American fashion model Alex Consani, age 21, is the first transgender woman to win the Model of the Year Award in the three decades that the award has been around. According to the Fashion Awards website, the Model of the Year Award honors a model who “over the last 12 months has dominated in the industry” and has an “influence that transcends the catwalk…[making] an outstanding contribution to the industry.” Consani, known for her unique style and distinctive social media presence, claimed her award in London on December 2, 2024. According to ABC News, this event is organized by the British Fashion Council as a fundraiser for the BFC Foundation and helps spotlight supermodels.
Consani has garnered over 4.5 million followers on TikTok since she signed with the IMG Models agency in 2019 because of her humorous videos and “relatable” personality. She challenges the traditional idea of beauty as she sports bleach blond hair and eyebrows and advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights both inside and outside of the modeling industry. While addressing the Royal Albert Hall audience during her acceptance speech, Consani said, “change is more than possible – it’s needed.” She also illuminated the work of the Black transgender women who came before her, adding “Now, more than ever, we need to have meaningful conversations about how to uplift and truly support one another in this industry, especially those who have been marginalized.” Consani wore a ripped Union Flag dress made by Dilara Findikoglu during her speech, highlighting the clothing of the Turkish-British designer.
In the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in October 2024, after the show took a six-year-long break, Consani and Valentina Sampaio became the first transgender women to walk for this brand. Wearing a light blue outfit, Consani made history by walking for this lingerie brand. She has also walked the catwalk for many other high fashion brands, including Versace, Tom Ford, and Chanel.
Previous winners of the Model of the Year Award include Paloma Elsesser, Bella Hadid, Adut Akech, Cara Delevingne, and Naomi Campbell. Consani’s inclusion on this list marks a shift in the industry as she gains recognition in a traditionally exclusive field. Her presence highlights an increasingly diverse modeling world.
Image Source: The New York Times