Alex Consani, a transgender girl, received Model of the Year on the 2024 Fashion Awards on Monday in London.
In her acceptance speech, Consani stated she was the primary trans girl to win earlier than thanking the trans fashions who got here earlier than her, “particularly the Black trans ladies who fought for the area” like Dominique Jackson, Connie Fleming, Aaron Rose Philip and “numerous extra.”
“You fought for this area that allowed me to flourish as we speak, and I’m eternally grateful for that,” Consani stated.
Consani additionally thanked her mother and father, who supported her when she advised them she wished to turn into a mannequin at age 12.
“Change is greater than doable,” Consani stated. “It’s wanted. And it is a large step in the precise path.”
The Model of the Year goes to the mannequin who has “dominated the business,” in accordance with the British Fashion Council. “With an affect that transcends the catwalk, the Model of The Year has made an excellent contribution to the business, garnering quite a few editorial and promoting campaigns all year long.”
Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber, Naomi Campbell and Cara Delevingne have been honored with the Model of the Year title prior to now.
Consani, who has 4 million followers on TikTok, was one of many first trans fashions to stroll the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway and has additionally walked the runways for Chanel and Stella McCartney. She appeared within the music movies for JT’s “Okay” and for Charli XCX’s “360.”
Anok Yai was additionally up for the award Monday night time, and when the mannequin misplaced out on the distinction for the second 12 months in a row, she expressed her frustrations on-line.
“Alex, I like you and I’m so happy with you,” Yai wrote on X, including, “British Fashion Council, thanks however I don’t need it anymore.”
She continued: “If you could have seen the trouble that I’ve seen Alex put in; you’d perceive how proud I’m of her. But Alex may be proud and I may be exhausted on the similar time. It doesn’t take away how a lot love we now have for one another.”
The Fashion Awards didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
