She called for more diversity and representation in the fashion world as she received her award at the prestigious ceremony.
“It is important for all of us to remember that someone like me winning this award is a rarity,” she said. “This is for the young women and men who found representation and validation in my work. I want them to never be afraid of dreaming big like I once did.”
Bior added, “To them, I say this: Whatever it is you want to do, whether it’s modelling or acting or medicine, you should never doubt yourself. Don’t let the world convince you that it is not possible.”
Her acceptance speech received a standing ovation in the room filled with several artists, models, designers and fashion icons like Naomi Campbell, Tracee Ellis Ross, British Vogue’s Editor-In-ChIef Edward Enninful, Anna Wintour and Rihanna.
Bior made her runway debut at a local fashion show, put together by her aunt. She went on to appear at the Melbourne Fashion Week, Saint Laurent’s S/S 17 show before signing to Elite Model Management in Paris. She has since has done shows for other big names.
The young model gained more recognition after Karl Lagerfeld cast her as a Chanel bride to close out the French fashion house’s fall 2018 haute couture show in Paris. This made her the second black model to have this honour.
She was also featured in Edward Enninful’s legendary Pirelli calendar shot by Tim Walker.
Since then, she has appeared on five Vogue covers in one month, starred in her first fragrance campaign for Valentino, and was named on the recently released Time 100 Next list.
She has also had a significant impact by constantly speaking out against the racial diversity in the fashion industry.