During Fashion Month, you never know what to expect. While “diversity” is a word that’s constantly getting tossed around, it’s always a thing of seeing who really is going to push the barriers. And while the landscape is improving, there is still SO much work to be done. Prada’s Fall 2018 show in Milan offered a wide variety of selections and delicious designer looks, but nothing caught MY eye more than seeing model Anok Yai cascade and open the runway. Pause, let’s rewind.
Yai made head waves last year when her photo, taken at Howard University’s homecoming, went viral and garnered almost 22,000 likes. Within weeks, she had landed a modeling contract with Next Models and already booked and busy for fashion month. Also to note, she’s the first black model to open a Prada show since Naomi Campbell in 1997 (no pressure at all, right?)
So, why does this even matter? What does this even mean? Well, first of all, it’s a huge indication that what God has for you, is for you. Nobody can stop your blessing or your shine! Also, isn’t it always refreshing to be reminded of being in the right place at the right time is all you need? Imagine if she had not gone to homecoming? If she didn’t want her photo taken? If she had been mean, etc. The saying that it only take a minute to change your life is so true, it’s scary. Plus, how beautiful is it to see a chocolate sistah up there, struttin’ her stuff and making history at such a young age?
It’s clear that this is only the beginning for Anok, and we’re cheering her on the entire time.
