The return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show after a six-year hiatus marked a historic moment for the fashion industry as transgender models Valentina Sampaio and Alex Consani made their runway debut. Strutting the iconic runway in New York, they shattered long-standing barriers, becoming the first transgender women to walk for the globally recognized brand.
Sampaio, 27, shared her gratitude on Instagram, posting a video of her shimmering black lingerie look, complete with bold, dramatic black bows and a lioness-inspired teased hairstyle. “The Victoria’s Secret family has shown the world that being trans is just as exceptional and beautiful as anyone else on that runway,” she wrote, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity. For Sampaio, this wasn’t the first time she broke new ground. In 2019, she was the first trans model to star in a Victoria’s Secret campaign, and in 2020, she made history again as the first trans woman to appear in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
Alex Consani, a 21-year-old Californian, has built an influential presence on social media, amassing over 3.3 million TikTok followers. Speaking about the experience, she expressed her joy at representing the transgender community on such a massive platform. “Just being able to feel confident, that’s something that Victoria’s Secret really embodies,” she said backstage. Her runway look featured sleek satin gray lingerie, angular wings, and her signature bleached eyebrows.
The participation of these two trailblazing models marks a shift in the fashion industry, especially for Victoria’s Secret, a brand long criticized for its lack of inclusivity. The decision to embrace trans models comes after years of controversy, including backlash from former executives who publicly opposed such inclusivity. However, the latest show serves as a strong message that the brand is evolving, embracing diversity and celebrating beauty in all forms.
The inclusion of trans models like Sampaio and Consani sends a powerful message to the LGBTQ community, underscoring that representation matters. For trans individuals, seeing themselves reflected on such a prestigious stage is not just about fashion—it’s about recognition, pride, and validation of their identities. This shift in the industry could pave the way for more acceptance and opportunities for trans individuals in various fields, showing that the future is one of inclusivity and respect for all identities.