Trans Icon Alex Consani Shines at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned to Brooklyn, New York, on October 15, drawing global attention with its star-studded lineup and renewed commitment to diversity and inclusion . Among the standout moments was the appearance of transgender model Alex Consani, whose presence on the runway resonated deeply with audiences and advocates for LGBTQ+ representation in the industry .

The 2025 show built on the momentum of its 2024 return, again assembling a cast that reflected the evolving face of beauty and fashion . Alongside Consani, the runway featured prominent models such as Anok Yai, Paloma Elsesser, Candice Swanepoel, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Barbara Palvin. Newcomers included WNBA star Angel Reese and Olympic gymnast Suni Lee, while entertainment came from a powerhouse lineup of performers including Missy Elliott, Karol G, Madison Beer, and K-pop sensation Twice .

Consani’s participation was widely celebrated by both fashion insiders and LGBTQ+ advocates, who noted the significance of her visibility in a historically exclusive space. Her walk was met with enthusiastic applause from an audience that included celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Chloë Sevigny, all of whom witnessed a show that was as much about progress as it was about glamour .

Alex Consani’s appearance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marks a watershed moment not only for her career but also for the broader movement toward transgender inclusion in mainstream fashion. Consani, who has previously advocated for increased visibility and acceptance of transgender people in the media, brought her signature confidence and style to the runway, serving as an inspiration for transgender youth and allies around the world .

The show’s creative director, Adam Selman, has publicly emphasized the importance of celebrating individuality and authenticity, an ethos reflected in the event’s casting choices and choreography . While Victoria’s Secret has faced criticism in the past for its lack of inclusivity, the brand’s recent shows have prioritized diverse representation across gender, race, and body type, signaling a significant shift in the company’s approach to beauty standards.

Beyond the runway itself, the show’s after-parties—held at venues such as the Crane Club in Manhattan—became spaces for celebration and community . Consani and her fellow models were joined by activists, designers, and performers, many of whom took to social media to reflect on the importance of trans visibility and solidarity within the fashion world.

The presence of high-profile transgender talent at one of fashion’s most visible events is being hailed as a step forward in the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance. Advocacy organizations have pointed out that representation in mainstream media can have tangible impacts on public attitudes, self-esteem among LGBTQ+ youth, and broader societal inclusion .

LGBTQ+ advocates have been quick to highlight the significance of Consani’s presence at the 2025 show. According to GLAAD, the inclusion of transgender models in high-profile events “signals to young transgender people everywhere that their identities are valid and that their dreams are achievable” . The Human Rights Campaign echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that increased visibility for transgender people in media and fashion can help counter stigma and promote understanding .

Nevertheless, advocates stress that authentic inclusion must go beyond symbolic representation. Continuing efforts are needed to ensure that transgender and non-binary people are not only seen but also supported within the industry—through equitable pay, access to opportunities, and safe working environments .

The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show set a new standard for representation in a sector often critiqued for its narrow definitions of beauty. With Alex Consani at the forefront, the event provided a platform for meaningful visibility and a reminder that fashion can be both aspirational and transformative .

As the industry continues to confront its legacy and embrace diversity, advocates urge ongoing dialogue and action to ensure that progress is sustained. Consani’s moment in the spotlight is a testament to the power of representation—and a call to keep pushing for a future where all identities can flourish on the world’s most visible stages .