Victoria’s Secret hired its first trans model for a catalog shoot recently. This is the first time that they are working with a trans woman despite their CMO, Ed Razek, having passed a transphobic comment in an interview with Vogue last year. (Hyperlink the Vogue interview)
Razek resigned days after the trans model, Valentina Sampaio, was hired by the brand.
The brand is renowned for its fancy lingerie collection which is displayed on their show. Every year the Victoria’s Secret Show takes place around the globe, where models better known as Victoria’s Secret ‘Angels’, hit the runway to display the brand’s new collection. From Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks to the new-age supermodel Cara Delevingne, big names have graced the ramp for their show.
A First, For Victoria’s Secret
The 22-year old Brazilian model broke the news on 1 August via her Instagram profile with the caption, “Never stop dreaming”. Though the model is yet to make it to the ‘Angel’ category or has been confirmed for walking the ramp; it is confirmed that she has been booked for a catalog shoot.
She followed this up with a picture of her getting ready for the shoot backstage. Trans actress Laverne Cox who is seen in shows like ‘Orange Is The New Black’ congratulated the model. She commented, ‘Wow finally,’ on her post.
Trans Beauties Make Way Into Indian Fashion Industry
Drawing parallels with the Indian fashion industry, there has been welcoming change in the subcontinent too.
In 2017, Anjali Lama, who hails from Nepal, was seen on the cover page of Elle India. She was the first-ever trans-model to walk the ramp in India for A-listed Indian designers like Anita Dongre, Rohit Bal, Tarun Tahiliani, and Eka.
Indian pageants are redefining themselves by hosting trans-centric pageants and contests. They had the first one in 2017 and have held it every year ever since.
For the first time India’s Trans community is gaining a platform for recognition which helps aid their way into the fashion world.
Nitasha Biswas, the winner of the first ever 2017 Miss Transqueen Paegent, who hails from Kolkata and has pursued a degree in Business Management, was the face of a big win for the trans community.
She went onto win the Miss Australia 2019 awards, her Instagram profile states.
Another inspiring example is Mona Varonica Campbell who is India’s only plus-size transgender model.
She had lived as a boy for 16 years of her life after which she realized she was made to live as a female and in a female body. Acting upon her will, she went onto walk in the Lakme Fashion week in 2017. She walked for designer Wendell Rodricks as the showstopper.
After seeing the bold move by Victoria’s Secret, we hope Indian labels and designers take cue. To welcome trans models with open arms into the fashion industry, thereby breaking stereotypes of beauty, gender and race.
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