Alex Consani’s historic win at the 2024 British Fashion Awards has sparked widespread debate online.
Story Summary:
- Alex Consani won the 2024 Model of the Year award at the British Fashion Awards, sparking debate about fairness in the modelling industry.
- Her win follows a year marked by criticism of her inclusion in major campaigns, such as Victoria’s Secret.
- In her acceptance speech, Consani honoured Black trans women who paved the way for her success.
Backlash as Alex Consani makes history
The 21-year-old became the first transgender woman to claim the prestigious Model of the Year award, a moment some have hailed as groundbreaking while others criticised the decision as unfair.
Among the critics were those who pointed to Anok Yai, a nominee celebrated for her high-profile campaigns and editorial work, as the “deserving” candidate.
One commenter wrote:
“The utterly incomparable Anok Yai has just lost out on her rightfully deserved award of Model of the Year… because it was given to Alex Consani, a man pretending to be a woman, after a long year of stealing women’s jobs and opportunities in modelling.”
This controversy follows a year in which Consani faced backlash for her involvement in Victoria’s Secret campaigns.
Critics of her appearance accused brands of sidelining biological women in favour of promoting inclusivity.
On stage at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Consani delivered an emotional acceptance speech, acknowledging the historic nature of her win.
“I can’t accept this award without thanking those who came before me, specifically the black trans women who really fought for the space I’m in today,” she said.
Her words sparked further debate, with some hailing the speech as inspiring while others used the moment to reignite discussions about fairness in the modelling industry.
Consani’s career trajectory has been remarkable.
The California-born model, who began her career as a teenager, has worked with some of the industry’s biggest names, including Versace, Dior, and Prada.
She gained prominence for her editorial work and runway appearances, solidifying her status as a trailblazer for transgender representation in fashion.