The Amazing Way Model Maria Borges Made History at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

(Source: Getty Images)

By Helin Jung

Model Maria Borges walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for the third time Tuesday wearing crimson and yellow wings made to look like fireworks, yet the best part about her walk wasn’t her brilliant feathers or her super-bright smile, but the fact that she strutted down the stage with her natural hair.

According to Essence, Borges has been wearing her hair in a TWA (teeny weeny Afro) since earlier this year, and she wanted to keep it that way.

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

Here’s what she looked like at last year’s show, being serenaded by Taylor Swift:

(Source: Getty Images)

And here’s what she looked like at this year’s show:

(Source: Getty Images)

Victoria’s Secret confirmed to Cosmopolitan.com that "this is the first year a model wore completely natural hair on the runway?,” saying that all the lead hairstylist Akki did was spray Borges’s hair.? In a sea of mermaid waves, Borges’s short crop made her truly stand out. ?It’s a great step forward both for the model and the brand.

(Source: Getty Images)

Borges had some inspiring advice for anyone else out there who’s thinking about going natural. “Be strong,” she said. “If you say you’re beautiful without hair and makeup, then they will believe you. It’s about being confident and always being yourself.?”

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