“I hope this paves the way for others after me.”
TikTok influencer Emira D’Spain has become the first-ever black trans Victoria’s Secret model.
The 25-year-old recently produced a Valentine’s Day TikTok in collaboration with the famous lingerie brand.
“My entire platform is built on confidence and self-love,” she told USA Today.
“I want to empower young trans women and men around the world to show them that the beauty and fashion industries are changing. Especially if you are a person of color.
“I am so grateful to work with Victoria’s Secret and hope this paves the way for others after me.”
@xoxoemira Valentine’s Day SINGLE Girl Edition ??? with @Victoria’s Secret ❤️ The best love is self love! #vsfeelthelove #vspartner ♬ Hrs and Hrs – Muni Long
In the Valentine’s Day video, D’Spain shows herself as a single woman on Valentine’s Day, getting ready for a day of self-love and styling herself in a red Victoria’s Secret corset, black miniskirt and jacket.
The model also shared an image of herself to Instagram expressing her gratitude for being able to work with the brand.
“Honored to be the first black trans girl working with Victoria’s Secret,” she wrote.
“As a kid I only DREAMED of being a part of Victoria’s Secret. @valentts (Valentino Sampaio) paved the way and it’s such an honour to continue that legacy on the first day of black history month. Go watch my TikTok to see and stay tuned for more to come.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZcW5qJJpp0/
Emila has previously collaborated with big-name brands including Nars, Ugg, Google, Anastasia Beverly Hills and Fenty.
Back in 2019, Valentina Sampaio became the first transgender woman ever to work with Victoria’s Secret for its VS PINK line.
She has since become the new face of Armani Beauty, featuring in the brand’s 2022 campaign.
Victoria’s Secret recently ditched its “angels” to collaborate with a new range of ambassadors, including several social media stars, in order to be more diverse, authentic and “build new, deeper relationships with all women”.
While many people praised the new direction, the shocking rebrand was criticised by others as a pure attempt to save the brand’s image amid accusations of misogyny and bullying within the company.
