Sofia Jirau, a Latina, Makes History as First Victoria's Secret Model With Down Syndrome
A new angel has descended on the catwalk. Puerto Rican model Sofia Jirau made history in becoming the first Latina Victoria's Secret model with down Syndrome.
According to NBC News, Jirau joined 17 other women in launching the brand's new Love Cloud Collection.
Latina Sofia Jirau Shares Milestone on Instagram
The Puerto Rican model took to Instagram to share her milestone. She timed her announcement in celebration of Valentine's Day following the debut of Victoria's Secret's Love Cloud Collection, a line of underwear.
Sofia Jirau posted a photo of herself looking sexy and pretty in Love Cloud's bra.
"One day I dreamed of it, I worked 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!" the Puerto Rican model captioned in her photo.
Jirau also thanked her fans and supporters who, according to her, "always" supported her projects. She then thanked Victoria's Secret for making her a part of the brand's newest collection.
"This is just the beginning, now it's formed... Inside and out there are no limits, Alavett," the Latina model concluded.
Reports noted that Jirau joined the brand at a "pivotal time" as Victoria's Secret rebrands itself to appeal to all types of women.
It was not the first time Jirau shared her milestone on her Instagram account. In February 2020, the Puerto Rican model shared a photo of herself walking on the runway of New York Fashion Week. Jirau wowed the crows as she walked gracefully, wearing a black dress with a leopard print.
"Yesterday I fulfilled a dream. I was born for this [modeling] and I want to show the world that I have everything a model needs to shine," Jirau wrote in the caption.
According to The Independent, Jirau's New York Fashion Week modeling gig was her debut performance on the runway. The Puerto Rican model earlier said that while she "lived her dream" that day, it was only the beginning of her career.
Who is Sofia Jirau?
The 24-year-old Latina model, who launched her modeling career in 2019 in Puerto Rico, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. According to CDC, this condition makes an individual have an extra chromosome that causes changes in the body and brain and acquire mental or physical challenges.
Despite that, Sofia Jirau proved that her condition does not hinder achieving her goals and dreams. According to the Puerta Rican model's website, Jirau accomplished her dream of debuting at New York Fashion Week, "for which I am proud as one of the few models with Down syndrome who has managed to participate in the important fashion event."
Jirau noted that she is now focused on modeling in the runways of Europe. Aside from being a model, Jirau is also an entrepreneur. She launched her online store "Alavett," based on her favorite phrase, "I love it." Her store offers home products, clothing, and accessories.
"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," Sofia Jirau said on her website.
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Joshua Summers
WATCH: Sofía Jirau se convierte en la primera modelo de Victoria's Secret con síndrome de Down - From Telemundo
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