A trans woman has won model of the year at the British Fashion Awards for the first time ever.
Alex Consani, 21, snagged the award at the 2024 Fashion Awards in London.
She became the youngest signed transgender model, signing with IMG models. She made her runway debut in 2021 with Tom Ford.
She then became the first trans model to become a Victoria’s Secret Angel in 2023.
Alex Consani is the first trans woman to win model of the year.
She has also made catwalk appearances for major designers such as Chanel, Burberry and Stella McCartney
In the model’s acceptance speech she thanked the trans women who came before her, and said her victory marked a “big step in the right direction.”
She said: “I’m the first trans woman to win this award! But 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.
“Dominique Jackson, Connie Fleming, Aaron Rose Phillips and countless more who fought for the space that allowed me to flourish today.”
She added: “Now, more than ever, it’s an important conversation that should be had about how to truly support and uplift one another within this industry, especially those who have been made to feel insignificant.”
She also thanked her parents for supporting her, and urged other parents of trans kids to support them.
Some critics took to social media to express their upset at her win.
“Just another man replacing a biological woman’s opportunity to shine,” wrote one user.
In the model’s acceptance speech she thanked the trans women who came before her
“What is happening to the world,” tweeted another.
The Model of the Year award combines a public vote with the opinion of an industry panel.
It recognises “the global impact” of someone who has “dominated the industry” in the last 12 months.
