Leomie Anderson announced as newest Victoria's Secret Angel
Leomie Anderson is the latest model to join Victoria's Secret highly-coveted roster of Angels!
The announcement on Thursday morning comes just two weeks after Barbara Palvin and Alexina Graham were revealed as the newest Angels. Anderson, who hails from London, has walked in four consecutive Victoria's Secret shows and has graced the runway for high fashion designers such as Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, Jeremy Scott, Tom Ford, Yeezy, Chloe and Rihanna's line, Fenty.
But the 26-year-old model's achievements extend far beyond the runway. We caught up with the latest addition to Victoria's Secret family about her entrepreneurial work, dedication to activism and, of course, her impact on the industry.
1. Congratulations on becoming the newest Angel! How does it feel?
I’m still in shock! It’s something that I never dared to dream about because of how iconic the role is. I thought walking the show was a huge deal - becoming an Angel is insane to me! I’m the first with Jamaican heritage which is a real achievement for me and means a lot!
2. Who was the first person you called with the news?
Well, I knew not to bother calling my mum because she never has her phone on her, haha! I called my best friend Imani. She’s been there since my career really kicked off and knows how hard I have worked to get to this point - she knew what it meant to me on a deeper level when I told her the news.
See more of the London beauty:
3. How have you changed, both professionally and personally, since your first Victoria's Secret show?
Being part of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show allowed me to be more than just a youthful face. I was able to show my confidence and even a sultry side of myself, which I hadn’t been able to do before. Each time you walk the VS Fashion Show, more and more opportunities reveal themselves. While this helped me professionally, it also helped me personally to get to a point where I could support my family, which is important to me. I’m the first self-employed person in my family and the only one in fashion. With Victoria’s Secret being a global brand all my family recognizes and appreciates how significant working for Victoria’s Secret is and that is a really nice feeling.
4. You're so much more than just a model: You're an activist and an entrepreneur. How are you hoping your new platform as an Angel will inspire others?
I really hope as an Angel I will be able to become a voice for Victoria’s Secret. I hope to reach more young women with this platform. I started “LAPP The Brand” which is both a clothing line and online platform for young women to share their stories and perspectives on any subject. I hope that more people will see the amazing pieces and feel inspired! I think it’s important in this day and age to show all girls that they can be multifaceted beings. I hope my own personal story will be inspiring to them, especially young, dark-skinned girls like me.
5. Who are some of your role models, both on and off the catwalk?
One of my biggest inspirations right now on the runway is Adwoa Aboah because she’s another model using her voice for good. I really respect her and we need more people like that! Off the runway, I love Issa Rae because she’s someone who has worked consistently to get to where she is. To go from YouTube to having your own show is inspiring!
Related: See all the looks from this year's show:
