite, and Acne Studios campaigns, and American Vogue and British Vogue covers. As the first black model to open the Prada show since Naomi Campbell, she has become a crusader for diversity in the fashion industry. Yai has learned to harness her voice to stand her ground and advocate for a more inclusive work environment, supporting other black creatives whose visions correspond with hers. Not only does she know how to command the attention of a room with her masterful runway walk and pure grit, but she also makes her indomitability known through her style on the street.
Yai is at the vanguard of the individualistic, edgy chic style that captures the essence of New York City, sporting a kaleidoscope of tones and textures in her everyday ensembles. She has skillfully perfected the art of day-to-night dressing. Yai embraces the summer heat by injecting color into her daytime attire, sporting highly saturated silhouettes that coordinate with warm weather festivities like foraging for the perfect flower bouquet. Meanwhile, she will seamlessly transition into darker tones with shiny embellishments for late-night rendezvous.
The barrier-breaking model has fun with her fashion choices, whether playing with eccentric pieces or dipping her toes into the stylish nostalgia of early aughts trends. She exudes natural elegance by wearing 2000s staples such as low-waisted pants, mini shoulder bags, corset tops, bra tops, and micro mini skirts. Often, Yai will pair these pieces with an avant-garde pair of sunglasses or spiral-strap high-heeled sandals for a more contemporary feel. She also revels in eye-catching metals, breaking up neutrals with a sharp pop of gold in belt or necklace form.
Yai doesn’t shy away from being adventurous with her clothing. Some of her most iconic sartorial risks include pairing long, deconstructed linen sleeves with bikini bottoms to capture a dystopian spirit while imbuing a grungy, Y2K club essence. She has also ventured into outlandish territory by mixing a simple bra top and micro skirt with large fur boots that belong in the snowy peaks of Siberia.
Yai is proving to be a game-changer through her effortlessly cool off-duty style. With innate style prowess and distinct self-confidence that shines through among all her looks, she is an inspiration to fellow fashion enthusiasts. Below, join L’OFFICIEL in relishing the most jaw-dropping city wear looks from Anok Yai.
