Anok Yai’s Met Gala Look, Irish Exits, and Weird Perfume Ritual
Welcome to Beauty’s Night Out, a series dedicated to the need-to-know beauty conversations dominating the nightlife scene. This time around, we’re getting a glimpse into a night out with supermodel Anok Yai, who serves as the brand ambassador and face for Mugler fragrances.
A good model is, after all, a master of transformation. She embodies the ability to shift identities, morphing her features and mannerisms to suit the most ambitious high-fashion narratives. Yai is a living muse for major designers, including Matthieu Blazy, Daniel Roseberry, and Miuccia Prada, demonstrating a range that positions her for major accolades, such as the British Fashion Council’s 2025 Model of the Year award and a spot on Time’s 2026 list of Most Influential People.
Her versatility is legendary. She has effortlessly transitioned into various personas, from an alien for Mugler fragrances, to the ethereal presence of Edward Scissorhands in Vogue World: Hollywood, and a literal statue for the 2026 Met Gala. For the Met Gala, she became a breathtaking vision, transforming into a Black Madonna complete with a sculptural prosthetic wig, airbrushed-bronze skin, and cascading pearl tears—a look that instantly etched itself into Met Gala beauty history.
When conceptualizing that iconic look, Yai found inspiration in the Fashion Is Art dress code, collaborating with creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli to craft something truly otherworldly. She described the process as a “match made in heaven,” showcasing a level of sculptural glamour that is already being celebrated in fashion history.
Beyond the runway, Anok Yai embraces a bold, captivating aesthetic. When asked about her personal beauty vision, she revels in the supernatural, declaring, “Vampire. I want women to be intrigued by me but men to be scared.” This fearless self-expression highlights a powerful confidence that radiates from her.
Life as a highly sought-after figure involves balancing the demands of a glamorous career with personal well-being. Yai candidly shares the challenge of managing her schedule while recovering from multiple life-saving surgeries over the past year, stemming from a congenital defect that impacted her heart and lung function. Yet, when she steps away from the spotlight, her focus shifts to joy and connection, celebrating moments with friends.
Even in the whirlwind of a demanding schedule, her approach to beauty remains a joyous affair. Getting ready is for her a party, often involving late-night music and playful comparisons of outfits. She finds that the preparation process itself is sometimes more fun than the actual outing, proving that glamour comes from the experience.
Her style is perfectly complemented by a thoughtful approach to fragrance. As a self-anointed scent queen, Yai shares a unique ritual with her friends: spraying the same perfume all around them. Lately, she has been drawn to the mysterious blend of raspberry and jasmine, specifically Mugler Alien Pulp, which offers a seductive sweetness. She balances this with a nostalgic touch of vanilla, recalling the comforting scents of her childhood.
This curated sensory experience extends to her daily life. She takes her favorite scents with her wherever she goes, pairing them with a rich mahogany-toned lip liner, clear gloss, and a sweet indulgence in grape Jolly Ranchers. For a final touch, she often uses the compliment as the perfect exit line: after being showered with praise, she Irish-goodbyes, ensuring the last memory is how wonderful she smells.
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