Sharing a black and white photo of herself in Victoria’s Secret brassiere, Puerto Rican Sofía Jirau announced she has become a new type of angel – the first Victoria’s Secret model with Down syndrome.
Jirau joins 17 others women in the company’s new underwear line and campaign, Love Cloud Collection. The 24-year-old thanked Victoria’s Secret for seeing her as a model “without limits” on her Instagram.
In a post shared on her Instagram, the young model celebrated her landmark achievement with a picture of herself from the campaign in a floral balcony brassiere.
“One day I dreamed of it, I worked on it and today it is a dream come true. I can finally tell you my big secret,” she wrote. “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 #SinLímites model and making me part of the Love Cloud Collection inclusion campaign. This is just the beginning, now it’s formed!” she added.
Jirau joins the legendary lingerie brand at a critical juncture in its history. Victoria’s Secret is currently moving away from supermodel-style angels in favour of a more inclusive vision of femininity that will appeal to women of all body shapes.
Since Ral Martinez took over as head creative director, the new campaign is the first full-scale collection to be released.
“Love Cloud Collection is a major moment in the brand’s evolution. 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,” said Martinez in a statement, per Today.
Jirau was first noticed by the fashion world when she made her catwalk debut at New York Fashion Week in 2020.
Since then, the model and activist has launched her own online store ‘Alavett’ and a Spanish language campaign ‘No Limits’, which advocates for people with Downs syndrome to achieve their dreams.
In a later Instagram post of herself in Vogue, Jirau reflected on her achievement, writing: “My people, dream big. Inside and out there are no limits! Thanks to everyone who has congratulated me, I am very happy, happy, and joyful.”
Source: vt.co
