Models Valentina Sampaio and Alex Consani made history as the first transgender women to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City. Sampaio, who walked in shimmering black lingerie, thanked the brand for making her dream come true and emphasized the importance of inclusivity. Consani, who wore satin gray underwear and angular wings, expressed gratitude for representing her community on such a major platform.
Sampaio, who previously made history as the first trans model in a Victoria’s Secret ad campaign and the first trans person to model for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, and Consani’s participation in the show marks a milestone in the brand’s efforts to be more inclusive. The show, which was streamed on Amazon Live and Amazon Video, also featured well-known “angels” like Gigi and Bella Hadid, Adriana Lima, and Tyra Banks, as well as a performance by Cher.
The inclusion of Sampaio and Consani in the show comes after years of criticism that Victoria’s Secret excluded plus-size women, trans people, and people of color. The brand faced backlash in 2018 when a former marketing officer made controversial comments about including trans people in the show. The controversies led to the cancellation of the show in 2019, but this year’s return featured a diverse lineup of models and performers, reflecting a step towards greater representation in the fashion industry.
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