First trans model to walk Victoria’s Secret fashion show reflects on making history

Alex Consani revealed how she felt breaking barriers as the first trans model to walk the Victoria’s Secret fashion show.

In a cover interview with Teen Vogue, the 21-year-old model reflected on the history-making walk on the Victoria’s Secret runway.

She explained that didn’t even realize she would be the first trans model to strut the annual fashion show. Consani told the outlet that she’d assumed that fellow trans model Valentina Sampaio held that title after appearing in a Victoria’s Secret campaign in 2019.

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“It’s crazy, though, because I didn’t even realize I was the first to walk until after I walked the show,” Consani said. “I thought that Valentina had already walked a while ago, so having that in my mind took the pressure away.”

However, she stressed to the outlet that there was more work to be done in terms of representation, adding that it could be difficult to advocate for change when many people in power are actively working against minority groups.

“It’s scary, though, because if you talk about the need for diversity to someone in power, they might X you out and say, ‘Well, if you’re upset then we’ll just make sure you’re not included,’ ” she explained, noting that her rise in the fashion industry could be partly credited to her whiteness. “When we have a conversation about fashion, we’re talking about what society views as beautiful or acceptable.”

“I don’t see the people who I’m inspired by doing the same jobs I’m doing or getting the same support. It’s upsetting,” Consani continued. “Where are the dolls of color? Where’s the South Asian models? The Native American/Indigenous models? I’m close to people in those communities, and it’s really changed my perception of fashion.”

She also noted that many of the things the public celebrates her for – including her hilarious TikTok presence – are heavily influenced by black trans women.

“The personality that I have and the energy that I give is so heavily inspired by Black trans women,” she explained. “People see me as kitschy and different, but if you’re ever around a Black doll, then you kind of get the same energy that I’m celebrated for. I’m celebrated because I’m White.”

Consani said she envisions a future where models do more than strut the runway—they use their voices to make an impact.

“We’re at a point now where, generally, people recognize that you have to support a disadvantaged community in order for everyone to see them as equal,” she said. “Fashion, now more than ever, values a voice. If you have the ability to use your voice, then you have to use it.”

The fashion show marked the lingerie giant’s first live runway event since 2018. Many of the brand’s “angels” returned to the catwalk on Tuesday night, including Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Tyra Banks, and Adriana Lima. They joined newcomers Consani, Sampaio, Lila Moss, Ashley Graham, and Paloma Elsesser to celebrate the fashion show’s return from its six-year hiatus.