Supermodel Jasmine Tookes redefined runway expectations by opening the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show at nine months pregnant, delivering a powerful message about motherhood, strength, and the evolving landscape of beauty in high fashion.
The fashion world witnessed a truly remarkable and historic moment when Jasmine Tookes, nearly nine months pregnant with her second child, opened the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. This groundbreaking appearance in Brooklyn, New York, on Wednesday, October 15, was more than just a runway walk; it was a profound statement, challenging long-held industry norms and celebrating the powerful journey of motherhood.
Tookes, a veteran of the Victoria’s Secret stage since 2012, embraced her pregnancy with radiant confidence, capturing global attention and applause. Her presence underscored a significant cultural shift, demonstrating that elegance, strength, and femininity beautifully coexist with the miracle of expectant motherhood.
A Dazzling Display of Motherhood and High Fashion
For her show-opening ensemble, Jasmine Tookes captivated audiences with a stunning “Mother of Pearl” themed outfit. She graced the runway in a breathtaking fishnet dress crafted from golden lattice-style fabric, intricately embellished with shimmering teardrop-shaped gems that caught the light with every step. Beneath the sheer overlay, she wore a nude bodysuit, allowing her prominent baby bump to be proudly displayed.
Instead of the traditional Angel wings, Tookes sported a unique Botticelli-esque clamshell cage that majestically flowed behind her like a cape. This ethereal design was adorned with sprig-like wires topped with pearly bulbs, adding an otherworldly touch to her appearance. Matching metallic sandal heels completed her captivating look.
The emotional highlight of the evening came when Tookes paused at the end of the runway to tenderly cradle her baby bump, a moment that was met with resounding applause from the audience. Her raw emotion and joy were evident, encapsulating the powerful resonance of her appearance.
Following her show-stopping performance, Tookes took to social media to express her disbelief and excitement. She shared a selfie on Instagram Stories exclaiming, “Omg what just happened,” and later a TikTok video captioned, “Can’t believe I just opened the show 9 months pregnant 🥹,” a post that quickly resonated with millions across social media platforms, as reported by TikTok.
Beyond the Catwalk: Tookes’ Personal Journey into Motherhood
Jasmine Tookes is currently embracing an incredible journey as she prepares to welcome her second child with husband Juan David Borrero. The couple, who married in September 2021, welcomed their first child, daughter Mia Victoria, in February 2023. The joyful news of her second pregnancy was first shared by Tookes in July via a heartfelt Instagram post, where she proclaimed, “Another little soul to love 🤎” alongside tender photos showcasing her growing baby bump, as seen on Instagram.
Tookes has been open about the challenges of her second pregnancy, particularly with a toddler at home. She confessed to People magazine that managing a pregnancy while caring for two-year-old Mia Victoria has been “a little bit harder.” However, she expressed excitement for the upcoming support from her husband’s family, who will be visiting for several months, ensuring a “full house” and ample assistance as they welcome their new addition.
A Trailblazer with a Rich Victoria’s Secret History
Jasmine Tookes’ return to the Victoria’s Secret runway, especially under such unique circumstances, adds another illustrious chapter to her already impressive career. She is no stranger to the iconic lingerie brand, having walked in every show from 2012 to 2018, and participating in its reimagined return in 2024. Tookes officially earned her coveted “wings” in 2015, solidifying her status as a Victoria’s Secret Angel.
A significant highlight of her career was in 2016 when she had the distinguished honor of donning the $3 million Fantasy Bra, a moment she described as her “all-time favorite VS look” to Who What Wear. Beyond the runway, Tookes is a thriving entrepreneur, co-founding JOJA, her own beauty brand Brunel, and serving as an advisor for the AI styling app Alta. Her strong social media presence also makes her a sought-after influencer with lucrative partnerships with major brands like Sephora, Vuori, and Jimmy Choo, according to Us Weekly.
The Evolving Narrative of Fashion: Embracing Authenticity
Tookes’ radiant appearance at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is a testament to her dedication and fierce spirit, proving that motherhood and career can beautifully coexist. More profoundly, her moment on this prestigious platform contributes to an evolving narrative in the fashion industry—one that welcomes and uplifts mothers and families, celebrating the diverse journeys of women everywhere.
For decades, pregnancy was often concealed on the runway, with models expected to conform to a singular, ultra-thin ideal. However, a quiet revolution has been underway, championed by figures like Rihanna and her Savage X Fenty shows, which celebrate every body type. Red carpets now frequently feature pregnant celebrities wearing couture unapologetically. This shift indicates that pregnancy is no longer viewed as a private or unglamorous phase, but rather a symbol of strength, femininity, and self-expression.
The industry is moving away from the “one-size-fits-all” beauty standards prevalent in the early 2000s, which often had a psychological toll on young women. Today’s runways are more inclusive, featuring diverse body types, models with scars, vitiligo, stretch marks, and disabilities. Jasmine Tookes stepping out pregnant, confident, and radiant is a healing moment for fashion, signaling an industry that can embrace authenticity without compromise.
Fan Reactions and Industry Support
The immediate reaction to Jasmine Tookes’ walk was overwhelmingly positive, sparking a frenzy across social media platforms and within the fashion community. Fans lauded her for her strength and beauty, with comments pouring in like, “She is glowing and making history! 🙌 ✨” and “This is what empowerment looks like!” Many expressed that her appearance was a much-needed moment of “representation that matters.”
Her fellow Angels and industry peers also quickly rallied in support. Model Lily Aldridge commented on the Victoria’s Secret Instagram clip of Tookes’ walk, “Absolutely stunning!!!!! Brought me to tears how absolutely gorgeous this Moment was @jastookes ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.” Joan Smalls echoed the sentiment, calling it the “Best opening of ALL TIME 🥹🪽🥹.” Other supermodels like Sara Sampaio and Lais Ribeiro joined in the chorus of admiration, with Sampaio humorously remarking, “Should be illegal to look this good while pregnant! 😭😭😭😭😭 MOTHER.”
Tookes was joined on the confetti-strewn catwalk by a stellar lineup of fellow Angels and prominent models, including Candice Swanepoel, Adriana Lima, Joan Smalls, Bella Hadid, Angel Reese, Alex Consani, Gigi Hadid, Yasmin Wijnaldum, and Alessandra Ambrosio. Several of these models, like Gigi Hadid and Adriana Lima, are also mothers themselves, adding another layer of shared experience and support to the event, as noted by Us Weekly.
What’s Next for Jasmine Tookes
As Jasmine Tookes prepares to welcome her second child, the world watches with admiration, eager to see where her path will lead next. Her appearance at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has cemented her legacy not just as a supermodel, but as a trailblazer who powerfully advocates for inclusivity and celebrates the multifaceted reality of women’s lives. This runway moment will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal point, signaling that beauty comes in all forms, stages, and sizes, and that the runway truly belongs to everyone.
