Top Model Anok Yai Talks Knife Fights and Finding God in Africa for W Magazine #4 AOC Fashion

Returning to W Magazine’s Volume #4 2023, Mert Alas turns his lens to very top model Anok Yai. Marie Chaix styles Anok in Fendi for her cover, Alaïa, Balenciaga, Chanel, Courrèges, Dior, Ferragamo, JW Anderson, Miu Miu and more./ Hair by Benjamin Muller; makeup by Thomas de Kluyver

We note that Anok that had a major presence in the recent Ferrari Spring 2024 fashion show, and was driven around town in a red one. It suits her.

Anok describes herself as a prolific artist, working mostly in oils but now experimenting with fire. Yes . . . fire. She has also taken up knife fighting lessons as a way of coping with restlessness. I believe she is now at a level of expertise in knife fighting, that she can land movie roles in major scenes.

“When I’m fighting, it feels like a dance that goes so fast, you have to meditate,” she says. “Because the second you lose focus, you’re hit with a knife.”