At the recently held 2024 Fashion Awards, American model Alex Consani made history by being named Model of the Year, marking her as the first transgender woman to achieve this prestigious accolade. The event took place on December 2nd at the Royal Albert Hall in London, and Consani’s win was greeted with overwhelming excitement, solidifying her status as a rising star and trailblazer within the fashion industry.
Consani, now 21, expressed immense joy during her acceptance speech, stating, “I am the first trans woman to win this award,” amid roars of applause from the audience. She continued, highlighting the importance of conversations around support and empowerment within the industry, especially for marginalized individuals. "Now, more than ever, it’s important to uplift those who’ve felt insignificant," she said. "Because change is more than possible—it’s needed." Such sentiments resonate deeply, considering the pressures faced by models, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
Wearing a stunning Dilara Findikoglu military-inspired white corset dress adorned with a tattered Union Jack sash, Consani commanded attention on the red carpet. Paired with strappy nude sandals and pearl accessories, her bold look matched the significance of her achievement. The design itself came about through social media, with the conception of the dress facilitated via Instagram. The recognition she received adds to her growing list of accomplishments—including being one of the first openly trans models to grace the runway for the iconic Victoria's Secret Fashion Show last October.
Her victory, though widely celebrated, did not escape controversy. Anok Yai, another highly influential model, expressed frustration upon hearing the announcement about Consani’s win. Shortly afterward, Yai took to social media to clarify her feelings expressing both pride and weariness. "Alex, I love you and I’m so proud of you. British Fashion Council, thank you, but I don’t want it anymore," she posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Yai followed up by saying, "If you have seen the effort Alex has put in, you’d understand how proud I am of her. But Alex can be proud, and I can be exhausted at the same time." These powerful words ignited discussions online, raising questions about the expectations placed on models of color and the competitiveness within the fashion industry.
Yai's career is equally formidable; at just 26, she has made her mark as one of the most recognized Black models today, being the second Black woman to open a Prada show after Naomi Campbell, and gracing the cover of American Vogue multiple times. Her frustration reflects the broader historical overlook geared toward models of color and reminds audiences of the persisting disparities even within such celebrated neighborhoods of fashion.
The matter emphasizes the complexity of feelings surrounding awards and recognition among peers within the modeling community. Social media has played its part as both supporter and critic during this shifting narrative. Many fans on TikTok and other platforms engage with heated discussions, expressing their opinions on who deserved the honor of Model of the Year—consistently bouncing between admiration for Consani and respect for Yai. While Consani understandably enjoys their spotlight, the duality of feelings surrounding these awards is palpable and leads to headaches for many within the industry.
Nonetheless, Consani’s triumph serves as significant proof of progress for trans women and the fresh representation of the LGBTQ+ community within high fashion. She is recognized not only for her work on-high fashion runways for major designers but also as someone admired for her activism and visibility. Displaying her rich mix of talent and gravitas, Consani's achievements are steering conversations toward inclusivity and visibility, encouraging others to explore paths where they either felt unwelcome or unrepresented.
The Model of the Year award is lauded as one of the top honors during the Fashion Awards, celebrating models who have impacted the fashion scene globally. This coveted award has seen recipients previously include iconic figures such as Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Naomi Campbell, and Cara Delevingne—making it even more significant for Consani to add her name to this list. Now, her achievement isn’t simply about her talent; it’s also about paving the way for future generations of models who might identify similarly.
Even so, Yai's sentiment highlights the pressure of visibility and the emotional labor models undergo. She has experienced considerable success, yet with it, the impositions of recognition, expectations, and emotional responses become tangled. Yai's publicly expressed frustrations remind the audience of the human aspects behind their favorite models, going beyond mere surface level to instill relatability and connection.
To grant recognition to Yai's sentiments offers perspective on the challenges amid the celebration. It's about balancing joy for fellow peers' victories with the reality of their desires and aspirations—a delicate dance often overlooked when steering conversations about diversity and success. It becomes apparent through this narrative arc how deeply intertwined these experiences of joy, pride, frustration, and community truly are.
A myriad of emotions played out during the event and following discussions. Consani acknowledged the trailblazers who paved paths for her, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging sacrifices made by those who inspired her. She paid tribute to other Black trans women, such as Dominique Jackson and Connie Fleming, expressing gratitude for the groundwork laid before her. By doing so, she highlighted the communal yet competitive nature of fashion, implying one person’s success does not diminish the struggle and accomplishments of others.
Backstage celebrations popped off post-reception as Consani reviewed her earlier thoughts. Joy spilled outward as she took to Instagram to share with her followers, commenting, "I can’t even begin to process this!" Simultaneously excited and thankful, she radiated positivity, emphasizing hopes for continued positive change.
While awards often spotlight individual triumphs, it’s laborious to overlook the widespread uncertainty and emotional toll they may carry. Both Yai and Consani represent powerful forces within the modeling industry. They illuminate necessary dialogues about the treatment of marginalized communities, the relationships within this competitive field, and the importance of having bold conversations about representation.
With this pivotal moment, both models not only solidify their places within fashion but also establish themes about the future of the industry. Velocities change, rejuvenation flows, and the need for direct, heartfelt conversations remains ever-present. This night, filled with awards and distinctions, becomes not simply one winner’s tale but also becomes the backdrop for many more to share their stories.
Moving forward, the fashion industry, particularly its heavyweights, need to remain aware and responsive to shifts driven by rising talents like Consani and Yai. Societal views expand and evolve, altering expectations attached to awards and recognitions, opening doors to new discussions long past fashion weeks and award nights. Progress relies on acknowledging emotions, elevates success stories, and engages positively with community responsibilities, instigated by the calls for change made by winners like Consani. Defining moments become clearer, showing the way to more inclusive and diverse futures for all aspiring models.
