Making history, Puerto Rican model Sofía Jirau will be part of the Love Cloud Collection campaign
24-year-old Puerto Rican model Sofía Jirau broke the news to announce that she’s officially the first ever Victoria’s Secret model with Down syndrome. Jirau made an Instagram post to celebrate the huge honor and reflected on how happy she was.
“I dreamt of it, I worked hard on it, and today it is a dream come true. I can finally tell you my big secret… I am the first Victoria’s Secret model with Down syndrome!” Jirau posted on Monday.
In 2019, Sofa Jirau started modeling for her e-commerce clothing business, Alavett. In 2020, she made an even bigger impression when she walked down the New York Fashion Week runway. The Boricua model with Down syndrome revealed to People magazine at the time that she set herself big goals.
“Thanks to all of you for always supporting me in my projects,” she continued. “Thanks to @victoriassecret for seeing me as a #NoLimits model and making me part of the Love Cloud Collection inclusion campaign.”
Victoria’s Secret’s new Love Cloud Collection campaign, which includes Puerto Rican model Sofía Jirau, intends to “reinforce Victoria’s Secret’s commitment to welcoming and celebrating all women” through the use of model diversity.
“Love Cloud Collection is a major moment in the brand’s evolution,” said Raúl Martinez, Head Creative Director of Victoria’s Secret, Raúl Martinez. “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.”
Some people have gone on social media to congratulate Jirau on her amazing accomplishment. Other critics think Victoria’s Secret is “exploiting” Puerto Rican model Sofía Jirau because she has Down syndrome. The Down syndrome community quickly put an end to that nonsense while expressing that those who have the disorder want to feel strong and independent, then congratulating the brave model.
Let’s go Jirau!