Anok Yai is a Sudanese-American fashion model who moved from college student to one of the most recognised faces in fashion.

Her career began in an unusual way. In 2017 a photographer captured Anok Yai’s picture during Howard University’s homecoming in Washington, D.C. The picture spread quickly on Instagram. Modeling agencies soon reached out to her.

Image Courtesy: Instagram /@anokyai

Within a month she signed with Next Model Management and opened a Prada show in Milan. She became the Sudanese model to open a Prada show and the second Black model to do so after Naomi Campbell in 1997.

Since then Anok Yai has worked in fashion shows, magazine covers and campaigns for brands like Estée Lauder, Nike, Tiffany & Co. Versace, Mugler and Saint Laurent. In 2025 She received the Model of the Year award at the Fashion Awards.

Anok Yai’s career has also made people curious about how much  net worth, modelling earnings and sources of income .

Overview Table

Category	Details
Full Name	Anok Yai
Date of Birth	December 20, 1997
Birthplace	Cairo, Egypt
Nationality	American
Profession	Fashion Model
Known For	Prada, Vogue, Estée Lauder and major fashion campaigns
Estimated Net Worth	Around $5 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth
Main Income Sources	Modelling, fashion campaigns and brand work

 

 Net Worth

Anok Yai’s exact net worth isn’t publicly confirmed. Celebrity Net Worth estimates it at around $5 million. This should be treated as an estimate rather than an official figure. Different websites have published numbers, which shows why online celebrity wealth figures need to be taken carefully.

Most of her income comes from modelling. Her work includes runway appearances, fashion campaigns, magazine shoots and beauty campaigns.

She has worked with brands such as Estée Lauder, Prada, Nike, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. And Mugler. These types of projects can form a part of a high-fashion model’s earnings although individual contract amounts are generally private.

Modeling Career

Image Courtesy: Instagram /@anokyai

Yai’s entry into modelling was quite unexpected. While studying at Howard University in 2017 she attended a homecoming event where photographer Steve Hall took her picture. He posted it on Instagram. The image quickly attracted attention from modelling agencies.

She later signed with Next Model Management. Her breakthrough came after she opened Prada’s runway show in 2018. This made her the second Black model to open a Prada show after Naomi Campbell and the first Sudanese model to do so.

After that her career expanded across fashion houses. She has walked for brands including Versace, Burberry, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Mugler and Saint Laurent. Her magazine work has also included editions of Vogue, W and Elle.

Career Earnings

Image Courtesy: Instagram /@anokyai

There is no public record showing exactly how much Anok Yai earns per year. Modelling income can change from one year to another because models are usually paid differently for runway shows, advertising campaigns, magazine work and other assignments.

Her growing list of fashion campaigns has given her sources of professional income. In 2018 she became an Estée Lauder spokesmodel. She has since appeared in campaigns connected with brands including Alexander McQueen, Versace, Ambush, Tiffany & Co. And Yves Saint Laurent.

Because the terms of these contracts aren’t public it’s better not to attach an annual salary to Anok Yai’s career without a reliable source.

Brand Campaigns and Endorsements

Image Courtesy: Instagram /@anokyai

Brand campaigns have been a part of Anok Yai’s modelling career. Her work with Estée Lauder is one of the known examples. The beauty company introduced her as a spokesmodel in 2018. Later featured her in its campaigns.

She has also appeared in advertising campaigns for Nike, Tiffany & Co. Versace, Alexander McQueen, Ambush and Yves Saint Laurent. In 2024 she became associated with Mugler’s Alien Hypersense fragrance campaign.

The exact amount she receives from each brand deal isn’t publicly available. So while these campaigns are clearly part of Anok Yai’s work there isn’t enough reliable information to calculate her endorsement income separately.

Achievements

One of Anok Yai’s career achievements came early. In 2018 she became the Black model to open a Prada show following Naomi Campbell. The moment received attention because no Black model had opened a Prada show since Naomi Campbell.

Her career has since included runway shows, fashion campaigns and magazine covers. She has appeared on the covers of Vogue editions and was featured on the cover of W magazine in 2022.

In 2025 the British Fashion Council named Anok Yai Model of the Year at the Fashion Awards, another recognition in Anok Yai’s modelling career.

Lifestyle

Anok Yai has spoken openly about fashion and art in interviews. She doesn’t share every part of her personal life publicly. She has described herself as someone who enjoys experimenting with clothes and creating looks.

She also has an interest in art. Taught herself oil painting. In interviews she has talked about using painting as a way to express herself.

Her lifestyle is closely connected with fashion because of her career. There isn’t enough reliable public information about Anok Yai’s private spending, property or personal assets to give exact figures.

FAQs

What is Anok Yais worth?

Anok Yai’s net worth is estimated by Celebrity Net Worth at about $5 million. This figure is not officially confirmed. Other websites give estimates.

How did Anok Yai become a model?

Anok Yai’s modelling career started after photographer Steve Hall took Anok Yai’s picture at Howard University homecoming in 2017. Anok Yai’s photo was posted online. Caught the eye of modelling agencies.

What is she famous for?

Anok Yai is especially known for being the Black model to open a Prada show after Naomi Campbell. Anok Yai has also worked with major fashion and beauty brands.

Which brands has Anok Yai worked with?

Anok Yai has worked with Prada, Estée Lauder, Versace, Nike, Louis Vuitton, Mugler, Tiffany & Co. Alexander McQueen and Yves Saint Laurent among others.

How does she make money?

Anok Yai’s main income comes from modelling. Anok Yai earns money from runway shows, advertising campaigns, fashion shoots and collaborations with beauty and fashion brands.

Did Anok Yai study before becoming a model?

Anok Yai attended Plymouth State University and studied biochemistry. Anok Yai later left college to pursue modelling.

When did Anok Yai start modelling?

Anok Yai was discovered in 2017 while Anok Yai was a college student. Anok Yais career grew quickly after Anok Yai’s photo from Howard University homecoming went online.

Has Anok Yai appeared in Vogue?

Yes. Anok Yai has appeared on covers and in editorials of Vogue editions, including American, British and international versions.

Has Anok Yai won Model of the Year?

Anok Yai was named Model of the Year at the 2025 Fashion Awards according to Vogue France.

Conclusion

Anok Yai’s career moved from photography to some of the biggest names in fashion. Her Prada debut was an early milestone, followed by campaigns, magazine covers and runway work worldwide.

Anok Yai’s exact wealth is not publicly known. Available estimates show how successful her modelling career has become. For anyone following fashion her journey is an example of how one unexpected opportunity can lead to a completely different career.