Chantel Rodriguez

Staff Writer 

Cvr5570@psu.edu

Victoria’s Secret pushes into rebranding in their new advertising campaign featuring 18 women with diverse identities and experiences. The company’s hope of becoming inclusive to all groups of women is a big step for them regarding their track record in the past. 

As the headliner for the new “Love Cloud” intimates’ collection, Sofía Jirau, the 24-year-old designer of “Alavett” and a native to San Juan, Puerto Rico, will be the first model with Down Syndrome to be the face of the campaign. 

When I first saw news of this, I couldn’t be happier! Of course, the best part is that my beautiful Puerto Rico is represented on such a meaningful national campaign. But also, the person who is going to be the lead model is the perfect example of a beautiful human being. Sofía is a unique, bright star and embodies the best qualities of perseverance and determination engraved in our minds as Puerto Ricans. 

And I’ve followed Sofía in her journey through social media for years, and I’m so eager she will be accomplishing a long-time dream of hers. So many individuals will see these campaigns and hopefully garner attention on how companies should start more accurate representation for their customers. 

Victoria’s Secret concept, creativity, and imagination for this project were envisioned by the head director Raúl Martinez.  It feels this is a step in the right direction for the company to change the previous image of being exclusive to a specific type of woman or body type. Honestly, that’s why this campaign is a favorite of mine, and seeing the brand’s mission for adding this collection made it much more significant. 

“One day I dreamed of it, I worked for it, and today is a dream come true,” Jirau wrote on Instagram. She inspires and encourages hundreds of thousands of people to follow their aspirations and wishes no matter what. I know she inspires me greatly, and I attempt to mimic her outlook on life. Being a part of this campaign is not Sofía’s only accomplishment. 

Sofía is an entrepreneur who has launched two businesses, “Alavett” and “No Limits,” while also achieving her modeling dreams at “INprende.” 

“Alavett” is an online store for specially made products that carry the phrase “Alavett” pronounced (I love it), which is her best-loved phrase to say whenever she is overjoyed. 

With “No Limits,” it was created to be a platform for individuals with Down Syndrome and how their conditions will not control their lives in stopping them from following their true potential. 

Sofía has never let her condition stop her from trying, and she wants other people to follow their dreams at full force. There are no limits to what anyone can do despite our setbacks in life. As she continues to be an inspiration, this is only the beginning. 

Hopefully, more corporations will become more inclusive in the future. Yes, it took a while to happen, but I am happy to see it happening. I want to see more people relatable to everyday consumers on the covers of these campaigns.