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Victoria’s Secret Introduces Its First Model With Down Syndrome

Sofia Jirau, a model from Puerto Rico, has made history as the first person with Down syndrome to be featured in a Victoria's Secret campaign.
Credit: @sofiajirau/Instagram

Sofia Jirau, a model from Puerto Rico, has made history as the first person with Down syndrome to be featured in a Victoria’s Secret campaign.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21.

It is characterised by physical and intellectual disabilities, and individuals with Down syndrome often exhibit unique facial features and may have associated health issues.

Now, as part of the Victoria’s Secret ‘Love Cloud’ collection, Jirau is among 18 diverse women representing a range of backgrounds.

Find out more about model Sofía Jirau in the clip below…

Taking to Instagram to share her excitement, the 27-year-old expressed her gratitude and joy, stating that her dreams had come true.

She wrote: “One day I dreamed it, I worked for it and today it is a dream come true.

“Finally I can tell you my big secret… I am the first Victoria’s Secret model with Down syndrome!

“Thanks to all of you for always supporting me in my projects. Thanks to @victoriassecret for seeing in me a #WithoutLimits model and making me part of the Love Cloud Collection inclusion campaign.

“This is just the beginning, now it really took shape! Inside and out there are no limits.”

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Having made her modelling debut at New York Fashion Week in 2020, Jirau takes pride in being one of the few models with Down syndrome to participate in such a significant fashion event.

She has further aspirations, including meeting her fashion icon, Jennifer Lopez, whom she admires for her style and music.

Jirau told People: “I want to meet Jennifer Lopez. I like how she dresses and how she is. I love all of her clothes.

“I love her songs, her CDs, her photos. Everything.”

 

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A post shared by Sofía Jirau (@sofiajirau)

Jirau’s inclusion in the Victoria’s Secret campaign marks a milestone, as she becomes only the second Puerto Rican model to be featured.

Additionally, she runs her own online store called Alavett, adding to her growing list of accomplishments.

She said: “The most important thing about fulfilling my dreams is to show people around the world that there are no limits and inspire them to fight for their own dreams.

“This is why I always say ‘inside and outside there are no limits’ to motivate people to break with the limitations that they self-impose.”

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Victoria’s Secret, currently undergoing a rebranding effort to appeal to a wider range of women, sees the Love Cloud campaign as a significant step in its evolution.

Raul Martinez, the brand’s new head creative director, stresses the importance of inclusivity and an empowering spirit throughout the campaign, which aligns with the new standards Victoria’s Secret is striving to establish.

By featuring Sofia Jirau and other diverse models, Victoria’s Secret aims to showcase a more inclusive and representative image.

This campaign signifies a positive shift for the brand as it embraces a more diverse and empowering direction in the fashion industry.

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Written by Cal Gaunt

Cal is a former content editor at IGV who specialized in writing trending and entertainment news. He previously worked as a news reporter at the Lancashire Telegraph and earned an NCTJ in Sports Journalism.