Miss Pat's Model Pick: Anok Yai
From the moment Anok Yai arrived on the fashion scene, she delivered glamour. The 22-year-old model went from being discovered at Howard University’s homecoming celebrations in 2017 to becoming one of Miuccia Prada and Tom Ford’s favorite beauties almost overnight. In just three years, Yai has proven herself an essential part of the fashion conversation and a style star in her own right. When she’s on the road for the shows, Yai flaunts daring outfits that regularly garner the attention of street style photographers. Under normal circumstances, Yai would be prepping for the couture collections, but since the order to shelter in place was issued in New York York in late March, she’s been at home in Brooklyn. Despite the slow down, fashion is never far from Yai’s mind, and she has channeled her energy into creating attention-grabbing at-home looks.
Apt to don a slip dress for a Zoom party or do the laundry in Prada boy shorts, she’s found creative ways to break the monotony of being stuck indoors. Whether she’s turning her roof into a makeshift photo studio or reminiscing about Florence while wearing Zegna, she uses style to set a mood. Here, she guides Vogue through a week’s worth of outfits with savoir-faire.
Monday
Today is sunny and I’m on my rooftop. I love the feeling of the sun and how it warms my skin. It’s not warm enough for a bathing suit, so I have on one of my favorite Cult Gaia dresses, which exposes just enough of my skin for warmth. My headscarf is vintage Hermés; I am a huge fan of their classic prints. I added some extra accessories: the necklace is Fendi, and my earrings are Lo and T, so I can pretend I’m far away laying in a flower field.
Tuesday
I love sunsets and little black dresses. Today the sunset looked like a painting and was completely mesmerizing. I have on an Orseund Iris dress and decided to pour myself a glass of red wine to watch the day fading into night. Going up on a Tuesday, now, has a totally different meaning. I come alive in the nighttime, so whether I’m in my living room or out dancing, this dress sets my mood.
Wednesday
Today is laundry day and for some reason, I always have so much of it, and it’s the bane of my existence. It’s a casual day, so I have my go-to Coach button-down, Prada boy shorts, Nike socks with my favorite Coach slippers of the moment. Slipping into something fuzzy makes laundry a little bit more bearable.
Thursday
I love streetwear. I get to combine my feminine side with the tomboy in me. I’m back up on my roof, pretending I’m running around the city with my friends on our way to lunch at Pastis. The way I love their food! One of my “must-haves” are Nike Air Force 1’s. I’m also terrible at keeping white shoes, so I have purchased these about a dozen times. This reversible silky trench coat from The Frankie Shop is perfect for day to night. Khaki for day and the black silk for night, because living in New York you never know where the day will go. My Wolford bandeau paired with double jeans by Karl Kani and R13 keeps my inner tomboy aligned. I’m obsessed with silver jewelry, so I paired my chunky Chanel lock necklace for a minimal, yet statement piece.
Friday
It’s Friday and nowhere to go, so club quarantine it is! I love mosh pits, the vibe of a ’90s rave, and a ton of people around. The decorative hardware on this Orseund Iris skirt sets the tone. The fur top is from Scent and Azzma, which I have been waiting for the perfect moment to wear. I guess, no time like the present! The sleeves are an add-on from an Orseund Iris bodysuit. To complete my look, I have on a spike necklace from Search and Destroy—it brings out the trouble maker in me. I blast loud music (sorry neighbors) and set up some cool lighting. I close my eyes, listen to the music, and dance ’til dawn.
Saturday
On my most recent trip to Florence, I found these amazing art books which fueled my creativity. I have always been obsessed with Renaissance art and studying Michelangelo. I haven’t done much art since I was little, but I have been inspired again since the mandate to stay-at-home. I am currently creating a large scale art piece; watercolors, acrylics, and pencils are my favorite medium.
Today’s wardrobe inspiration is from Ermenegildo Zegna. The white/gray marbling print is very apropos of my love of Italy. I am trying not to fall back into my perpetual bad habits of never finishing my artwork.
Sunday
Today is my chill day, and you will find me in my Brother Vellies chair all day. I just started reading On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong. I picked it up the last time I was at the airport. I miss being in airports. It reminded me how much I love being in airports and traveling. Because of my modeling career, I am so fortunate to explore and experience so many different ones. I meander along and buy candy, coconut water, and new books. It’s mandatory “me time” when I’m in an airport. Currently, my favorite books are Cult X by Fuminori Nakamura, The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood. The headscarf is vintage Galliano, top by Orseund Iris, and my favorite medallion necklace that I picked up in Jamaica on a work trip with my friends.
