A transgender model has won Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in London.
Alex Consani, an American model and influencer, was awarded the title ahead of five other women who had been nominated for the honour during a spectacular ceremony.
The 21-year-old’s success comes as the BFC continues to shortlist a number of fashion names from LGBTQ and other ‘underrepresented’ communities for accolades.
Consani, who stands 6ft, began modelling in 2015 and is noted for her striking bleached hair and brows.
The other fashion stars nominated were British model Alva Claire, Los Angeles-born Amelia Gray, South Sudanese Anok Yai, Chinese Liu Wen, and Mona Tougaard, who was born to Danish-Turkish and Somali-Ethiopian parents.
The Model of the Year award, according to the British Fashion Council (BFC), “recognises the global impact of a model who over the last 12 months has dominated the industry.”
It added: “With an influence that transcends the catwalk, the Model of The Year has made an outstanding contribution to the industry, garnering numerous editorial and advertising campaigns throughout the year.”
The Model of the Year winners’ speech saw Consani joke with the audience, adding: “I am the first trans model to win this award,’ after being presented with the accolade by model Ashley Graham and Baby Reindeer star Nava Mau.
Consani continued: “Now more than ever it’s an important conversation to be had, about how to support and uplift one another in this industry – especially those who have been made to feel insignificant.
“Because change is more than possible, it’s needed, and this is a step in the right direction.”
