Victoria's Secret retired its Angels in 2021, but five years later the brand is crowning a new one through a YouTube docuseries called "Angels Among Us." More than 100,000 applicants were narrowed to three finalists, with the winner set to walk in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Los Angeles on Sunday, Oct. 18, and receive an exclusive modeling contract with IMG Models.
The finalists are Andreína Martínez Fournier, a former Miss Dominican Republic and Miss Universe 2022 second runner-up; Tatyana Tinsley, a Bronx-born model who began modeling in 2019; and Solange Omon, a Cameroon native now based in Maine. In Thursday's episode, each filmed a rain-and-glitter-filled reveal video to be used if she wins.
A Victoria's Secret spokesperson told WWD that Angels remain "an iconic, globally recognized part of Victoria's Secret," and that being one today is about "celebrating individuality, confidence and that undeniable energy and authenticity that inspires others." The competition began with an April open casting call, with tryouts in Chicago, Houston, Miami and Los Angeles.
The six-episode series, which premiered Sept. 27, was directed by Nadia Hallgren and produced in part by Boardwalk Pictures. Chief marketing and customer officer Elizabeth Preis said the idea came from listening to customers and their love of behind-the-scenes fashion show content.
The Angel name dates to 1997, when Victoria's Secret introduced a lingerie collection with an ad campaign featuring Tyra Banks, Helena Christensen, Karen Mulder, Daniela Peštová and Stephanie Seymour. Wings hit the runway in 1998, and the title became one of modeling's most sought-after contracts, held by names including Heidi Klum, Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio. The jewel-encrusted Fantasy Bra, absent since 2018, returns Sunday, created by Jacob & Co. with a centerpiece valued at $22 million; the model wearing it is being kept secret.
Victoria's Secret scrapped the Angels in June 2021, replacing them with the VS Collective, after years of criticism over narrow beauty standards and remarks by then-chief marketing officer Ed Razek. The fashion show returned in 2024, and in 2025 WNBA player Angel Reese became the first professional athlete to walk it. Sunday's show, dubbed "Fandemonium" by creative chief Adam Selman, will stream live on the brand's YouTube, Instagram and TikTok at 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET, with live screenings at select AMC locations.
Originally reported by WWD