In a dazzling display of confidence and maternal glow that left the fashion world buzzing, supermodel Jasmine Tookes kicked off the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show by proudly showcasing her nine-month baby bump on the runway. At 34, the veteran Angel didn’t just walk—she owned the stage, proving that pregnancy and high fashion can coexist in the most glamorous way possible. This groundbreaking moment, streamed live from Brooklyn, New York, on October 15, 2025, has fans and critics alike hailing it as a new era for body positivity in the lingerie empire. But what made this appearance so unforgettable? Let’s dive into the details.
The Iconic Runway Moment That Stole the Show
As the lights dimmed and the crowd held its breath, Jasmine Tookes emerged as the opening act for the highly anticipated Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025. Dressed in a barely-there nude lingerie set, she cradled her prominent baby bump with one hand, flashing a megawatt smile that screamed empowerment. This wasn’t just a catwalk stroll; it was a statement. Tookes, who is expecting her second child—a boy—with husband Juan David Borrero, paused gracefully at the end of the runway, allowing the audience to fully appreciate her radiant form.
The show, which marked the brand’s return after a multi-year hiatus and rebrand focused on inclusivity, couldn’t have started on a stronger note. Tookes walked not once, but twice, embodying the theme of celebrating all forms of beauty. Her appearance echoes rare historical precedents in VS history, such as Irina Shayk’s secret six-month pregnancy walk in 2016. But Tookes’ bold, unapologetic display at nine months sets a new benchmark, challenging outdated notions that pregnancy sidelines women from the spotlight.
Immediately after the show, Tookes took to social media to express her disbelief. On Instagram, she posted a backstage selfie with the caption, “Omg what just happened.” Her TikTok video captured the raw emotion: “Can’t believe I just opened the show 9 months pregnant 🥹.” These candid shares quickly went viral, amassing thousands of likes and comments praising her for inspiring mothers everywhere.
Breaking Down Jasmine Tookes’ Stunning Outfit
Tookes’ ensemble was a masterclass in ethereal glamour tailored for motherhood. She donned a nude bra and panty set, overlaid with a see-through fishnet midi dress that hugged her curves and highlighted her baby bump. The dress featured intricate lattice-style fabric adorned with teardrop-shaped gems and pearl embellishments, giving it a luxurious, oceanic vibe reminiscent of Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus.” Instead of traditional feathered wings, Tookes sported a majestic clamshell cage cape with sprig-like wires topped with pearly bulbs, adding a sculptural element that framed her figure perfectly.
Completing the look were metallic sandal heels that elongated her silhouette, proving that sky-high stilettos and late-stage pregnancy aren’t mutually exclusive for a pro like Tookes. Her makeup, courtesy of legendary artist Pat McGrath, featured natural glam with a nude lip and subtle eye shadow, while her long, dark hair flowed in a sleek middle-part blowout styled by Jawara Wauchope. Tookes credited her own beauty brand, Brunel, for her glowing skin—specifically the Golden Hour Glow Body Oil that gave her that pregnancy radiance.
This outfit wasn’t just fashion; it was functional art, designed to celebrate the female form in all its stages. As Tookes told Who What Wear ahead of the event, “I think this year’s show is going to be a blend of what we loved from past shows and something new and modern. There’s always an element of surprise, but one thing that remains consistent is how the show celebrates confidence, beauty, and empowerment.”
Jasmine Tookes’ Journey: From VS Debut to Motherhood Milestone
Jasmine Tookes’ path to this historic moment is as inspiring as her runway walk. Born in California, the 5’9″ stunner made her Victoria’s Secret debut in 2012 at the Lexington Avenue Armory show. By 2015, she had earned her wings as an official Angel, joining the ranks of icons like Tyra Banks and Adriana Lima. Over the years, Tookes has graced the VS runway multiple times, becoming synonymous with the brand’s blend of sensuality and strength.
Off the catwalk, Tookes has built a multifaceted career. She’s the co-founder of Brunel, a beauty brand emphasizing natural glow and inclusivity. Her personal life took a romantic turn when she married Snapchat executive Juan David Borrero in a stunning Ecuadorian ceremony in September 2021. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Mia Victoria, in February 2023. Announcing Mia’s birth on Instagram, Tookes simply wrote, “Mia Victoria 🤎 22323.”
Her second pregnancy came as a joyful surprise, revealed in July 2025 through a series of elegant maternity photos. Posing in all white, hand on her bump, she captioned the post, “Another little soul to love🤎.” In a Vogue interview, Tookes opened up about family planning: “I’m a big planner. Having another baby was something that my husband and I always wanted to do. It was just a matter of timing and when it made sense—when we both weren’t traveling as much.” This pregnancy, expected to culminate in a baby boy later this year, has been a period of balance for Tookes, blending her high-profile career with impending motherhood.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The internet erupted in applause following Tookes’ appearance. On X (formerly Twitter), users shared emotional responses, with one fan posting, “literally burst into tears seeing pregnant jasmine tookes open the vs fashion show. like not just a women with her skintone, a woman fullyyyy pregnant,,, openingggg the showwww like????!!!!!” Another echoed, “im still not over that jasmine tookes was the opening of the vs fashion show while she’s pregnant. she really delivered that runway 😩.”
Media outlets praised the move as a step toward greater inclusivity in fashion. Harper’s Bazaar called it “a moment for the history books,” while People highlighted how Tookes’ glow was enhanced by her own products. This resonance underscores the show’s rebrand, shifting from past criticisms of exclusivity to embracing diverse body types, ages, and life stages.
The Bigger Picture: Redefining Beauty in the Fashion Industry
Tookes’ pregnant runway moment arrives at a pivotal time for Victoria’s Secret. After canceling the show in 2019 amid backlash over lack of diversity, the brand returned in 2023 with a more inclusive approach, featuring plus-size models, transgender representation, and now, a heavily pregnant opener. This evolution reflects broader industry shifts toward body positivity, where pregnancy is celebrated rather than concealed.
For Tookes, this isn’t just a career highlight—it’s a personal triumph. As she prepares to welcome her son, her story inspires countless women navigating motherhood and ambition. In her words, the show remains about “confidence, beauty, and empowerment,” and she embodied that ethos flawlessly.
As the dust settles on the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, one thing is clear: Jasmine Tookes didn’t just open a runway—she opened doors for future generations of models and mothers. Stay tuned to Celeb News Today for more updates on Hollywood’s boldest moments.
