Sofia Jirau, a Puerto Rican model, has just made history by being the first Victoria’s Secret model with Down syndrome. She’s going to be part of the new collection of the lingering brand, Love Cloud, that will have comfortable everyday underwear for every woman.
Her career had been growing through the pandemic, since she debuted at the New York Fashion Week in February 2020 captivating the fashion industry. She said back then: “I am proud as one of the few models with Down’s syndrome who have managed to participate in the important fashion event.” She even founded her own brand, Alavett (I love it), which is her favorite phrase, and every time that something makes her happy she exclaims it.
This is a huge step for the people like Sofia that dream to turn the fashion industry into one diverse and inclusive one.
The beginning of the dream
For Sofia, modeling in the United States was the beginning of conquering the dream she has had since she was a child. She envisioned a life modeling on the most important runways in the world hoping to be an inspiration for other people living with Down’s syndrome.
She wants to show that anything is possible if you work for your dreams, and is now also managing a campaign called “Sin Límites” (No Limits) that focuses on raising awareness about Down’s Syndrome.
Sofia’s dream came true
Although comments around social media admitted to having ‘mixed emotions’ because they’re sexualizing an individual with Down’s Syndrome, it’s clear that for Sofia this has been a milestone in her life and that Victoria’s Secret is actually working on making itself a more diverse and inclusive brand.
The campaign includes 18 models and has been trying to claw back credibility with a string of initiatives like their first mastectomy bra and including racially diverse and transgender models. This comes after years of backlash for their lack of diversity.
On Instagram, Sofia published a picture with the description “One day I dreamed of it, I worked on it and today it’s a dream come true. I can finally tell you my big secret, I’m the first Victoria’s Secret model with Down Syndrome.” She’s been also posting a load of motivational messages, and of course, one where she mentions her brand and own campaign; “Inside and out there are no limits, Alavett.”
The release of The Love Cloud collection will be available on February 17 and will have models like Hailey Bieber, Taylor Hill, and Valentina Sampio, the gorgeous Brazilian transgender model that became the first trans model in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2020. Since 2020 this label changed her “angels” label to “what women want.” John Mehas, the brand’s CEO, expressed: “the label aspires to become a global advocate and leader in terms of female empowerment.”
At this point, you should already know that Victoria’s Secret definitely wants to be more inclusive and diverse, wanting to erase their mistakes as a brand with “selective standards.”
