The 2024 Fashion Award ceremony saw Alex Consani, 21, take home the coveted trophy, but not everyone agreed with the decision. Many fans and industry insiders felt that Anok Yai, 26, was more deserving of the award, sparking a wave of controversy on social media.
Anok Yai, a model who has graced the covers of American Vogue three times, as well as numerous other prestigious magazines, has been a staple in the fashion world for years. Despite her widespread success and recognition, including multiple Fashion Award nominations from 2019 through 2024, she has never won. This long-running snub has caused frustration among her fans, with many feeling that her consistent nominations were long overdue for a win.
In response to the announcement, Anok took to Instagram stories to share a still from the infamous 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, where Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech, proclaiming that Beyoncé should have won. The image was seen by many as a subtle dig at the awards' decision to overlook Anok in favor of the rising star Alex.
Alex Consani, who graced the cover of Teen Vogue in October 2024, has gained significant popularity in recent years, largely thanks to her strong presence on social media. While she is newer to the spotlight compared to Anok, Alex's rise has been meteoric, capturing the attention of fashion enthusiasts and brands alike.
The debate between Anok’s long-standing career and Alex’s recent surge in popularity has sparked widespread conversation about how the fashion industry rewards emerging talent versus established figures. Fans of Anok feel her years of hard work and impact on the fashion world should have been acknowledged with a win, while supporters of Alex argue that she represents the new wave of fashion, making her an exciting choice for the award.
As the discussion continues, one thing is clear: the 2024 Fashion Awards have highlighted an ongoing divide between legacy and new talent in the fashion industry. The question remains—should success be measured by longevity, or by the moment?