TikTok star makes history as Victoria’s Secret’s first Black trans model

TikTok star Emira D’Spain has made history as the first Black transgender model to work with Victoria’s Secret.

D’Spain – known on social media as XOXOEMIRA – confirmed the collaboration in a heartfelt post on Instagram where she also showed off some of beautiful Victoria’s Secret items for Valentine’s Day.

The TikToker and model poised confidently for the camera while a stunning red corset and a  matching lipstick.

She shared that she was “honoured” to be the first Black trans woman to work with the lingerie brand, describing the partnership as a ‘dream’ come true.

“As a kid I only DREAMED of being a part of Victoria’s Secret,” she wrote. “[Valentina Sampaio] paved the way, and it’s such an honour to continue that legacy on the first day of Black History Month.”

Sampaio was the first-ever trans model to work with Victoria’s Secret after she shot a campaign for the lingerie brand’s PINK line back in 2019.

D’Spain, 25, posted a Valentine’s Day inspired collaboration with the lingerie brand to her over 774,300 followers on TikTok.

The model gave her top tips on how to enjoy the romantic holiday as a single person, captioning the video “best love is self-love”.

In the video, D’Spain took viewers along on an indulgent day out for people who are spending the holiday on their own. Her day began with putting on makeup, styling a gorgeous red Victoria’s Secret corset and even doing her hair so she can feel like a “baddie”.

@xoxoemira

Valentine’s Day SINGLE Girl Edition 💌💖💫 with @Victoria’s Secret ❤️ The best love is self love! #vsfeelthelove #vspartner

♬ Hrs and Hrs – Muni Long

Then, she took herself out on a date to one of her favourite restaurants and chowed down on a grilled cheese plus a cinnamon bun while reading a book. It sounded like a fantastic way to spend an afternoon – Valentine’s Day or not.

After lunch, she bought herself a bouquet of roses and also picked up some diamond earrings before heading home. D’Spain then ended her day with a luxurious bath and did her intense skincare routine in a Victoria’s Secret pink heart pyjama set.

“Valentine’s Day may be about love, but it also includes loving yourself,” D’Spain said at the end of the video.

D’Spain told USA Today that her collaboration with Victoria’s Secret is ultimately an extension of her platform which she said is “built on confidence and self-love”.

“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,” D’Spain said. “I am so grateful to work with Victoria’s Secret and hope this paves the way for those after me.”

The TikTok star and model has previously worked with big name brands like Google, Anastasia Beverly Hills and Rhianna’s Fenty Skin. She is also the beauty director for PAPER Magazine.