The British Fashion Council’s 2024 Fashion Awards honored American model Alex Consani with the prestigious Model of the Year award, marking a landmark moment for the fashion industry and the transgender community. Held at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London, the event celebrated Consani’s remarkable achievements and her trailblazing role in promoting diversity and inclusion on the global stage.
The 21-year-old model, known for her striking bleached hair and eyebrows, has quickly ascended the ranks of the fashion world, captivating audiences with her unique style and compelling presence. Her accolade marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first transgender woman to receive this esteemed award, following her high-profile appearances on runways for renowned brands such as Chanel, Stella McCartney, and Victoria’s Secret.
A Momentous Acceptance Speech
Draped in a ripped Union Flag dress designed by Turkish-British designer Dilara Findikoglu, Consani took the stage to a standing ovation. Consani, in her heartfelt acceptance speech, underscored the significance of unity and support within the fashion industry, particularly for those historically marginalized.
“Winning this award is not just a personal achievement; it’s a big step in the right direction for all of us,” Consani expressed to the star-studded audience. “Now, more than ever, we need to have important conversations about how to truly support and uplift one another in this industry, especially those who have been made to feel insignificant.”
She honored the Black transgender women who paved the path for her success, citing notable figures such as Dominique Jackson, Connie Fleming, and Aaron Rose Philip. “I stand on the shoulders of giants,” she acknowledged. “They fought for the space that has allowed me to flourish today.”
Consani also extended her gratitude to her parents for their unwavering support of her modeling aspirations. She concluded her speech with a powerful message: “Change is more than possible; it’s needed.” The crowd responded with resounding applause, underscoring the significance of her words.
Rising Star with a Purpose
Consani’s journey in the fashion industry began in 2019 when she signed with IMG Models, an agency representing some of the world’s top supermodels, including Claudia Schiffer, Hailey Bieber, and the Hadid sisters. She gained prominence through TikTok, where her engaging content and authentic personality have earned her nearly 4 million followers.
Her catwalk debut came in 2021 for Tom Ford, and since then, she has graced the runways of leading fashion houses like Alexander McQueen and Versace. In a historic moment this past October, Consani, alongside Valentina Sampaio, became one of the first transgender models to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
Consani shared her experiences navigating an industry still grappling with true inclusivity at the 2024 Teen Vogue Summit in November. “The more I work, the more I see the lack of representation we need,” she noted. “It pushes me to work harder. I’m friends with many women who are amazing at their jobs, but they’re pushed to the side.”
Her deep understanding of the barriers that still exist for transgender individuals in fashion and beyond fuels her determination to challenge the status quo. “I always believed I was bigger than the box people put me in,” she said. “It’s what helped me see past the ‘no’s.'”
A Night of Celebration and Reflection
The Fashion Awards ceremony was a glittering affair, featuring performances by music legends like Debbie Harry of Blondie and Afrobeats sensation Wizkid. The event brought together influential figures from fashion, entertainment, music, and sports, including Rita Ora, Venus Williams, and Rihanna, who made a memorable appearance in an eye-catching blue furry hat.
A$AP Rocky, Rihanna’s partner, was honored with the Cultural Innovator Award, highlighting the intersection of fashion and cultural influence. Other notable winners included Grace Wales Bonner and Simone Rocha, who received accolades for best British menswear and womenswear designers, respectively.
Rocha’s acceptance speech echoed the evening’s theme of social consciousness as she took the stage with a call to “free Palestine,” reminding attendees of the broader global issues that intersect with the world of fashion.
The event was not without its moments of activism. An animal rights demonstrator briefly disrupted the red carpet to protest the industry’s use of feathers, just days after London Fashion Week announced it would become the first of the “big four” fashion weeks to ban exotic animal skins on its runways.
Impact on the Transgender Community
Consani’s historic win resonates deeply with transgender individuals, their families, and allies who have long advocated for greater visibility and acceptance. Consani’s success exemplifies the potential of embracing talent without prejudice.
For many in the transgender community, Consani’s achievement is more than a personal victory; it’s a beacon of hope and a step toward normalizing transgender representation in mainstream media and industries. Consani’s achievement challenges long-held stereotypes and creates opportunities for future generations of transgender models and artists.
“Alex’s win is a testament to her incredible talent and perseverance,” said Laverne Cox, an actress and prominent transgender advocate. “It’s also a significant moment for all of us who have been fighting for inclusion and recognition. Representation matters, and seeing someone like Alex succeed on such a grand stage is empowering.”
Looking Ahead
As Consani continues to break barriers, she remains committed to using her platform to advocate for change. Her authenticity and refusal to conform to traditional norms have endeared her to fans worldwide, making her not just a fashion icon but also a role model for many.
“I feel like there’s such a lack of art sometimes when we talk about life and fashion,” she reflected. “To represent art in my community, I’m so grateful.”
Her approach to beauty and self-care also challenges conventional standards. Consani advocates for simplicity and self-acceptance, often encouraging young people to embrace their natural beauty and resist the pressure to conform to unrealistic ideals.
“Being accepted comes from within,” she advised. “When it comes to rejection, you just gotta be that person who believes in yourself beyond the limitations others set for you.”
Consani’s win is a significant milestone, but it also highlights the ongoing need for systemic change within the fashion industry. Despite the progress, there remains a significant amount of work to ensure that diversity and inclusion become not just moments of celebration but deeply ingrained in the industry.
Her success underscores the importance of creating spaces where transgender individuals can thrive without facing discrimination or tokenism. It also serves as a reminder to allies and industry leaders of the power they hold in shaping a more inclusive future.
“Alex’s recognition should inspire all of us to continue pushing for equality and representation,” said Janet Mock, writer, director, and transgender rights activist. “It’s about creating opportunities and supporting talent regardless of gender identity.”
The Bottom Line
Alex Consani’s historic win at the 2024 Fashion Awards is a triumph not only for her but for the entire transgender community and its allies. It symbolizes a shift toward greater acceptance and acknowledgment of the diverse talents that enrich the fashion industry.
As she stands at the forefront of this change, Consani embodies the spirit of resilience and authenticity. Her journey reminds us that while there are challenges ahead, the pursuit of equality and representation is both necessary and achievable.
In her own words, “Change is more than possible; it’s needed.” With trailblazers like Alex Consani leading the way, there is hope that the fashion industry—and society at large—will continue to evolve toward a more inclusive and compassionate future.
