Emira D’Spain made history this week as the first Black trans model to partner with the lingerie company Victoria’s Secret.
The 25-year-old beauty influencer goes by XOXOEMIRA online and is best known for her “Get Ready with Me” styled videos.
D’Spain teamed up with Victoria’s Secret to create a “Single Girl’s Guide to the Perfect Valentine’s Day,” a how-to video for those who are spending the holiday on their own.
“I don’t need a man to buy me flowers,” D’Spain says as she spends the day treating herself to a delicious brunch, a bouquet of roses, and some gorgeous jewelry pieces.
@xoxoemira Valentine’s Day SINGLE Girl Edition 💌💖💫 with @Victoria’s Secret ❤️ The best love is self love! #vsfeelthelove #vspartner ♬ Hrs and Hrs - Muni Long
After returning home to a relaxing bath and an extensive skin routine, D’Spain reminds us that while “Valentine’s Day may be about love, but it also includes loving yourself.”
The idea of self-love is something that is consistently shared across the beauty influencer's many platforms.
“My entire platform is built on confidence and self-love,” D’Spain said in a statement to USA TODAY.
“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 POC. I am so grateful to work with Victoria’s Secret and hope this paves the way for those after me.”
The move may come as a surprise for many LGBTQ+ advocates reflecting on the past controversy surrounding Victoria’s Secret and the transgender community.
In 2018 the brand's then CMO Ed Razek spoke to Vogue and responded to the diversity of the brand's models compared to those featured in Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Show.
During the interview, Razek said he didn’t think Victoria’s Secret’s fashion show should include “transsexuals” because “the show is a fantasy.”
After much backlash the company decided to cancel the 2019 fashion show, citing a “rethinking” of the traditional show.
The same year, Brazilian trans model Valentina Sampaio, was the first to work with the company. Her other accomplishments include being the first trans model to pose for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue as well as the first trans model to make the cover of Vogue.
As for D’Spain, she said working with the brand was an honor and aims to follow in Sampaio's footsteps.
“As a kid I only DREAMED of being a part of Victoria’s Secret,” she captioned a post on Instagram. “Valentina Sampaio paved the way and it’s such an honor to continue that legacy on the first day of Black History Month.”
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