First Victoria’s Secret mannequin with Down syndrome is Latina

Sofía Jirau has made historical past as the primary mannequin for Victoria’s Secret with Down syndrome, after becoming a member of 17 different girls in launching the model’s new marketing campaign.

The 24-year-old Puerto Rican mannequin celebrated the milestone on Valentine’s Day following the debut of the Love Cloud Assortment, a line of underwear.

“At some point I dreamed of it, I labored on it and immediately it’s a dream come true. I can lastly let you know my large secret,” Jirau wrote on her Instagram profile in Spanish. “I’m the primary Victoria’s Secret mannequin with Down syndrome!”

She can also be the second Puerto Rican mannequin featured in a Victoria’s Secret marketing campaign, sharing the highlight with supermodel Joan Smalls.

Jirau’s charisma and infectious character have taken her far since launching her modeling profession in 2019 in Puerto Rico — alongside her personal on-line retailer “Alavett,” primarily based on a bilingual play on phrases of her favourite phrase “I like it.”

A 12 months later, she achieved her dream of debuting at New York Style Week, “for which I’m proud as one of many few fashions with Down syndrome who has managed to take part within the vital vogue occasion,” in accordance with her web site.

Jirau additionally launched a Spanish-language marketing campaign of her personal known as “No Limits” to reveal the capability of individuals with Down syndrome to realize their targets regardless of their situation.

In keeping with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, Down syndrome is a situation by which an individual is born with an additional chromosome, leading to modifications to how the physique and mind develop, which might trigger each psychological and bodily challenges.

“Thanks Victoria’s Secret for seeing me as a mannequin who has #NoLimits and making me a part of the inclusive Love Cloud Assortment marketing campaign,” Jirau stated on Instagram. “Inside and outside, there are not any limits, Alavett!”

She joins the lingerie and clothes large at a pivotal time as the corporate tries to distance itself from the as soon as iconic pictures of Victoria’s Secret angels, and rebrands itself to attraction to all sorts of girls.

The brand new marketing campaign is the corporate’s first full-scale assortment launch since Raúl Martinez formally grew to become its new head inventive director in January.

“Love Cloud Assortment is a significant second within the model’s evolution. From the solid of unbelievable girls that carry the gathering to life, to the unbelievable inclusive spirit on set, this marketing campaign is a crucial a part of the brand new Victoria’s Secret customary we’re creating,” Martinez stated in an announcement.

Jirau shared a video of the marketing campaign on Instagram earlier than the gathering hits shops Thursday, captioned, “Hit play so all the world can see me make historical past.”

She may be seen sporting a bra “in my favourite colour, pink,” Jirau stated in Spanish. “I like it, I like it. Victoria’s Secret, I like it!”

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