Maria Borges Makes History with Natural Hair at Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

By Sameer Rao Nov 13, 2015

Although the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show doesn’t air until December 8, one supermodel is already making waves—not for the elaborate outfits, but for her hair. 

Maria Borges made history during the Wednesday taping when she did away with extensions and wore her short, natural hair. The 23-year-old from Angola first sported this style during a Givenchy show earlier this year, but this is a first for the Victoria’s Secret show. 

The supermodel, who made her third appearance on the VS runway this week, told Essence about her initial fear in making the choice and shared advice for black women who are unsure about wearing their natural hair: 

“I told my agent I wanted to walk in the Victoria’s Secret show with my natural hair,” says Borges. “I was nervous, but I had to do it. When they said ‘yes’ I didn’t expect it, but I was so happy!”

[…]

Her biggest advice for women unsure about wearing their natural curls? “Be strong,” she says. “If you say you’re beautiful without hair and makeup, then they will believe you. It’s about being confident and always being yourself.”

The 2015 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will be broadcast on CBS on December 8 at 10 pm EST. Musical guests include Selena Gomez and The Weeknd.