celebrity news

Leomie Anderson on becoming the first black British Victoria’s Secret angel: ‘It means everything’


Leomie earned her angel wings earlier this year (Picture: FilmMagic)

Leomie Anderson smashed through the glass ceiling to become one of the first black Victoria’s Secret angels earlier this year, and she hopes it’ll give young black girls hope to reach for their dreams.

The 26-year-old was announced as the latest angel in April, following in the footsteps of the likes of Gisele Bundchen, Adriana Lima and Jasmine Tookes.

It was particularly special to Leomie who was not only one of the first black angels, but the first black British model to earn her wings.

Reflecting on her momentous career milestone, Leomie told Metro.co.uk at the MTV Europe Music Awards on Sunday: ‘To be able to be one of the very first black Angels means everything to me.

‘When I was growing up there wasn’t many dark skinned girls who I could look to and say “I want to be like that one day”, so to be able to represent Victoria’s Secret and to show young black girls that they can do it, it means everything.’

Leomie wore a different set of wings last night (Picture: Getty Images)

It’s a small sign to suggest the modelling industry is making efforts to improve diversity but, of course, the journey is nowhere near over.

Leomie explained: ‘I definitely feel like things are improving and progress is being made but we’re still a very long way before I can say that the fashion industry is a completely equal place.

‘It’s not just about the campaigns, it’s about the production, the CEOs, the journalists – it’s about everybody. I think when the diversity spreads from the outside inwards, that’s when we can say we’re in a really good place.’

At the time she was announced as an angel, Leomie said in an Instagram post: ‘Mate I am still in shock… this is something I was even scared to dream about because I never thought it would come true but I am insanely excited to announce that I am Victoria’s Secret’s newest Angel.’

MORE: Leomie Anderson asks NTAs audience to applaud her legs and becomes our new hero

MORE: Leomie Anderson defends Victoria’s Secret over body diversity backlash: ‘You wouldn’t say it to an athlete’





READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.