Model With Down Syndrome Becomes The Newest Addition To Victoria's Secret Lineup

Puerto Rican model and influencer Sofía Jirau has become the first Victoria’s Secret model with Down syndrome.

Jirau, 24, made her debut through the “Love Cloud Collection” on Valentines Day along with 17 other models who are a part of the company's “rebranding" campaign aimed at representing a wide range of women.

“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… I am the first Victoria's Secret model with Down syndrome!” Jirau said in an Instagram post with the news on Monday.

"Thanks to all of you for always supporting me in my projects. Thanks to @victoriassecret for seeing me as a #NoLimits model and making me part of the Love Cloud Collection inclusion campaign. This is just the beginning, now it's formed!” she added.

Jirau started her modeling career in 2019 in Puerto Rico, which landed her a spot in New York Fashion Week in 2020, according to her website. She has around 218,000 followers on Instagram, and created her own online store “Alavett” or “I love it.” Jirau also launched a campaign called “No Limits,” which encourages people with Down syndrome to go after their dreams.

Victoria’s Secret has been hinting at making big changes to its brand over the past year. In July, the company noted that it wanted to become more “culturally relevant” with a plan to move away from its once iconic image revolving around the voluptuous “Victoria’s Secret Angels.”

Now, the company wants to reflect a new-and-improved image after mixed reviews to its last fashion show in 2018, which received some of the worst ratings in all of broadcasting history.

Raúl Martinez, who officially became the head creative director of Victoria's Secret in January, said in a press release on Monday that he believes the "Love Cloud Collection" launch symbolizes the brands new culture.

“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," Martinez said.