Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Welcomes Transgender Models Back to the Runway

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made headlines with its return on Tuesday, marking a historic moment as it featured transgender models for the first time. Previously, the annual event showcased a lineup of famed lingerie models, musicians, and A-list celebrities. However, in November 2019, after years of criticism and declining ratings, the show went on hiatus.

Fast forward to 2021, Victoria’s Secret began shifting its focus from supermodel “Angels” to a more diverse group of ambassadors, including athletes and activists like Megan Rapinoe and Priyanka Chopra, alongside trans model Valentina Sampaio.

This year, the long-standing event made its comeback in Brooklyn, New York City, featuring both veteran and new faces like Kate Moss and Gigi Hadid. Reflecting a more inclusive vision, transgender models Alex Consani and Sampaio graced the runway, with Consani sharing her excitement backstage.

A representative from Victoria’s Secret stated that the show aimed to deliver glamour and entertainment through a modern lens, aligning with customer expectations.

Meet Alex Consani

At just 21 years old, Alex Consani is the youngest transgender model to begin her journey in the industry at 12. After joining IMG Models in 2019, she gained popularity on TikTok during the pandemic. Consani made her runway debut at New York Fashion Week in 2021 and has since walked for major brands like Versace and Burberry.

She participated in Victoria’s Secret’s reimagined fashion show last year and expressed her excitement for this year’s debut in an interview with Paper.

Additionally, Consani made history as the first openly transgender nominee for the Fashion Award’s Model of the Year 2024.

Get to Know Valentina Sampaio

Valentina Sampaio, 27, from Brazil, became the first openly transgender woman to model for Victoria’s Secret in 2019 and graced the cover of Vogue Paris in 2017. With an impressive portfolio that includes working for brands like Dior and H&M, Sampaio’s runway debut was back in 2016.

Before her runway return for Victoria’s Secret, she stated, “Inclusivity is crucial to the world we’re building,” highlighting a commitment to representation in fashion.

Why Was the Show Paused?

The show faced criticism for its lack of diversity, alongside controversies surrounding internal bullying and harassment allegations. Founded in 1997, the brand faced declining sales leading to significant leadership changes and the eventual halt of the fashion show.

Criticism in 2018 from former Chief Marketing Officer Ed Razek, who opposed the inclusion of transgender models, escalated the brand’s troubles. His comments were met with backlash, ultimately culminating in his resignation in 2019.

Despite these challenges, the latest show aimed to progress and embrace a wider spectrum of beauty and representation. Musician Halsey, a 2018 performer, articulated this shift by advocating for inclusivity and acceptance.