Anok Yai won Model of the Year at the 2025 Fashion Awards

In a press release, she said: "Being named Model of the Year is such an honour.

"M journey rom Egypt to South Sudan to the US is one of resilience and community.

"his recognition is for everyone who's ever seen their story in mine. Thank you for celebrating us."

Yai has been open in the past about the racism she faced "growing up dark-skinned in New Hampshire".

She previously told Elle magazine: "There was a lot of racism. A lot of kids made fun of me for my skin colour.

"I was the kid in the corner who didn't talk to anybody.

"I never really had a set friend group. I was more of a floater. I was always on the outside looking in."

She always strived "for bigger things than the small town" she grew up in, and she has been able to "feel comfortable with my separation from my peers".

Elsewhere at the ceremony, Dior dominated proceedings as Jonathan Anderson won the Designer of the Year prize for the third year in a row.

Meanwhile, Delphine Arnault was honoured with a Special Recognition award acknowledging her "exceptional contribution" to the fashion industry, as well as a longstanding commitment to championing emerging talent".

Guests at the event - which was hosted by Colman Domingo and sponsored by Pandora - included the likes of Sharon Stone, Gwendoline Christie, Sienna Miller, Mick Jagger, Cate Blanchett and Rita Ora.

British Womenswear Designer went to Givenchy creative director Sarah Burton, Grace Wales Bonner won the British Menswear Designer prize, and the Vanguard award went to Dilara Findikoglu.