This year’s Victoria’s Secret fashion show is headed in the right direction with confirmed castings showing that this show is set to be one of the most racially diverse in its history.

In recent years, Victoria’s Secret has taken many positive steps towards improving its inclusivity on the runway. In 2015, Maria Borges chose to rock her natural afro on the runway instead of wearing extensions; a year later saw a record number of Chinese models cast. This year, nearly 50% of angels chosen to walk the runway are POC, with names such as Duckie Thot, Herieth Paul and Isilda Moreira
appearing on the 2018 cast list.

Kelsey Merritt will be the first Filipino to walk the runway, while Winnie Harlow makes her proud debut after not being chosen as a Victoria’s Secret Angel last year. “Thank you mommy for praying with me everyday for the past 3 days,”
Harlow shared in an Instagram caption. “And thank you so much to my fans who have been pushing me forward to this point in my career.” Duckie Thot also shared the news, writing “this moment means the world. Always believe you can do anything.”

The big break was especially poignant for model Winnie Harlow, who lives with vitiligo – a skin condition that causes patches of pigmentation loss in skin. In an exclusive interview with Vogue magazine after finding out she had made the cut, she stated “representation is so important, and I want to [stand for] all women. Every single woman.” It is especially important for models who come from ethnic minority backgrounds to have a place in the show, as a chance to have a positive and powerful impact. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will be aired in late November or early December, with an official date yet to be confirmed. Approximately 5.5 million people will be watching.

By Christy Bucklow

Image: Getty Images