Fashion and Beauty 4th December 2024 by Stellar Magazine

What’s Going On With The Model Of The Year Drama?

Alex Consani made history with the win!

 

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The British Fashion Awards took place this week, and the spotlight was firmly on the coveted Model of the Year category. Alex Consani made history by winning the award, becoming the first transgender model to claim the title. However, the moment was not without drama. Fellow nominee and runner-up Anok Yai, who has now been nominated three years in a row, stirred up some controversy on Instagram following the announcement of the award.

Midway through the ceremony, Anok posted a cryptic Instagram Story featuring an image of Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift at the Grammys—a nod to his infamous claim that Beyoncé deserved the award instead. The implication? Anok might see herself as the Beyoncé and Alex as Taylor in this scenario, subtly suggesting she was more deserving of the award. The story post was later deleted.

The post has sparked conversations online, with fans dissecting the thinly veiled shade and speculating about tensions within the modelling world.

Alex has had a remarkable year in the fashion industry, firmly establishing herself as a rising supermodel. Her vibrant personality and dynamic online presence have been key factors in earning her this status. Reflected in her impressive 3.9 million TikTok followers and 1.5 million Instagram followers, Alex has demonstrated how social media can accelerate a career in fashion, solidifying her place in the spotlight.

However, Anok Yai, a seasoned runway icon, has been dominating the fashion scene for much longer and boasts three prior nominations. Her frustration is, therefore, understandable. Was the Story post necessary, especially considering Alex and Anok are industry friends? Not particularly.

We are immensely proud of Miss Consani for her groundbreaking win, marking an extraordinary moment as the first trans woman to receive this award and the first transgender model ever nominated for Model of the Year. Alex accepted the honour with grace and gratitude, paying tribute to the trailblazing women who paved the way for her place in the fashion industry.

In her heartfelt speech, she remarked, “I can’t accept this award without thanking those who came before me, particularly the Black trans women who fought tirelessly for the space I’m in today—Dominique Jackson, Connie Fleming, Aaron Rose Philip, and countless others who enabled me to flourish in this industry.”

@meyechelgossips #alexconsani #trans #anokyai #models #thefashionawards #modeloftheyear ♬ original sound – meyechelgossips

Alex made a bold statement at the show, dazzling in a striking Dilara Findikoglu mini dress draped with a distressed Union Jack flag —a perfect nod to the evening’s celebration of British fashion.

Meanwhile, Anok Yai captivated in a stunning archival John Galliano ensemble, famously worn by Naomi Campbell during one of his early runway shows, 

 

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Some Irish women in attendance at the awards were Laura Whitmore wearing a dramatic gown and headpiece by designer Graham Cruz.

 

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Galway actress and Derry girls star Nicola Coughlin made a stunning appearance in this regal baby blue and black gown designed by Gaurav Gupta.

 

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Our Northern Irish influencer and newly established fashion icon Olivia Neil wore this vampy floor length lace black gown.

Words by Cillian Murphy