She went viral overnight at a college homecoming party. Now she’s walking runways for the world’s biggest fashion houses and earning some of the highest rates in modeling. We’re talking about Anok Yai—the Sudanese-American supermodel who’s redefining beauty standards and building serious wealth along the way.
If you’ve been curious about Anok Yai net worth, you’re not alone. In 2025, she’s not just a pretty face on magazine covers—she’s a financial powerhouse with an estimated net worth between $5 and $9 million. From charging $15,000 per hour for photoshoots to closing shows for Ralph Lauren and Fendi, Anok’s story is equal parts inspiring and fascinating.
In this article, we’ll break down how much Anok Yai is really worth, where her money comes from, and how a girl from Manchester, New Hampshire became one of the most sought-after models in the world.
What Is Anok Yai Net Worth in 2025?
Let’s get straight to the numbers. Anok Yai’s net worth in 2025 ranges between $5 million and $9 million, with most estimates placing her around the $6 million mark. That’s a huge jump from where she started just a few years ago.
Here’s how her wealth has grown over time:
- 2021: $2.5 million
- 2022: $3.2 million
- 2023: $4.0 million
- 2024: $4.9 million
- 2025: $5–9 million
Her annual income in 2025 is estimated at around $1.3 million, which breaks down to roughly $108,000 per month. Not bad for someone who was studying biochemistry just seven years ago.
What makes these numbers even more impressive? She’s only 27 years old. While many people her age are still figuring out their careers, Anok’s already built a multi-million dollar empire.
How Does Anok Yai Make Her Money?
Her Sky-High Modeling Rates
Anok Yai doesn’t just model—she commands some of the highest rates in the entire industry. Here’s what she charges:
- Photography sessions: Up to $15,000 per hour
- Runway shows: Between $10,000 and $20,000 per appearance
To put that in perspective, most working models might earn $1,000–$5,000 per show. Anok’s rates are in a completely different league. When you’re opening shows for Prada and closing for Fendi, brands are willing to pay top dollar.
Major Brand Deals That Pay the Bills
A big chunk of Anok Yai net worth comes from her endorsement contracts. These aren’t just one-time photoshoots—they’re multi-year partnerships with some of the world’s most prestigious brands.
Estée Lauder is her biggest deal. She signed as a global spokesmodel in 2018 when she was just 20 years old. She appears in campaigns for their makeup and skincare products alongside other supermodels like Kendall Jenner and Karlie Kloss. Beauty contracts like this are often called “the gold medal of modeling” because they pay so well and last for years.
In 2024 and 2025, she’s also been the face of:
- Versace – luxury fashion campaigns
- Saint Laurent – high-end fashion advertising
- Mugler Alien fragrance – major perfume campaign
- Alaïa – designer fashion house
- Balmain, Tom Ford, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen – various campaigns
These deals often include not just one photoshoot but entire marketing campaigns across TV, digital platforms, magazines, and billboards worldwide.
Walking the World’s Biggest Runways
In 2025 alone, Anok has dominated Fashion Week. She’s opened shows (walked out first—a huge honor) for brands like Ferragamo, Coperni, and Hugo Boss. She’s closed shows (walked out last—equally prestigious) for Ralph Lauren, Fendi, Vetements, and Messika.
She’s also walked in shows for:
- Chanel (Matthieu Blazy’s debut)
- Saint Laurent
- Bottega Veneta
- Calvin Klein
- Tom Ford
- Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Each of these appearances adds thousands to her bank account. When you’re walking 20+ shows per season, those fees add up fast.
Magazine Covers and Editorial Work
Anok’s face has graced the covers of some of fashion’s most influential magazines:
- American Vogue (three times!)
- British Vogue
- Vogue France
- Elle
- Harper’s Bazaar
- W Magazine
- i-D
- Allure
She was even credited as Creative Director on a recent Perfect Magazine shoot, showing she’s expanding beyond just modeling into the creative side of fashion.
