Valentina Sampaio Achieves Her ‘Long-Held Dream’ as a Trailblazing Trans Model in the VS Fashion Show

Valentina Sampaio continues to make history.

The Brazilian model, 27, was the first trans model to star in a Victoria’s Secret campaign when she began working with the brand in 2019. Now, five years later, she and Alex Consani are the first two trans models to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

Sampaio exclusively told PEOPLE that becoming one of the brand’s first trans models is a moment that she doesn’t take lightly and one that she’ll celebrate forever.

Sampaio hit the runway in New York on Oct. 15 wearing a giant black and copper striped bow with six different D-loops. Sampaio’s lingerie look included a black satin bra with subtle black embellishments, matching low-rise underwear and a fishnet bejeweled midi-length skirt.

The sparkling look was topped off with a pair of silver-studded pearl pumps and thick, oversize black hook earrings.

As for her glam, her hair reached voluminous heights, complementing the oversize back bow accessory. Her makeup was a subtle bronzy look — highlighting the subtle copper and metallic details in her ensemble — which included a bold black cat-eye, a brown smokey eye and a frosty nude lip gloss.

“This moment is one I will cherish for a lifetime,” Sampaio told PEOPLE exclusively earlier in the day. “Today, the Victoria’s Secret family has shown the world that being trans is just as exceptional and beautiful as anyone else on that runway. Inclusivity is crucial to the world we’re building, and I’m honored to walk with pride, love and the hope of inspiring the next generation. Thank you, Victoria’s Secret, for making a long-held dream come true.”

Sampaio announced her participation in this year’s show in early October on Instagram, writing in the caption, “I’m over the Moon… I’M IN!!! ❤️‍🔥 See you guys at the @victoriassecret Fashion Show 2024.”After a six-year hiatus, the fashion show returned this year in New York, promising more diversity and inclusion than ever. When the show was announced in May on Instagram, the brand wrote, “Victoria’s Secret first announced the show’s return in May on Instagram. “We’ve read the comments and heard you,” the caption read. “The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is ✨ BACK ✨ and will reflect who we are today, plus everything you know and love—the glamour, runway, wings, musical entertainment, and more! Stay tuned…it only gets more iconic from here. 🪽”