Victoria’s Secret is set to host its most diverse fashion show ever, with nearly 50 per cent of the models cast for its 2017 catwalk revealed as being Asian, black, or Hispanic.
Ahead of the lingerie brand’s much-anticipated fashion show, a list of 61 models hailing from all around the world has been revealed – although more are expected to be listed – with a wide variety of ethnicities and races all being represented within the group of lucky ladies.
Additionally, most of the models cast in the show – which is due to take place in Shanghai – are international, with stars hailing from England, Brazil, Russia, Tanzania, France and the Netherlands.
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Model moment: Estelle Chen (second to left) posted this photo alongside fellow new Victoria Secret show models for the 2017 line up, contributing to the most diverse show cast yet
Brown beauties: Leila Nda (left) and Lameka Fox (right) will step out on the show’s Shanghai runway in November as part of the cast that is nearly 50 per cent black, Asian and Hispanic
Pretty pout: Sudanese beauty Grace Bol (left) and Texas-born Jourdana Phillips (right) took to Instagram to share their excitement about joining the show’s model cast
Twice as nice: Chinese models Sui He (left) and Xiao Wen Ju (right) also made the list
Victoria’s veterans: Sweden-born Kelly Gale (left) and Tanzanian beauty Herieth Paul (right) will return to the catwalk this year for another season with the lingerie brand
International faces: Daniela Braga (left) hails from Brazil while Frida Aasen (right) is from Norway and represent two of the many countries that walk in the international show
The diversity in looks and cultures in the show is a praise-worthy change in the show’s 21-year-old legacy; last year only 30 per cent of the models were from diverse backgrounds, according to Teen Vogue.
However, despite that low number, last year’s show, which was held in the Grand Palais in Paris, was still record breaking in terms of diversity, featuring four Asian models in total, more Asian representatives than ever before.
A social media applause was also made for the debut of three black women Herieth Paul, Jourdana Elizabeth, and Maria Borges, all returning models, who rocked natural hair down the runway in the 2016 show.
The growing diversity in the company’s show has received an incredibly positive response, after years of backlash for the once homogeneous fashion show of tall, thin, white women.
Regal return: Britain’s Leomie Anderson (left) and Domincan Republic’s Dilone (right) will return to the runway for their second shows
Lucky birds: Angolan model Amilna Estevao (left) and Brazilian beaut Samile Bermannelli (right) will join the Victoria Secret family for the first time this year
Summer stunners: American Zuri Tibby (left) is already a model for the brand’s PINK affiliate and walked with French model Cindy Bruna (right) in the Paris show last year
Across the ocean: Aussie Victoria Lee (left) and Brit Alexina Graham (right) are first timers for the lingerie brand’s annual fashion show
All smiles: Spain’s Blanca Padilla (left) returns to the Victoria Secret name while Dutch Roos Marijn de Kok (right) will walk for the very first time with the brand
This year’s list of chosen stars boasts 16 newcomers and 31 returning models, who are all now in the process of show fittings.
The new cast is certianly a leap forward from the dark past of cultural appropriation, including the 2012 show moment when Karlie Kloss walked out donning a Native American headdress.
Included in the 2017 line-up is the return of long-standing angels Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel, Behati Prinsloo, Lily Aldrige, Elsa Hosk, Jasmine Tookes, Josephine Skriver, Lais Ribeiro, Martha Hunt, Romee Strijd, Sara Sampaio, Stella Maxwell and Taylor Hill.
One notable line-up change is the apparent absence of Kendall Jenner, who took her place on the catwalk for the first time last year – but will reportedly not make an appearance in the 2017 show thanks to an exclusive contract with rival lingerie brand La Perla.
However her best friend Gigi Hadid and sister Bella are signed to take the runway this year.
The star-studded lingerie show is set to air November 28.
Brazilian bombshells! Gizele Oliveira and Bruna Lirio share a video hugging and celebrating on Instagram their show announcement together
Model moment: Nadine Leopold of Austria (left) and Julia Belyakova of Russia (right) are the newest additions to the show as well. Nadine shared online ‘never give up on your dreams!’
Blue eyed beauties: New Zealand fashion model Georgia Fowler (left) will return to the runway while Ukranian bombshell Dasha Khlystun (right) will walk for the first time
Serve face: Curly-haired Alanna Arrington (left) strutted the runway last year. She will be joined by first timer Alecia Morais, a Cabo Verdean model
Blonde strutters: Dutch model Sanne Vloet (left) and Russian Kate Grigorieva are also international returning show veterans
Strike a pose! Maggie Laine (left) from Columbus, Georgia, will return for a second show and perhaps show first-timer Nigerian model Mayowa Nicholas the ropes
Fab n fit! Baraba Fialho (left) will step out for her sixth show with Grace Elizabeth (right) who introduced the PINK line in last year’s show in Paris
Sultry side eye: English model Megan Williams and Russian beaut Irina Sharipova will also join the show as returnees
Fierce face! American model Vanessa Moody and London-born model Aiden Curtiss will join the Shanghai Victoria Secret spotlight for the first time this year