These editorial shoots don’t always pay as much as commercial campaigns, but they keep you visible and relevant—which helps you command higher rates for everything else.
From Refugee to Runway: Anok Yai’s Incredible Journey
Growing Up Between Countries
Anok Yai was born on December 20, 1997, in Cairo, Egypt, to South Sudanese parents who were fleeing the Second Sudanese Civil War. Her family were refugees escaping violence and seeking safety.
When Anok was just two years old, in 2000, her family immigrated to the United States. They settled in Manchester, New Hampshire—a long way from the fashion capitals of New York, Paris, and Milan.
Growing up, Anok faced challenges that many first-generation immigrants experience. She’s spoken openly about encountering racism and trying to fit in while holding onto her Sudanese heritage.
The Photo That Changed Everything
Anok wasn’t dreaming of runways and magazine covers. She was actually studying biochemistry at Plymouth State University with plans to become a doctor.
Then came October 2017.
Photographer Steve “theSUNK” Hall spotted her at Howard University’s Homecoming celebration and took her photo. He posted it on Instagram, and it went viral almost immediately—racking up over 20,000 likes.
Suddenly, modeling agencies were calling. Anok signed with Next Model Management after they called her every single day for weeks. She gave herself six months to see if modeling would work out. If not, she planned to go back to school.
Spoiler alert: it worked out.
Making History at Prada
Just four months after that viral photo, Anok made history.
In 2018, she became the first Sudanese model—and only the second Black model since Naomi Campbell in 1997—to open a Prada show. This was a huge deal in the fashion world.
Anok understood what this moment meant beyond just her career. She said: “This was more than me. Me opening for one of the top fashion houses is a statement to the world—especially for Black women—that their beauty is something that deserves to be celebrated.”
Anok Yai’s Biggest Career Achievements
Model of the Year 2025
The British Fashion Council named Anok Yai Model of the Year 2025. The award was presented at The Fashion Awards ceremony at London’s Royal Albert Hall on December 1, 2025.
The Council called her “a defining force in today’s fashion landscape” and recognized her for:
- Reshaping beauty standards on runways
- Championing diversity and representation
- Dominating international shows and campaigns
Previous winners of this award include Bella Hadid, Paloma Elsesser, and Kate Moss—so Anok’s in legendary company.
In her acceptance speech, Anok reflected on her journey: “Being named Model of the Year is such an honour. My journey—from Egypt to South Sudan to the United States—is one of resilience and community. This recognition is for everyone who has ever seen their story in mine.”
Expanding Beyond Modeling
Anok isn’t just staying in her lane. She’s branching out into other creative areas:
- Serving as Creative Director for Perfect Magazine
- Appearing in music videos for Ice Spice, Lil Yachty, and Offset
- Pursuing painting as a hobby (she’s into oil painting)
This kind of diversification is smart—it keeps her relevant and opens up new income streams beyond traditional modeling.
How Does Anok Yai Net Worth Compare to Other Models?
Let’s be real—$6 million is impressive, but how does it stack up against other top models?
The Highest-Paid Models Overall
- Kendall Jenner: $40 million annually (Forbes #1)
- Gigi Hadid: $35 million total net worth
- Bella Hadid: $25 million total net worth
- Naomi Campbell: $80 million (built over 30+ year career)
- Anok Yai: $5–9 million
Anok’s not at Kendall or Gigi’s level yet, but remember—she’s only been in the industry since 2017. She’s building wealth faster than most, and at just 27, she’s got decades ahead of her.
Among Black Female Models
Within the Black modeling community, here’s where Anok ranks:
- Naomi Campbell: $80 million
- Joan Smalls: $26 million
- Iman: $25 million
- Jourdan Dunn: $13 million
- Imaan Hammam: $13 million
- Adut Akech: $10 million
- Precious Lee: $8 million
- Anok Yai: $6 million
- Winnie Harlow: $5 million
She’s already cracked the top 10, and given her trajectory, she’ll likely climb higher in the coming years.
