Since she was photographed at Howard University, Anok Yai has gone on to make fashion history and break barriers for models of colour
Last night, model Anok Yai made history at Prada's Fall 2018 show during Milan Fashion Week. The model was first discovered at the Howard homecoming and is now storming the runways of Milan and making fashion history along the way.
The 19-year-old became the second black model to ever open a Prada show. The first was Naomi Campbell back in 1997. Yes, it's been over two decades since a woman of colour opened a Prada runway.
Anok took to Instagram to thank Miuccia Prada, along with her team, for the opportunity, writing, "Can't believe I'm the first black woman to open for Prada since queen @iamnaomicampbell, forever grateful."
The model's monumental runway walk is especially incredible as she was just discovered late last year while attending Howard University’s homecoming. Weeks later, she signed with Next Models. And just one month ago, she made her runway debut at Prada's Menswear Fall 2018 show.
Prada made a point to ensure there was adequate representation at their shows by using a variety of models. Also making her debut with Prada was Nigerian model Eniola Abioro who is signed to Lagos' own Few Models Management.
Here's to celebrating a new generation of black models and to their continued global success!