The return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made trans history.
The iconic event made its long-awaited return on Wednesday (16 October), featuring performances from Cher and Tyla, as well as special guest appearances from industry legends such as Tyra Banks, Kate Moss and Gigi Hadid.
In a monumental step for representation, Valentina Sampaio and Alex Consani strutted down the runway, making history in the process as the first trans models to do so.
“This moment is one I will cherish for a lifetime,” Sampaio, 27, wrote on Instagram.
“The Victoria’s Secret family has shown the world that being trans is just as exceptional and beautiful as anyone else on that runway. Inclusivity is crucial to the world we’re building, and I’m honored to walk with pride, love, and the hope of inspiring the next generation.”
The Brazilian model and actress added: “Thank you, Victoria’s Secret, for making a long-held dream come true.”
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Sampaio broke boundaries as Victoria’s Secret’s first trans model in August 2019, and continued to make history the following year as the first trans model for Sports Illustrated‘s Swimsuit Issue.
She was hired after Ed Razek, a former chief marketing officer for the brand, controversially said trans and plus-size models should be excluded from the show. Following backlash, Razek stepped down and the Fashion Show was cancelled. This week marked its return after a six-year hiatus.
Ahead of the show, Consani celebrated the historic moment as she told WWD that it’s “really important to have people like me on the runway being perceived as beautiful, especially in a setting like this that’s always been very cis-oriented”.
In 2015, at the age of 12, Consani memorably became the world’s youngest trans model. She has since become a notable social media personality with over three million followers on TikTok.
On Instagram, alongside various photos and videos from the event, Consani wrote: “Little me is screaming I can’t even say anything other than thank you.”
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