By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
TikTok Star Emira D'Spain Is the First Black Trans Model to Work With Victoria's Secret
“As a kid I only DREAMED of being a part of Victoria’s Secret,” she wrote. “Valentina Sampaio paved the way and it’s such an honor to continue that legacy on the first day of Black History Month.”
Emira D'Spain, better known as XOXOEMIRA on social media, is making history this Valentine's Day.
D'Spain, 25, is the first Black trans model to work with Victoria's Secret. The model collaborated with the popular lingerie brand to make a Valentine's Day TikTok, showing users how to enjoy Valentine's Day when they're single.
In the video, D'Spain tries on red Victoria's Secret items, like a robe and corset. She takes us through her day, putting on her makeup and picking out an outfit. Then she goes out to lunch by herself, buys herself a bouquet of flowers, and then buys herself some diamond earrings. She ends the day by taking a luxurious bath, then doing her skincare routine in a Victoria's Secret pink heart pajama set.
"My entire platform is built on confidence and self-love," D'Spain told Page Six. "I want to empower young trans women and men around the world to show them that the beauty and fashion industries are changing. Especially if you are a person of color. I am so grateful to work with Victoria's Secret and hope this paves the way for others after me."
On Instagram, she said working with the brand was an honor. "As a kid I only DREAMED of being a part of Victoria's Secret," she wrote. "Valentina Sampaio paved the way and it's such an honor to continue that legacy on the first day of Black History Month."
Back in 2018, Victoria's Secret found itself in hot water after the company's CMO Ed Razek made transphobic and fatphobic comments. The company then canceled its famous Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and is still trying to recover.
In 2019, Valentina Sampaio, a model from Brazil, became the first trans model to work with the company. She's also the first trans model to ever grace the cover of an issue of Vogue, and the first trans model in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
RELATED | Valentina Sampaio Is Clearing a Path for Trans Supermodels
Mey Rude is a journalist and cultural critic who has been covering queer news for a decade. The transgender, Latina lesbian lives in Los Angeles with her fiancée.
Mey Rude is a journalist and cultural critic who has been covering queer news for a decade. The transgender, Latina lesbian lives in Los Angeles with her fiancée.
