Maria Borges is an Angolan model who has walked in the iconic Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show three times in a row. In her most recent catwalk, she made history by being the first Victoria’s Secret model to wear an afro on the runway.
An incredible career
Borges began modelling at the age of 17 when she won second place in the Angolan edition of Elite Model Look. In 2012, she was signed to Supreme Model agency and walked 17 runways during Fashion Week. Now 23, she is a favorite of design label Givenchy. She first cut her hair short for the Givenchy Fall 2015 Couture show during New York Fashion Week. Designer Riccardo Tisci asked her to chop it all off.
“He had asked me last season as well, but I had booked an H&M campaign that same week and at the time I wasn’t feeling as comfortable with change,” Borges says. “This season I finally felt ready, and I’m glad that I did.”
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She decided to stick with the natural look
Borges will keep her short hairstyle for the next few months.
“I told my agent I wanted to walk in the Victoria’s Secret show with my natural hair. I was nervous, but I had to do it. When they said ‘Yes’ I didn’t expect it, but I was so happy!”
Black and proud
“Before, I was using my natural hair mixed with extensions,” she says. “Black is beautiful! I have to embrace my worth and that’s it! For me I think I look more beautiful with short hair. I feel sexy, beautiful and powerful. All the good things!”
Inspiring girls everywhere
She is overjoyed that they allowed her to wear her natural hair.
“I’m so happy because they let me keep the natural and the short hair [this year]. I’ll be the only one doing the show with my natural afro! For me, it is huge! I’m glad I’m doing it, you know? And they chose me to make history. This is more than amazing, I have no words to explain. It’s so good for me and to be able to inspire the other girls everywhere as well!”
She advises women to be strong and confident
Borges was not always told she was beautiful.
“They used to make fun of me because I was growing up so skinny and tall. And usually the girls from my country, they’re size is different [and more curvy],” she says. Her advice to women is to be strong. “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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SEE ALSO: 12 Problems All Women With Natural Hair Will Understand.
