Emira D’Spain: first Black trans model to work with Victoria’s Secret

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

The 25-year-old beauty influencer goes by @xoxoemira on TikTok, where she’s known for her makeup and skincare videos. She’s done collaborations with other brands in the past, but her recent collab with Victoria’s Secret marks a huge step forward in black and queer inclusivity in the beauty and fashion industry. 

The 25-year-old, partnered with Victoria’s Secret for her new video  “Single Girl’s Guide to the Perfect Valentine’s Day,” “The best love is self love!” D’Spain captioned the video.

In the video, D’Spain showed herself getting ready for a day of pampering, styling herself in a red Victoria’s Secret corset, black miniskirt and jacket, and suede Louboutin boots. Then, D’Spain was off for a self-care day around New York City, where she bought herself diamond earrings and flowers. “I don’t need a man to buy me flowers,” D’Spain said in the video, before concluding: “Valentine’s Day may be about love, but it also includes loving yourself.” 

Shortly after uploading the collaboration, D’Spain took to Instagram to reflect on the historic partnership.“Honored to be the first black trans girl working with Victoria’s Secret. As a kid I only DREAMED of being a part of Victoria’s Secret,” she said. 

She also gave a shoutout to Brazillian model Valentina Sampaio, who became the first trans woman to work with the company in 2019.“Valentina Sampaio paved the way and it’s such an honour to continue that legacy on the first day of black history month.”