The 2025 Victoria’s Secret annual fashion show was a huge success worldwide because the brand finally listened to us about inclusion and diversity. Colombian artist Karol G, who has had a remarkable year where she has performed mainly on acclaimed international stages and is set to headline Coachella in 2026, served as the VS Fashion Show headlining performer.
Colombia’s ongoing representation in the Victoria’s Secret fashion show marked two significant milestones for LATAM culture. Afro-Colombian model Anggie Bryan McDonald, from San Andres, Colombia, recently created a viral social media video that gained widespread attention. Her message highlighted key historical points about the importance of this fashion show to Colombians, the “Afrolatin community,” and the rest of the world.
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As an Afro-Latina woman, it’s essential to recognize those who proudly embrace their identity. Anggie Bryan McDonald was the first Afro-Colombian featured in the VS brand’s catalog. She recently became a mother and has focused on speaking and creating Spanish content while preserving history and promoting authentic representation.
Some question why this matters. It matters because history—especially black achievements—is often overlooked or erased, and we are committed to changing that.
This does not diminish Karol G’s milestones. Both achievements deserve recognition.
Musical artist Goyo, who recently made history when she performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, has paved the way for others, and her impact is undeniable. In September 2023, Goyo made history as the first Latin female Afro-Colombian artist to be part of the VS lineup during her second solo album debut.
Following Karol G’s appearance on the VS Fashion Show, social media reactions and discourse have been adverse, with misinformation about who made it first and ignorant comments calling it a debacle. This prompted Goyo to repost her 2023 fashion show appearance with receipts to clarify and reaffirm her place in history. Critics might dismiss it as petty, but credit where it’s due.
Two Colombian women made history at the VS fashion show: Karol G, the first Latina musical artist to sport the iconic wings down the runway, and twenty-year-old Valentina Castro, the first Afro-Colombian model to walk the brand’s iconic runway. Hailing from Tumaco, Nariño—an area facing significant socioeconomic challenges—Valentina’s rags-to-riches story is inspiring. Her journey from Tumaco to modeling training in the Dominican Republic and her first runway at 18 in Paris for Louis Vuitton exemplifies her rise from humble roots to top model, breaking barriers along the way. The point of all this is to raise the bar as a community and root for everyone who makes it, first or last, to be acknowledged and seen. The 2025 Victoria’s Secret show became that moment that brought us together.
