Supermodel Jasmine Tookes delivered a truly groundbreaking moment at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, opening the highly anticipated event at nine months pregnant with her second child. Her radiant appearance on the runway challenged traditional beauty standards and marked a pivotal step in the brand’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, sending ripples of inspiration across the globe.
On Wednesday, Jasmine Tookes, an iconic figure in the modeling world, made a historic entrance at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. At nearly nine months pregnant with her second child, the 34-year-old model fearlessly opened the show, proudly showcasing her baby bump down the runway at Steiner Studios in New York’s Brooklyn Navy Yard. This moment was not just a fashion statement but a profound declaration of motherhood and strength, resonating with fans and the industry alike, as reported by Harper’s Bazaar.
A Celestial Display of Motherhood and Style
Tookes’ ensemble was nothing short of breathtaking. She modeled a nude bodysuit beneath a intricately beaded fishnet midi-dress, looking “divinely celestial” as she graced the catwalk. Complementing her look, she hauled a matching shell-shaped wire frame on her back, reminiscent of a majestic cape. Despite being heavily pregnant, she bravely navigated the runway in a pair of stiletto heels, cementing her status as a seasoned professional. Her middle-parted raven extensions were strategically placed to hide the shoulder straps of her attire, adding to the seamless elegance of her appearance. The entire extravaganza was streamed live on Prime Video, bringing this pivotal moment to a global audience.
The significance of her walk was not lost on Tookes herself, who emotionally reacted to the moment via her Instagram story, exclaiming, “I’m crying!” This candid response captured the overwhelming emotion of a career-defining performance that transcended mere modeling.
Jasmine Tookes’ Enduring Victoria’s Secret Legacy
Tookes is no stranger to the Victoria’s Secret runway, having made her debut at the brand’s fashion show in 2012. Her dedication and talent saw her officially earn her coveted “wings” in 2015, solidifying her status as a Victoria’s Secret Angel. She has consistently graced every show from 2012 to 2018 and returned for its rebranded iteration in 2024, showcasing her long-standing relationship with the iconic lingerie brand.
A highlight of her career came in 2016 when Tookes had the distinct honor of donning the exquisite $3 million Fantasy Bra. Crafted with emeralds and diamonds, this iconic piece remains her “all-time favorite VS look.” She recounted the experience to Who What Wear, stating, “It was such an honor, and the bra was stunning — made with emeralds and diamonds. I’ll never forget how special that moment was.”
The Road to Baby Number Two: Family Life and Support
This momentous runway appearance comes as Tookes prepares to welcome her second child, a baby brother for her two-year-old daughter, Mia Victoria Borrero. In early September, she confirmed that she had “a couple more months to go” before the baby’s arrival. The transition to a family of four presents its unique challenges, as Tookes confessed to People, “I think this second time around is a little bit harder just because I do have a toddler.”
However, she eagerly anticipates the support from her extended family. “It’s going to be such a special moment. My husband’s family is going to come into town for two to three months, so it’ll be nice to have that support along with my mom and my family. It’ll be a full house over here at the Tookes-Borrero household, which I’m just so excited about,” she shared. Jasmine and her husband of four years, Airbnb exec Juan David Borrero, first met in 2016, introduced by none other than Miranda Kerr and her husband Evan Spiegel.
The Gathering of Angels: A Star-Studded Return
Tookes was not alone in her triumphant return to the runway. She was joined on the confetti-strewn catwalk by a dazzling lineup of fellow Angels and notable models, symbolizing the brand’s continued embrace of diverse talent. The star-studded cast included:
- Candice Swanepoel
- Adriana Lima
- Joan Smalls
- Bella Hadid
- Angel Reese
- Alex Consani
- Gigi Hadid
- Yasmin Wijnaldum
- Alessandra Ambrosio
Behind the scenes, renowned make-up artist Pat McGrath worked her magic, enhancing Tookes’ natural beauty and bone structure, ensuring she looked radiant for her historic walk.
Victoria’s Secret’s Evolving Vision: Inclusivity and Empowerment
Jasmine Tookes’ appearance while pregnant strongly reinforces Victoria’s Secret’s ongoing rebrand, which aims to move away from its historically narrow definition of beauty towards a more inclusive and empowering vision. This shift is characterized by:
- The VS Collective: A partnership with a diverse group of women, including athletes, activists, and entrepreneurs, representing a wider range of perspectives and experiences.
- Body Positivity: A commitment to showcasing models of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities.
- Celebrating Real Life: Highlighting models experiencing significant life changes, such as pregnancy, to connect with a broader, more authentic audience.
- Focus on Comfort: An increased emphasis on accessible and comfortable lingerie, moving beyond highly stylized and often unattainable looks.
By featuring a visibly pregnant model opening its show, Victoria’s Secret is actively helping to normalize pregnancy in mainstream fashion and inspiring future generations to embrace their bodies through all stages of life.
Beyond the Runway: Tookes’ Entrepreneurial Spirit
Beyond her illustrious modeling career, Jasmine Tookes remains an active entrepreneur and influencer. She is the founder of her own beauty brand, Brunel, offering products like the Golden Hour Glow Body Oil, which was reportedly applied by Pat McGrath for her runway look. She also serves as an advisor for the AI styling app, Alta. With 9.4 million social media followers, Tookes leverages her platform for lucrative paid partnerships with major brands, including Sephora, Vuori, Jimmy Choo, Laneige, Jared Jewelers, Paige, and Coterie, demonstrating her multifaceted influence within and beyond the fashion industry.
