Alex Consani, first trans to win the Model of the Year Award

The management of the Fashion Awards 2024 - a gala held Monday in London, United Kingdom - awarded the Model of the Year award - in the women's category - to Alex Consani, becoming the first trans person in history to receive the distinction.

Consani said receiving the Model of the Year award signifies "a big step in the right direction." "Now, more than ever, it's important to talk about how to support and uplift each other in this industry, especially those who feel insignificant. Because change is more than possible: it's necessary," he added.

The model - represented by IMG Models, an agency that also has on its payroll catwalk stars such as sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid, Claudia Schiffer and Hailey Bieber, among others - began her professional career in 2019.

But this year she has managed to consolidate herself among the best models in the world without being a woman by birth, having paraded in important events such as the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2024.

In that iconic fashion show, Consani wasn't the only trans model to walk among the brand's angels—Victoria's Secret also spotlighted Valentina Sampaio.

The gala was also shrouded in controversy after an animal activist jumped the fence and began protesting the use of animal fur in the industry.