Alex Consani becomes first transgender woman to win modeling award at UK Fashion Awards
Model Alex Consani is making herstory, one pose at a time.
On Monday, the 21-year-old fashion star and influencer was recognized as Model of the Year at the 2024 Fashion Awards in London. Previous recipients of the award include Kate Moss, Bella Hadid and Cara Delevingne.
Consani's win was particularly historic, as she became the first transgender woman to receive the honor. During her acceptance speech, the California-born model thanked fellow trans models Dominique Jackson, Connie Fleming and Aaron Rose Philip for their influence.
"I'm the first trans woman to win this award," Consani said. "But I can't accept this award without thanking those that came before me and specifically the Black trans women that really fought for the space that I'm in today."
Consani also gave a heartfelt shoutout to her parents for supporting her childhood dream of becoming a model.
"I remember being 12 years old and telling them that I wanted to join this industry, and they met me with support. And that's something that I think a lot of other parents of trans children should follow," Consani concluded. "Because change is more than possible: It's needed. And this is a big step in the right direction."
Consani began her modeling career in early 2015 and by the age of 16, she was signed with IMG Models. A few years later, the model added viral sensation to her growing résumé thanks to her following on TikTok, which now sits at 4 million followers.
Known for her bleach-blonde hair and matching eyebrows, Consani has walked in fashion shows for top brands such as Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen and Versace.
In October, Consani and Brazilian model Valentina Sampaio walked the runway at the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, becoming the first trans women to be featured.
Consani's it-girl cool was put on full display when she was tapped by Charli XCX to appear in her "360" music video earlier this year.
The "Brat" singer congratulated Consani on her Model of the Year win on Instagram, writing “YESYESYESSSSSSS!!!” in the comments of Consani's Fashion Awards post.
"The more I work the more I see the lack of representation we need. It pushes me to work harder," Consani said at the Teen Vogue Summit in November.
"I'm friends with a lot of women who are amazing at their job, but they're pushed to the side. I'm blessed to be on the stage to talk about it and I'm happy that my voice is being heard when we talk about the need for change."