By The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which is arguably the biggest fashion show of the year, will be airing tonight at 10 P.M. EST on CBS. The live show was filmed in New York City, N.Y. on Nov. 10, 2015, and included 47 models and lots and lots of pretty wings.
Love it or hate it, the Victoria’s Secret show is a big deal to the fashion world and beyond. Although it is unique to its kind, it becomes no different than any other mainstream fashion show when you analyze the lack of representation in its line-up.
Considering how the show always aims to push the limit, it’s a shame to find out that of the 47 models, only eight were black. What’s up with that?
Not to mention, the show also promotes the unhinged one-definition of beauty the media continues to feed us. That’s not to say that the V.S. angels are not beautiful, we all know I have major girl crushes on them — and so do you.
The issue here is that they’re often seen as the only definition of beauty. That’s how these shows become problematic.
However, one fierce V.S. show veteran, Maria Borges, took matters into her own hands this year when she requested to walk the runway in her natural (and beautiful) hairstyle.
The Angolan model walked two previous shows in long locks of wavy hair, just like the rest of the girls. But this year, she knew it was time to strut the catwalk in her mini-fro. And indeed she did.
You go, girl.
Borges expected her request to be denied but was filled with both surprise and happiness when they agreed to let her rock her natural hair.
It can seem pretty unsettling when you think about how revolutionary it is when one model decides to break the social standard of beauty. That’s how problematic our society is and how deeply-rooted these sometimes unrealistic standards of beauty are in our daily lives. But it is revolutionary.
This is the first time in V.S. history where a black model fearlessly owned the runway in her natural hairstyle. And considering how influential a company like Victoria’s Secret is, promoting that moment is a huge deal.
“Be strong. If you say you’re beautiful without hair and makeup, then they will believe you. It’s about being confident and always being yourself.” -Maria Borges
You stay winning, Maria Borges.
Thank you for taking a stand against the misrepresentation of women in the media. And thank you for showing the millions of young girls that will be watching you tonight that they too can embrace their natural and unique beauty without being afraid to freaking own that shit.
May you continue to inspire girls and women alike to continue working on their self-love, self-confidence and self-growth.
—
Image from Twitter: @IamMariaBorges