Why Anok Yai’s Story Matters
Breaking Beauty Barriers
Anok has been vocal about representation in fashion, especially for dark-skinned Black women. She’s said: “I’m extremely dark compared to your average model, so hopefully Estée Lauder and Prada putting me in the spotlight will show other people that their dark skin is beautiful too… I want to show people their dark skin is beautiful.”
For decades, fashion had a very narrow definition of beauty. Models were typically white, or if they were Black, they often had lighter skin. Anok’s success challenges that norm and opens doors for others who look like her.
From Refugee to Icon
Her journey resonates with immigrants and refugees worldwide. She’s living proof that your circumstances don’t define your potential. From fleeing war in Sudan to walking for Chanel and Versace—that’s the kind of story that inspires people to keep going despite obstacles.
Smart Career Moves
Beyond the inspirational stuff, Anok’s also just making smart business decisions:
- She signs with top-tier brands (Estée Lauder, Mugler, Versace)
- She maintains exclusivity (which keeps her rates high)
- She’s expanding into creative direction (building skills beyond modeling)
- She stays visible without over-saturating the market
These aren’t lucky breaks—they’re strategic choices that protect and grow her brand value.
What’s Next for Anok Yai?
At 27, with Model of the Year recognition and millions in the bank, Anok’s career is still on the rise. Here’s what we might see next:
- More creative director roles: She’s already started this path with Perfect Magazine
- Potential business ventures: Many models eventually launch their own brands (think Rihanna with Fenty)
- Continued advocacy work: Using her platform to push for diversity in fashion
- Higher modeling rates: As her star power grows, so will her fees
The fashion industry typically favors youth, but Anok’s building the kind of brand that can last. Models like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss stayed relevant for decades—not just because they were beautiful, but because they became icons. Anok’s on that same path.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anok Yai Net Worth
How much is Anok Yai worth right now?
Anok Yai’s net worth in 2025 is estimated between $5 million and $9 million, with most sources citing around $6 million.
How much does Anok Yai charge per hour?
She reportedly charges around $15,000 per hour for fashion photography sessions, making her one of the highest-paid models in the industry.
How much does Anok Yai make per runway show?
Her runway fees range between $10,000 and $20,000 per appearance, depending on the brand and exclusivity.
Is Anok Yai the highest-paid model?
Not quite. Kendall Jenner holds that title with $40 million in annual earnings. However, Anok’s hourly rate is among the highest in the industry, and she’s the highest-paid Sudanese model.
How did Anok Yai get discovered?
She was discovered when photographer Steve “theSUNK” Hall photographed her at Howard University’s Homecoming in October 2017. The photo went viral with over 20,000 Instagram likes.
What brands does Anok Yai work with?
Her major partnerships include Estée Lauder (global spokesmodel), Mugler (Alien fragrance), Versace, Saint Laurent, Alaïa, Balmain, Tom Ford, and Givenchy.
Is Anok Yai a refugee?
Yes, she was born in Cairo to South Sudanese parents fleeing the genocide. Her family immigrated to the United States in 2000.
What award did Anok Yai win in 2025?
She was named Model of the Year 2025 by the British Fashion Council at The Fashion Awards ceremony on December 1, 2025.
Final Thoughts: The Making of a Multi-Million Dollar Supermodel
Anok Yai net worth of $5–9 million isn’t just about the money—it represents a complete transformation. From refugee child to college student to accidental viral sensation to global fashion icon, her story is about timing, talent, and tenacity.
She’s proving that representation matters, that dark-skinned beauty deserves celebration, and that hard work combined with opportunity can create extraordinary results. At 27, she’s already accomplished what most models spend lifetimes chasing.
Whether she’s opening for Prada, closing for Fendi, or shooting campaigns for Estée Lauder, Anok Yai is rewriting the rules about who gets to be a supermodel—and getting paid handsomely for it.
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