October 2024 — The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has returned in 2024, making waves by spotlighting groundbreaking moments in the modeling industry. Among the highlights of this year’s event is the inclusion of Alex Consani and Valentina Sampaio, the first two transgender models to walk the runway for the iconic brand.
Consani and Sampaio’s participation represents a significant shift for Victoria’s Secret, which has faced criticism in the past for its lack of inclusivity. The decision to cast these trailblazing models is part of the brand’s broader efforts to evolve and embrace diversity, as it seeks to reestablish itself in the fashion world after a five-year hiatus.
A New Chapter for Victoria’s Secret
Once criticized for its narrow portrayal of beauty, the brand’s return to the runway comes amid efforts to reshape its image and cater to a more diverse and inclusive audience. The inclusion of models like Consani and Sampaio signals a bold step in that direction, aligning with other initiatives like featuring Emira D’Spain, the first Black transgender model for Victoria’s Secret.
Consani, a rising star in the fashion world, and Sampaio, who had already made headlines as one of the first trans models for the brand, both took to the runway with confidence and grace, symbolizing the new era Victoria’s Secret hopes to usher in. Their presence is not only a celebration of their personal achievements but also a broader milestone for transgender representation in mainstream fashion.
Victoria’s Secret Push for Diversity
The return of the fashion show marks a clear effort by Victoria’s Secret to rewrite its narrative after years of declining sales and criticism. In 2019, the brand canceled the show following a public outcry over its perceived lack of inclusivity. The 2024 show has not only brought back the spectacle of high fashion but also embraced models of various backgrounds, body types, and identities.
This year’s show, streamed live on Amazon Prime, attracted global attention, with models like Consani and Sampaio making history. The brand’s commitment to showcasing diversity and embracing change is a bold attempt to remain relevant in an industry increasingly focused on inclusivity.
A Long-Held Dream
For Valentina Sampaio, walking the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a long-held dream, and her presence on the runway felt deeply significant. The model has long been an advocate for transgender visibility in fashion, and her role in this year’s show marks another milestone in her journey.
Meanwhile, Alex Consani, a rising voice for body positivity and LGBTQ+ representation, used the moment to highlight the progress the fashion industry has made, while also acknowledging how much further it has to go. Both models have inspired a new generation by breaking barriers and proving that fashion’s future can be both glamorous and inclusive.
As Victoria’s Secret reclaims its place in the fashion world, the contributions of figures like Consani and Sampaio are setting the stage for a more inclusive, diverse runway, signaling a new chapter in the brand’s evolution.