When the British Fashion Council announced Anok Yai as Model of the Year 2025 at the Fashion Awards, it wasn’t the usual kind of recognition, it reaffirmed that African representation continues to redefine global fashion.

For a South Sudanese woman who began her life journey as a biochemistry student to become the face of global fashion, this honor carries weight beyond the industry.

Anok Yai: Instagram

Her journey began when a street style photo of her went viral on Instagram at Howard University’s Homecoming. That moment shifted the course of her career.

By 2019, she made history as the second Black woman to open for Prada, after Naomi Campbell. Yai has walked for Ferragamo, Hugo Boss, and Fendi, appeared on the cover of Vogue France, and fronted campaigns for Versace and Saint Laurent, among other fashion houses.

Anok Yai: Instagram

The Model of the Year award recognizes more than visibility, it reflects influence and cultural resonance. She stated, “Being named Model of the Year is such an honour. My journey from Egypt to South Sudan to the U.S. is one of resilience and community. This recognition is for everyone who’s ever seen their story in mine.”

Early in her career, she said, “I want to show the world that Black girls can be beautiful,” and that drive continues to fuel her work. In an industry that often sidelines dark-skinned women, her visibility has changed the narrative.

Anok Yai: Instagram

Her story has inspired Africans to see that background doesn’t limit potential. She’s more than a model, she’s become a symbol of representation. This award shows us that the fashion industry is starting to value models who carry cultural meaning.

Anok Yai will receive her award on December 1st, a moment that cements her place as one of fashions most defining figures today.

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The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards belonged to Tyla. With “Push 2 Start,” she became the first artist to win Best Afrobeats two years in a row, a moment that showed her rise from breakout star to one of Afrobeats’ leading names worldwide. Her win placed Afrobeats firmly on the global stage, with African stars now shaping the direction of pop culture.

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Tyla’s win carried the pride of the continent, but her presence on the red carpet made just as much noise. Styled by Ron Hartleben, she arrived in a 1993 vintage Chanel corset top, worn as a cream-and-black micro-mini dress. The look was balanced with fitted black shorts, a modern twist that allowed the outfit to move between daring and clean. Around her waist, gold chain echoing the layered necklaces and heavy medallions at her neckline.

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Her partnership with Pandora was on full display as she stacked bracelets, rings, and anklets, turning jewelry into a language of detail and weight. On her feet, she chose black Louboutin pumps, a classic contrast to the rest of the look.

The beauty direction was just as deliberate: a side-parted bob, natural-toned glam and a bold green manicure  gave the look a sharp twist, showing that Tyla knows how to finish off her fashion moments.

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It was a red-carpet appearance that felt from the past yet modern, drawing from fashion history while signaling the assurance of an artist who knows she’s making history herself. The award was one part of the night. The other was seeing Tyla step onto the carpet and stage with the same assurance— an artist shaping Afrobeats.

Temi Otedola’s marriage to Oluwatosin “Mr Eazi” Ajibade was more than a union of two public figures. It unfolded as a wedding in three acts, staged across Monaco, Dubai, and Iceland. Each stop offered its own story of couture, culture, and family. Reportedly costing around $14 million, the celebrations reflected both the couple’s global lifestyle and their Nigerian roots.

Photo: @temiotedola-Instagram

The journey began in Monaco on May 9 at Karl Lagerfeld’s famed Villa La Vigie. The date carried deep meaning: it was Mr Eazi’s late mother’s birthday. Temi chose a crisp custom Wiederhoeft suit, accessorised with Briony Raymond jewelry, while her groom wore Louis Vuitton. The evening ended with a private dinner at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, intimate yet refined.

Photo: @bellanaijaweddings-Instagram

From there, the spotlight shifted to Dubai, where tradition became the focus. The Otedola family home hosted the Yoruba and Igbo rites, complete with music by King Sunny Adé and spirited dancing. Temi rotated through dramatic looks by Zac Posen, Miss Sohee, Lisa Folawiyo, and Oscar de la Renta. Mr Eazi matched her energy with designs from Lisa Folawiyo Studio, Tom Talmon Studio, Jagne, and Mazelle. It was a celebration that honoured heritage without losing a modern edge.

Photo: @temiotedola-Instagram

The final chapter unfolded in Iceland, where vows were exchanged at Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavík. For the rehearsal dinner, Temi wore Valentino, and on the wedding day she appeared in a breathtaking Fendi Haute Couture gown, while Mr Eazi chose Saint Laurent. Their reception at Kleif Farm reflected the Icelandic landscape with touches of moss, stone, and mist. Guests were treated to a surprise performance by John Legend, before dancing into the night under the Northern Lights.

Photo: @bellanaijaweddings-Instagram

Luxury of this scale does not come cheap. The celebrations spanned couture wardrobes, traditional attire, international travel, elaborate décor, and live performances. Mr Eazi himself later admitted his music earnings alone could not have funded such a celebration. In his words: “You think sey music go fit pay for that wedding, my G?”

Civil Wedding (Monaco): Temi in Wiederhoeft suit with Briony Raymond jewelry; Mr Eazi in Louis Vuitton.

Traditional Wedding (Dubai): Temi in Zac Posen, Miss Sohee, Lisa Folawiyo, Oscar de la Renta; Mr Eazi in Lisa Folawiyo Studio, Tom Talmon Studio, Jagne, Mazelle.

White Wedding (Iceland): Temi in Valentino for the rehearsal dinner, and Fendi Haute Couture for the ceremony; Mr Eazi in Saint Laurent and Amiri.

Every look was chosen to make a statement, not only of wealth or status but of storytelling through fashion.

Photo: @temiotedola-Instagram

Temi Otedola’s wedding style was unique not just for its glamour but for the way it told a story through fashion. Each look blended Nigerian identity with high couture. From the aso-oke at her traditional rites to the Fendi gown in Iceland, she showed that you can celebrate your heritage, shine on a global stage, and still make it unmistakably your own.