Victoria’s Secret took diversity to a new level for the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show when its models hit the runway last night in Shanghai, China. Out of 55 models, almost half of them were women of color and a record-breaking 17 Black models walked the show!
The lineup of Black models who hit the runway included familiar names like Jasmine Tookes, Maria Borges, Cindy Bruna, Leomie Anderson and Zuri Tibby, and also featured six models who walked for Victoria’s Secret for the very first time.
In an interview with PopSugar, Bruna mentioned how impressed she was with the diverse group of models chosen to walk this year. “When we heard about the casting, everyone was excited because the diversity was so represented,” said Bruna.
“Everyone wants to feel represented on the runway,” Anderson added. “This year, Victoria’s Secret is definitely one for history, because everyone has someone on the runway who they can say, ‘She’s from my country,’ or ‘She looks like me.’ It means a lot to young girls watching the show.”
In previous years, Victoria’s Secret has been criticized for a lack of diversity so the brand’s decision to select 17 Black models that made up thirty percent of this year’s lineup is proof that it’s making steps in a more inclusive direction. Here’s to hoping the brand will cast its first plus-size model for the 2018 show!