Victoria’s Secret Casts First Male Ambassador To Front Genderless Wear Campaign
Image via Victoria’s Secret PINK
Victoria’s latest juicy secret is out: It’s enlisted its first leading man, a surprising step for a brand long reviled for rejecting the concept of beauty in diversity.
After casting its first Down syndrome model, the fashion brand has roped in Darren Barnet, its first male ambassador, to be the poster boy for gender-free clothing under PINK, its label for younger women—and now men too.
Barnet, a 30-year-old actor and producer, is most recognized for his appearance in Netflix’s Never Have I Ever series. As reported by Quartz, the new campaign will place a focus on mental health.
“Filming Never Have I Ever definitely brings me back to my high school days and reminds me of the insecurities and issues that we face as young adults. I know how it feels to not fit in, and how important it is to feel supported and accepted for who you are,” explains Barnet in the news release.
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PINK’s CEO Amy Hauk says recruiting Barnet was a no-brainer as the actor is “such a positive role model for teens and young adults.”
PINK’s gender-free offerings include tees, hoodies, workout gear, and accessories.
Barnet is the latest of a lineup of models that Victoria’s Secret is working with to reverse the damaging image it embodied in the past.
“As we focus on expanding our gender-free offerings and continue to evolve as a brand, we want to ensure our partners not only represent the diversity of our customers, but also embody individuality and self-confidence,” Hauk elaborates.
[via Quartz and Yahoo Lifestyle, images via PINK]
