Sofìa Jirau, the first Victoria’s Secret model with Down syndrome

“I once dreamed of it, then I worked on it, and today that dream comes true. I can finally reveal my big secret: I am the first Victoria’s Secret model with Down syndrome!“. Sofìa Jirau, Puerto Rican, 24, announced on Instagram the international turning point of her career, posting the black and white photograph of her in the advertising campaign. She thanks those who supported her and promises: «This is only the beginning! Inside and outside there are no limits ».

Sofìa is one of the 18 new testimonials of countryside Love Cloud. It is a new line, in the name of inclusiveness, launched by the lingerie brand to ensure everyday comfort, without sacrificing functionality or sensuality. «A new standard for Victoria’s Secret», as explained Raúl Martinez, head creative director.

Determined and ambitious, Sofìa Jirau convinced her mother to enroll her in a modeling school in San Juan from an early age. She debuted in March 2019, on her 23rd birthday, and in February 2020 she showed for the first time at the New York Fashion Week. He also launched an online store, Alavett, which sells home accessories, clothing items and devices. “When I was little, I used to look in the mirror and say: ‘I’ll be a model and a business woman” “, she had told People. And, on Instagram, posting the photo of her that portrays her as she parades to the New York Fashion Weekshe said: “I was born for this and I want to show the world that I have everything a model needs to shine“.

In addition to following her career in fashion and business, Sofìa Jirau is also an activist, and has also launched his campaign, “Sin Límites” (“Without limits”, in fact, which is his motto), precisely for raising awareness on Down syndrome, to demonstrate that those who suffer from it can, in any case, achieve all the goals they set themselves and live the life they want.

Other stories of Vanity Fair that might interest you:

Ellie Goldstein makes the dream come true and becomes the face of Gucci

What is beauty really? The response of models with disabilities

Here is Lucas, the first Gerber Baby with Down syndrome