Models Valentina Sampaio and Alex Consani made history by becoming the first transgender women to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City. Sampaio shared her excitement on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to inspire inclusivity and represent her community. This is not the first time Sampaio has broken barriers with Victoria’s Secret, as she was also the first trans model to be featured in an ad campaign in 2019 and made history by modeling for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue the following year.
Consani, who gained popularity on TikTok during the pandemic, also walked in the show, showcasing her confidence and unique style on the runway. The inclusion of Sampaio and Consani in the show reflects a shift towards diversity and inclusivity after years of criticism towards Victoria’s Secret for excluding plus-size women, trans people, and people of color. The brand faced backlash in 2018 for controversial comments made by a former executive, leading to the cancellation of the show in 2019.
The 2021 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show featured iconic angels like Gigi and Bella Hadid, Adriana Lima, and Tyra Banks, as well as a performance by Cher. The show was streamed on Amazon Live and Amazon Video, reaching a wider audience and highlighting the brand’s commitment to showcasing a diverse range of models. Sampaio and Consani’s participation marks a significant moment in the fashion industry and sets a precedent for greater representation and inclusivity in future runway shows.
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