Alex Consani Says ‘It’s Crazy’ Being One of the 1st Trans Models to Walk Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show: ‘More We Can Do’

Mar. 15, 2025

Alex Consani in a ‘Teen Vogue’ photo shoot for the October 2024 issue.Photo:Angalis Field/Teen Vogue

Angalis Field/Teen Vogue

WhenAlex Consaniisn’t making viral TikToks, including one abouther Gru fromMinionscostumefor Halloween, the model is pondering the future of fashion.

Consani reflected on the “really impactful moment” of her andValentina Sampaiobecoming the first two models to strut the annual fashion show.

“It’s crazy, though, because I didn’t even realize I was the first to walk until after I walked the show. I thought that Valentina had already walked a while ago, so having that in my mind took the pressure away,” she explained about Sampaio, who was the first trans model to appear in aVictoria’s Secret campaign, but not a runway, in 2019.

‘Teen Vogue’ cover star Alex Consani.Angalis Field/Teen Vogue

On the day of the show in New York City, Sampaio told PEOPLE, “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.”

She continued, “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.”

While Consani and Sampaio, 27, are celebrating their milestone achievement in the fashion industry, Consani emphasized toTeen Voguethat “there’s more we can do" to advocation for other diverse models, “and it starts with fostering a conversation.”

“It’s scary, though, because if you talk about the need for diversity to someone in power, they might X you out and say, ‘Well, if you’re upset then we’ll just make sure you’re not included,’ ” she said.

Alex Consani during a ‘Teen Vogue’ shoot.Angalis Field/Teen Vogue

Consani, who started modeling when she was 13, now draws inspiration from trans models who eventually came before her, such asDominique JacksonandConnie Fleming.

“Their experiences were so crazy,” Consani recalled. “Hearing how much they had to push the barriers for me to be where I am today, I could never compare my situation to theirs.”

Consani admitted toTeen Voguethat being White has helped her be celebrated in the fashion industry compared to her counterparts.

“When we have a conversation about fashion, we’re talking about what society views as beautiful or acceptable," she said.

Alex Consani poses for her ‘Teen Vogue’ cover shoot.Angalis Field/Teen Vogue

Consani also said that she wants aspiring models to know success takes time.

“For a long time, I didn’t trust the process. I would do one job, then I wouldn’t work for a year. I think I needed that time to really develop myself," she reflected. “A lot of people are really pushing to do jobs, but I think divine timing is so real in this industry. You have to trust that things will come to you when they’re meant to.”

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Consani believes the future of fashion is models using their voices.

“We’re at a point now where, generally, people recognize that you have to support a disadvantaged community in order for everyone to see them as equal,” she said. “Fashion, now more than ever, values a voice. If you have the ability to use your voice, then you have to use it.”

source: people.com