A model from Puerto Rico has made history as the first female with Down syndrome to appear in Victoria's Secret ad campaign.
Sofía Jirau, a 25-year-old, is part of the 18 women featured in the advertisements for Victoria's Secret's latest "Love Cloud" collection, which was unveiled on Valentine's Day.
Jirau excitedly announced in an Instagram post she shared with her 204,000 followers, "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 started her modeling journey in Puerto Rico in 2019 and that same year, she established a successful online fashion store named Alavett. The name "Alavett" comes from Jirau's favorite expression, "I love it", as per the company website.
Jirau made her New York Fashion Week debut in February 2020, just a month prior to the widespread COVID-19 outbreak that brought the world to a halt.
During the pandemic, Jirau's career flourished as she acquired a substantial social media following. She initiated her own "No Limits" campaign aimed at increasing understanding of Down syndrome, which eventually caught the attention of Victoria's Secret executives.
Victoria's Secret has faced criticism in recent years, with allegations of being "exclusionary". Actress Jameela Jamil labeled the brand as "transphobic and fat-phobic" and claimed that it actively excludes the majority of women. Soccer player Megan Rapinoe also stated that the brand previously had a "patriarchal and sexist" message.
As the company looks to revamp its image, it has recently appointed Raúl Martinez, who is Anna Wintour's trusted confidant, as its new Creative Director.
Jirau's appearance in the "Love Cloud" campaign is Martinez's first major project with Victoria's Secret.
Martinez praised the "inclusive spirit" during the campaign's shoot in a statement. The "Love Cloud" campaign features models with a range of diverse backgrounds, shapes, and sizes, including a woman with gray hair and another on crutches.
