Sofa Jirau becomes first Victoria’s Secret model with Down Syndrome

Sofia Jirau made history by becoming the first Victoria’s Secret model with Down Syndrome. The Puerto Rican model, who’s 24 years old, shared the news on social media. 

Jirau posted a black and white picture of herself, modelling in the company’s underwear. She thanked Victoria’s Secret for considering her to be a model “without limits”. Jirau wrote, “One day I dreamed of it, I worked for it and today it’s a dream come true. I can finally tell you my big secret. I am Victoria’s Secret’s first model with Down syndrome! Thank you Victoria’s Secret for seeing me as a model who has #NoLimits and making me part of the inclusive Love Cloud Collection campaign”, and further added, “Inside and out, there are no limits”.

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She, along with 17 other women, have joined for a new line of underwear from the company, called the Love Cloud Collection.

Raúl Martinez, Victoria’s Secret chief creative director, released a statement, saying “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”. 

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Jirau began her modelling career in Puerto Rico in 2019 and caught a quick break for a modelling debut at the New York Fashion Week in 2020. 

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During this milestone moment, she’d noted that big things awaited her, as per People. Jirau was also reported by People, saying that she wanted to be a model and businessperson since childhood. 

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The New York Fashion Week gave her the chance to showcase her modelling talents while her business venture, Alavett, is also taking off. As Jirau explained to People, the company name spells out “I love it”, and Jirau’s brand is known for selling wallets, shirts, and phone cases. 

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Notably, Jirau’s collaboration with Victoria’s Secret marks the second such instance where the company has shown inclusivity. Recently, it got Emira D’Spain on board. D’Spain is the first black transgender Victoria’s Secret model.