Woman becomes first-ever Victoria's Secret model with Down syndrome
Working as a model for Victoria’s secret is one of the most prestigious roles any woman might ask for. The brand has made itself synonymous with stylish underwear and globally-viewed runway shows.
The company has helped catapult names like Karlie Kloss, Adriana Lima, and Alessandra Ambrosio into stardom.
But a new generation of models are joining Victoria’s Secret, and they’re representing more groups of people than before.
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A criticism that could be fairly leveled at many fashion companies is their hesitance to represent more than just skinny body types. Many brands are learning this lesson after years of discourse, but it’ll be a while before everyone catches up.
Nonetheless, we are making progress. Check out Sofia Jirau, the first Victoria’s Secret model with Down syndrome.
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It began when Victoria’s Secret put their Love Cloud campaign into motion. The idea was more representation for other people in society. Think those with disabilities, more meager jobs, or genetic conditions.
Sofia was one of dozens of models chosen for the new collection, and it’s a collection the company is proud of.
Love Cloud ditches the beauty standards of the past and embraces all types of body shapes and ages. Admittedly a major departure from the days of only representing tall, leggy, skinny women.
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No offense to the likes of Behati Prinsloo or Karlie Kloss, of course. They were just doing their jobs. Nevertheless, this is quite the shift in image for the company.
Sofia is excited to be at the forefront of it with her fellow models too.
The 25-year-old already has some modeling experience under her belt. In 2020, she was chosen to walk the runway at New York Fashion week. Modeling for Victoria’s Secret is quite the step up for a career path!
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“One day I dreamed it, I worked for it and today it’s a dream come true. I can finally tell you my big secret…. I am Victoria’s Secret’s first model with Down Syndrome.”
It truly is a dream come true. Not just for Sofia, but all the people with Down syndrome who now have another role model to look up to.
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“I would tell the world that… there are no limits and that you can achieve your goals.” – Sofia said
Besides, most of the women they get their sales from aren’t always tall, slender, or have perfect jawlines and skin.
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Ever since the brand received some criticism for their image in the past, they’ve since progressed more into listening to the feedback that counts. And that feedback comes from their core demographic: women.
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Hearing out their core demographic has paid off, with the thoughts and experiences of everyday women guiding their product lines.
Head on over to their product pages, and you’ll see models with much curvier builds sporting their products.
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And now with Sofia and the others from their Love Cloud campaign, more and more people can feel confident and beautiful when wearing Victoria’s Secret.
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Source: Good Morning America, Vogue, Sofia Jirau on Instagram (@sofiajirau)