Victoria's Secret has been undergoing a major rebrand over the last few years, famously cancelling their fashion show and retiring their crew of "Angels"—both of which received criticism for the lack of diversity and outdated ideas of what defined "sexy." Since then, the lingerie label has hired seven women—including Bella Hadid and Priyanka Chopra—as new brand representatives, known as the VS Collective.
The high street name has also been making active moves to represent more women, by introducing size-inclusive mannequins in-store and showing products on a variety of body types when shopping online. Now, Sofia Jirau has just gone viral and made history as the label's first model with Down syndrome. Starring in the new Love Cloud collection, alongside the likes of Hailey Bieber, Adut Akech, Valentina Sampaio, and Paloma Elsesser (to name a few), Sofia took to Instagram to share the news with her 200k+ following.
"One day I dreamed of it, I worked on it and today it is a dream come true," the Puerto Rican model captioned her post in Spanish. "I can finally tell you my big secret… I am the first Victoria's Secret model with Down syndrome!"
"Thanks to all of you for always supporting me in my projects. Thanks to @victoriassecret for seeing me as a #NoLimits model and making me part of the Love Cloud Collection inclusion campaign. This is just the beginning... Inside and out there are no limits"
According to a press release, the Love Cloud campaign is "a first of its kind campaign" for the brand. Modeled by 18 women, the collection reinforces "Victoria’s Secret’s commitment to welcoming and celebrating all women."
Sofia also shared this short clip of herself and the others in the campaign naming the bras they're wearing:
"Love Cloud Collection is a major moment in the brand’s evolution," adds Raúl Martinez, Head Creative Director of Victoria’s Secret. "From the cast of incredible women that bring the collection to life, to the incredible inclusive spirit on set, this campaign is an important part of the new Victoria’s Secret standard we are creating."
The collection is available in sizes 32A- 38DDD: XS-XXL, and can be shopped in-store and online from March 15, 2022.
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This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com/uk. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.
