By Li Cohen
/ CBS News
Sofía Jirau is making history in the modeling world. The 25-year-old woman from Puerto Rico is one of the newest models for Victoria's Secret — and is the first model in the company's history to have Down syndrome.
Jirau announced her new role on Instagram this week, writing in Spanish that it is "a dream come true." Jirau is modeling for the brand's Love Cloud collection.
"There are no limits," she wrote, adding her favorite phrase and life motto, "Alavett!", meaning "I love it!"
The Love Cloud campaign is modeled by 18 women who defy the traditional images that Victoria's Secret and other brands have traditionally included in their ads. Along with Jirau, their campaign also includes Miriam Blanco, who is paraplegic, Sylvia Kwon, who is pregnant, and Celilo Miles, a Nez Perce Tribe-Wildland firefighter.
Jirau made her modeling debut in 2019, and has also modeled at New York Fashion Week in February 2020, saying on her website that she is proud to be one of the few models who have Down syndrome to be able to participate in the event.
She has also launched a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about Down syndrome. The campaign, calledSin Limites, or No Limits, is an effort to show how Jirau and others with Down syndrome are able to accomplish their goals despite any daily challenges they may face, including issues such as a lack of available jobs, independent housing and a more inclusive educational system.
"For me, the most important thing about fulfilling my dreams is to show people around the world that there are no limits and to inspire them to pursue their own dreams," she says on her website. "This is why I always say 'Inside and out there are no limits' to motivate people to break through their self-imposed limitations."
Victoria's Secret announced the debut of their new collection on Valentine's Day, with Raúl Martinez, the head creative director, saying it marks a "major moment in the brand's revolution."
"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," Martinez said.
Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.
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I'm an enthusiast deeply versed in the world of fashion, inclusivity, and social impact. My extensive knowledge allows me to provide insights into the groundbreaking developments within the modeling industry, particularly regarding individuals who challenge traditional norms and redefine beauty standards. The article you've shared highlights the remarkable achievements of Sofía Jirau, a 25-year-old model from Puerto Rico, who has recently made history by becoming one of the newest models for Victoria's Secret. As the first model with Down syndrome in the company's history, Jirau is breaking barriers and reshaping the narrative around diversity and inclusion in the fashion world.
Sofía Jirau's announcement on Instagram marks a significant moment in the industry, as she expresses her gratitude for achieving a dream come true. The campaign she is a part of, the Love Cloud collection, features 18 women who defy traditional beauty standards. Alongside Jirau, the campaign includes Miriam Blanco, who is paraplegic, Sylvia Kwon, who is pregnant, and Celilo Miles, a Nez Perce Tribe-Wildland firefighter. This diverse representation challenges the conventional images that Victoria's Secret and other brands have traditionally portrayed in their advertisem*nts.
Jirau's modeling journey began in 2019, and she has already participated in New York Fashion Week in February 2020, proudly standing as one of the few models with Down syndrome to grace the event. Beyond her modeling career, Jirau has launched a global campaign named "Sin Limites" or "No Limits," aiming to raise awareness about Down syndrome. The campaign emphasizes the capabilities of individuals with Down syndrome to achieve their goals despite daily challenges, such as a lack of job opportunities, issues with independent housing, and the need for a more inclusive educational system.
Jirau's mission goes beyond the runway, as she seeks to inspire and motivate people globally. Her website conveys a powerful message: "Inside and out there are no limits," encouraging individuals to overcome self-imposed limitations and pursue their dreams. The Love Cloud collection debut on Valentine's Day by Victoria's Secret, as highlighted by Raúl Martinez, the head creative director, is described as a "major moment in the brand's revolution." Martinez emphasizes the importance of the inclusive spirit on set and the diverse cast of incredible women, signaling a shift in Victoria's Secret's approach to beauty standards.
In summary, Sofía Jirau's journey exemplifies the transformative power of inclusivity in the fashion industry, challenging preconceived notions and inspiring a new standard for beauty and representation.
