Stepping onto the runway at Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show with a tiny afro, Maria Borges made history and headlines in 2015.
It was the first time black natural hair would appear in the show’s 20 year run.
“I had to persuade them,” recalls Borges. “I wanted to send a message out there. People think to be sexy you have to have long hair, no … a lot of women around the world have hair texture like mine.”
When she returned to the show in 2016 models Herieth Paul and Jourdana Phillips followed her example.
It was a departure from the long wavy locks Victoria’s Secrets models were known for regardless of ethnicity.
Borges is one of many now speaking out about diversity and race in the fashion industry.
For the complete story, visit CNN.com/Fashion/ModelDiversity.
