Sofía Jirau has officially made history, becoming the first Victoria’s Secret model with Down syndrome.
The 24-year-old Puerto Rican model shared the news on social media, joining the fashion brand — along with 17 other women — for a new underwear line and campaign, Love Cloud Collection. Alongside a black and white photo of herself modeling a Victoria’s Secret bra, Jiaru thanked the company for seeing her as a model “without limits.”
“One day I dreamed of it, I worked for it and today it’s a dream come true. I can finally tell you my big secret,” Jirau wrote. “I am Victoria’s Secret’s first model with Down syndrome!”
“Thank you, Victoria’s Secret, for seeing me as a model who has #NoLimits and making me part of the inclusive Love Cloud Collection campaign,” she added. “Inside and out, there are no limits.”
“Love Cloud Collection is a major moment in the brand’s evolution,” Raúl Martinez, Victoria Secret’s chief creative director, said in a statement. “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.”
Jiaru kicked off her career in Puerto Rico in 2019 before making her modeling debut at New York Fashion Week back in 2020. At the time, she assured that the big milestone was just the beginning
“When I was little, I looked myself in the mirror and said, ‘I’m going to be a model and a businesswoman,'” she told PEOPLE at the time.
At NYFW, she was able to showcase her talents on an international stage, modeling for Marisa Santiago at the dress designer’s runway show. She later told her Instagram followers, “I was born for this and I want to show the world that I have everything a model needs to shine.”
Not only is her modeling career taking off, but Jirau is also living her businesswoman dreams with her own line, Alavett. The brand’s name is how Jirau spelled out her favorite words to say, “I love it.”
She told PEOPLE Alavett is her “shout of joy,” and she sells everything from shirts and wallets to mugs and phone cases with the signature brand name and heart doodle.
More about Jirau from Wikipedia.
Jirau was born in Puerto Rico to Frankie Jirau and Mimi Gonzalez. She’s the second eldest of four children.
Jirau began working as a model on March 26, 2019, her 23rd birthday. Since then, she has modelled for top designers. On February 10, 2020, the 24 year old Puerto Rican model made her debut at New York Fashion Week. Jirau is one of the few models with Down syndrome who has managed to participate in the important fashion event.
Her debut was covered by dozens of media outlets around the world, including Vogue Mexico, People, Hola!, Univision, etc.
Jirau became an entrepreneur in 2019 by launching an online store, which is named “Alavett”, based on her favorite phrase “I love it”, where she offers clothing, accessories, and home products. She also dreams of becoming an actress.
Currently, Jirau works as an Experience Ambassador in the Puerto Rican company INprende, which has served as Jirau’s supporter in fulfilling her dreams.
In an interview with People magazine, when asked who her fashion icon was, Jirau answered it was Jennifer Lopez. She also stated that she wanted to meet her.
During 2022, Jirau became the first-ever model with Down Syndrome to be hired by American retail company, Victoria’s Secret. According to a press release, she, alongside 17 other women, promotes Victoria’s Secret’s new all-day comfort Love Cloud line, which the brand believes would “reinforce Victoria’s Secret’s commitment to welcoming and celebrating all women.”
Jirau now has over two hundred thousand followers on Instagram social media.
