In The Close-Up, Coveteur gets up close and personal with the people shaping the creative industries as we know it. Next up: Anok Yai, the supermodel, global changemaker and face of Mugler's new Alien Extraintense.
Anok Yai is a supermodel of epic proportions. But as much as she's otherworldly in her accomplishments—she's one of the top 50 models in the world, has appeared on 14 Vogue covers internationally, and is currently the face of Mugler’s Alien Extraintense Eau De Parfum—she's also surprisingly down to earth. With her striking features and statuesque aura, she’s often described as ethereal, but after speaking with her on the phone, it’s her grounded energy and sense of humor that left the lasting impression. A true Sagittarius, she loves traveling (lucky, considering her profession takes her all over the world) and is the one who friends call when they need advice. She's introspective, too: given the chance to meet an alien, she would, above all else, want to learn something from them (preferably about the afterlife).
Ahead, Yai tells Coveteur about her style evolution, the color of her aura, and the quote that's currently saved in her Notes app.
Mugler
What are three words you’d use to describe your style?
Anok Yai: "Effortless effort. Or maybe effortlessly high effort."
What does that mean to you?
AY: "Like my looks to appear effortless, but I spend a lot of time figuring out my style and what works well together. It takes a lot of effort, but I still want it to look like I just threw things on and they all just happen to be fabulous."
Like that TikTok trend high-maintenance habits to look low-maintenance?
AY: "Exactly."
What’s the last thing you wrote in your Notes app?
AY: "Let me check...I have a folder of quotes. One says, “You’re allowed to be happy before you’ve fixed everything.”
Do you remember when you saved it?
AY: "Not exactly, but it really resonated with me. I used to believe that happiness came after achieving goals. I had so much tunnel vision and I would have so much anxiety about making sure I succeeded that once I did, I didn’t feel happy—just relieved. So now, I try to be happy regardless of what’s happening. I’ve learned that failure is just stepping out of your comfort zone. If I’m going to fail, I want to fail loud."
What color is your aura?
AY: "I saw a video once where I looked like I was glowing gold, almost white-gold. That feels like my aura. But in my head, it’s got turquoise inside and white gold on the outside."
Is turquoise a calm energy for you?
AY: "Not really calm. It’s burning and radiant."
Mugler
What's your astrology sign?
AY: "Sagittarius. My friends who are into astrology say I’m very Sagittarius. I’m spontaneous, ambitious, indecisive."
Are you adventurous?
AY: "I used to have such intense wanderlust. My favorite thing to do whenever I would travel is get lost somewhere. And then my friends were always telling me to stop, because it was obviously dangerous to get lost in a random country. But I always loved doing that. And I just love traveling so much."
Sagittarius are also very honest. Are you the honest friend?
AY: "I'm honest, but I'm not brutally honest. I don't like brutally honest people. I feel like if you're brutally honest, there's something that's about hurting someone that I feel like you enjoy. But when I'm honest I like to turn it into a joke so it doesn't hurt as much. But my friends always come to me for advice."
What's one item in your closet that defines your style right now?
AY: "My style’s evolved. I used to collect vintage Galliano and Tom Ford-era Gucci. I had this green Galliano dress I wore to the King’s Trust a few years ago, which I feel like was the epitome of my style. Now I’m really into Rick Owens. My vibe is just, I want to look like a vampire."
When you need advice, who do you call?
AY: "Honestly, I’m terrible at taking advice. I don’t call anyone. If it’s fashion advice I do, and I get inspiration from films. People like Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis, old movies from the '20s through the '70s. I'm getting a lot of inspiration from the way they dress there."
Do you believe in aliens?
AY: "Absolutely."
If one came down to visit you for a day, what would you do?
AY: "I’d ask for powers. I’d want them to teach me or transfer something to me. I’d give them my favorite books in exchange for theirs, learn their language, get a time capsule from their world... and figure out a way to contact them again later. Maybe even something for the afterlife."
Mugler
What’s the weirdest thing in your bag right now?
AY: "There’s not that much weird stuff, but I have a serious addiction to candy so, lots of Jolly Ranchers. Cherry and grape are my favorite."
What’s your holy grail product?
AY: "My jade gua sha and the 111SKIN face mask in the pink package."
AY: "A mix of florals and sandalwood. I switch depending on my outfit or the time of day."
Favorite beauty treatment spot?
AY: "I got a facial at Augustinus Bader before the Met Gala, it was life-changing. I don’t remember the exact name, but it involved some intense collagen-stimulating technique. I also love microcurrent facials, they kind of electrocute your face in a good way."
Favorite beauty tip?
AY: "Retinol every night. Sunscreen every day. One mask a week. Gua sha every other day."
What’s on your going-out playlist right now?
AY: "Tyla, especially her song 'Bliss.' PartyNextDoor, The Weeknd, and TLC. From TLC, I love 'FanMail,' and from The Weeknd, I’m into 'Timeless' and 'Hurry Up Tomorrow.'"
What are you manifesting for the rest of 2025?
AY: "Money in the bank. Period."
Favorite vintage item you own?
AY: "I bought this Chanel purse, and it's a mini suitcase with a pull out handle too, and it has wheels and everything. I found it at What Goes Around Comes Around in LA."
Where did you last wear it?
AY: "On set for 'Germany’s Next Top Model.' My dream is to wear it during an argument—pull up the handle and dramatically walk away, dragging it behind me."
