Honestly, if you weren’t watching the livestream on October 15, 2025, you missed the moment the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show finally felt like it belonged in this decade. We’ve all seen the brand struggle to find its footing after the 2019 cancellation. But seeing Anok Yai Victoria's Secret 2025 walk out at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn? That was different. It wasn’t just a model in wings; it was a victory lap for a woman who has spent the last year basically owning every single runway from Paris to New York.
She’s not just "viral girl" anymore. You remember that photo from Howard University’s homecoming back in 2017? The one that changed her life in 24 hours? Yeah, that feels like a lifetime ago. Now, she’s a British Fashion Council Model of the Year winner.
What Anok Yai Victoria's Secret 2025 Brought to the Runway
This year's show was a massive production, and let’s be real, the pressure was on. After the 2024 reboot, people wanted to see if the brand could actually sustain the momentum. The lineup was a mix of "OG" legends like Adriana Lima and the new guard. Anok Yai is firmly the leader of that new guard.
She walked in two major segments: "Modern Heritage" and the final "Unwrap The Magic." In "Modern Heritage," she shared the stage with Gigi Hadid and Imaan Hammam. But it was her appearance in the finale that really shut it down. She wore these massive, ethereal wings—not the clunky ones from the early 2000s, but something that looked like it was made of light and shadow.
The energy in the room changed when she stepped out. There’s this specific way Anok walks. It’s predatory but elegant. If you’ve seen her work for Mugler or Prada, you know the vibe. She brings a high-fashion "edge" that Victoria's Secret has historically lacked. Usually, the VS walk is all about the wink and the hair flip. Anok? She just gives you the face.
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Breaking Down the Cast and the Vibe
It wasn't just about the wings this time. The 2025 show leaned heavily into musical performances that actually made sense. We had:
- Missy Elliott (A total legend, the energy was through the roof)
- Karol G (Bringing that global flair)
- TWICE (Representing the K-pop takeover)
- Madison Beer
Watching Anok walk while Missy Elliott performed was a "pinch-me" moment for fashion nerds. It felt like a collision of 90s greatness and 2026's future.
Why This Walk Matters More Than Her Debut
Last year, the 2024 show was her debut for the brand. It was great, sure. But Anok Yai Victoria's Secret 2025 feels more intentional. In the lead-up to the show, Anok did a Q&A with the "VS Insider" where she mentioned that the first time she walked, she was just trying to soak it all in. This time, she looked like she owned the building.
She’s been vocal about the racism she faced growing up in New Hampshire and how the industry often tries to box in dark-skinned models. By being the centerpiece of the 2025 show—alongside other South Sudanese stars like Adut Akech and Abény Nhial—she’s effectively rewriting the "Angel" blueprint. It’s no longer about a specific body type or a specific look. It’s about presence.
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There was a bit of "drama" last year when Alex Consani won Model of the Year over Anok. People on X (Twitter) were trying to start a feud. Anok shut that down fast. She and Alex actually walked together in the 2025 show, and they were seen partying together at the after-party at the Crane Club in Chelsea. Anok swapped her wings for a daring black skirt set that was basically just a few pieces of fabric and a lot of confidence.
The Technical Details of the 2025 Show
The venue shifted to Steiner Studios in NYC. It gave the whole thing a more "editorial" feel compared to the older arena shows. The lighting was moodier. The segments were shorter but punchier.
- First Light: Very soft, pastel, lots of lace.
- Bombshell: The classic VS look, but updated.
- PINK Halftime: High energy, streetwear-inspired.
- Hot Pursuit: Sleek, black, very "catwoman" vibes.
- Magic Hour: Gold, metallics, and sunset tones.
- Black Tie: The high-drama finale.
Anok’s presence in "Black Tie" was the peak. She has this ability to make the most over-the-top outfits look like something she just threw on to go to the store. That’s the "it" factor.
Moving Beyond the "Viral" Tag
It's kinda wild to think she was a biochemistry student at Plymouth State University just a few years ago. She wanted to be a doctor. Now, she’s the face of Mugler's "Alien Hypersense" and a literal Victoria’s Secret Angel.
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But it hasn't all been easy. Anok has been open about her social anxiety. You wouldn't know it watching her walk in front of millions, but she’s mentioned in interviews (like with Elle in late 2024) that she’s often the "kid in the corner." Maybe that’s why her runway presence is so intense—it’s her way of communicating without having to speak.
What’s Next for Anok?
After the 2025 Victoria's Secret show, the sky is basically the limit. She already has the Model of the Year trophy from the British Fashion Council. She’s already done the Met Gala (who could forget that Swarovski crystal look from 2024 or the Thom Browne "suit" dress from 2025?).
If you're looking to follow her trajectory, keep an eye on the Fall/Winter 2026 shows. There are rumors she might be collaborating on a capsule collection with a major house, though nothing is confirmed yet.
Takeaways for Fashion Followers:
- Watch the Replay: If you missed the "Unwrap The Magic" segment, go find the clip of Anok. The way she handles the weight of the wings is a masterclass.
- Follow the Evolution: The 2025 show proved that VS is finally listening to the audience. They are moving away from the "perfection" of the 90s and toward the "personality" of the 2020s.
- Look for the After-Party Style: Anok’s post-show looks are often just as influential as her runway outfits. The Fancí Club dress she wore this year is already selling out.
Anok Yai isn't just a participant in the fashion industry anymore. She is the industry. Whether she's walking for a lingerie giant or opening for Prada, she's the one everyone is looking at. The 2025 Victoria's Secret show was just another reminder of why she's at the top.