At just 24 years old, model Sofía Jirau has just made history: she became the first Victoria’s Secret model with Down syndrome.lingerie, along with 17 other muses. The US company, long criticized for its lack of inclusiveness and its cult of thinness, is thus continuing its efforts to better representation of diversity†
For Sofía Jirau it is a dream come true. Suffering from Down syndrome (also called trisomy 21), the young model has officially become a Victoria’s Secret “angel”, as reported The HuffPost† She joined the latest campaign for the American lingerie brand called “Love Cloud” along with 17 other models of different bodies, ages and profiles. A historic appointment.
“One day I dreamed of it, I worked to achieve it and today it is a dream come true. I can finally tell you my big secret… I am the first Victoria’s Secret model with Down syndrome.’ Sofía Jirau said on February 14 on her Instagram account. “Thank you for always supporting me in my projects. Thank you Victoria’s Secret for seeing me as a #WithoutLimits role model and involving me in the inclusive Love Cloud fundraising campaign. It’s just the beginning, now it’s official! Inside and outside, there are no boundaries”we can read below a photo of her in black and white.
The 24-year-old Puerto Rican wanted to be a “model and businesswoman” from an early age. In 2020, she paraded at New York Fashion Week, realizing part of her dream. However, she had warned that this pinnacle would be just the beginning of her career, specifies The HuffPost† By becoming the first Victoria’s Secret muse with Down syndrome, Sofía Jirau is making history. A chance for her to remind her community of her mantra: “There are no limits”†
The young woman also opened her own online store called “Alavett” – in reference to “I love it, in English – in 2019, where she mainly sells cups, caps and t-shirts with the image of the brand. . She launched also a global Down syndrome awareness campaign to encourage people with Down syndrome to pursue their dreams.
A brand image to restore
The arrival of Sofía Jirau in the ranks of Victoria’s Secret is nothing by chance. Indeed, last June, the American brand announced that it was taking steps to restore its image, tarnished by multiple controversies. Transphobia, cult of thinness, lack of diversity, cultural appropriation… Indeed, critics have multiplied in recent years and have caused the popularity of the angel-wing brand to plummet. In particular, to reverse the trend, the lingerie house has decided to end its famous show and replace its “angels” with a collective of inspiring women who “share a common passion for positive change”as stated in this press release.
The brand also recently teamed up with plus-size model Remi Bader and teamed up with black, trans model and TikTok star Emira D’Spain. The latest “Love Cloud” campaign appears as another attempt to prove “the evolution of the character” towards greater inclusiveness, in the words of the character’s artistic director.