Meet Jasmine Tookes, the Third Black Model to Wear the Fantasy Bra at VS Show 2016
Jasmine Tookes has been at the forefront of the hype around the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Paris, having been chosen to wear the famed Fantasy Bra for the upcoming runway spectacular. The Huntington Beach, California native is 25-years-old and has only been a Victoria’s Secret Angel since 2015. What’s more, she’s the third black model to ever be bestowed the Fantasy Bra honor, so it’s time to learn a little more about the gorgeous girl who will be rocking $3 million dollars worth of jewels on Wednesday afternoon’s catwalk. Here are ten things you need to know about Jasmine.
Courtesy of J.Crew1/11Jasmine was discovered while accompanying her celebrity stylist mother on a photoshoot when she was 15. She’s not the only one in the family with modeling chops, though. She’s featured in this season’s J.Crew catalogue alongside her seven-year-old sister.
Getty Images2/11Growing up, Jasmine played volleyball, softball, and was a gymnast for close to a decade, so it seems a natural fit that she has partnered with Victoria’s Secret and all of the other Angels to promote healthy living, fitness, and training like an Angel.
Getty Images3/11Jasmine first walked in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2012 and has been included ever since. She was awarded her official Angel wings in 2015.
WireImage4/11Jasmine knows her stuff, having lived and breathed Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows before she ever walked the epic runway. She told Elle that her favorite past Fantasy Bras were worn by Candice Swanepoel in 2013 and Tyra Banks in 1997. What’s more, she even has a favorite show: In 2006 “when Justin Timberlake was performing and he did ‘Sexyback’ and Gisele walks out.” She adds, “That’s my favorite ever!”
FilmMagic5/11In addition to her Angel duties, Jasmine books high fashion editorials for the likes of Vogue and W, walks some of the most coveted runways from Yves Saint Laurent and Tom Ford, and has fronted ad campaigns for companies such as Ralph Lauren and Kate Spade.
Getty Images6/11Jasmine is no stranger to controversy, having faced backlash for rumors of skin bleaching (which she vehemently denied). But she soared above the criticism, garnering praise for un-retouched VS images that revealed her stretch marks. She showed them off with pride.
FilmMagic7/11This year’s $3 million dollar fantasy bra is crafted from 9,000 gemstones that equal close to 450 carats. The lingerie is so heavy that Jasmine had to add specific back-strengthening exercises to her pre-show routine.
Getty Images for Victoria's Secret8/11Jasmine is only the third black woman to ever wear the Fantasy Bra. Selita Ebanks (in 2004) and Tyra Banks (in 2007 and 1997) came before her. Tyra was a special inspiration for Jasmine’s path, and she told Fashionista: “I feel like it’s such a milestone for Victoria’s Secret to have a woman of color wearing the Fantasy Bra, because there’s only been two in the past. It’s major, and I think it’s awesome I get to represent that.”
Courtesy of Victoria's Secret9/11Angels Taylor Hill, Romee Strijd, and Josephine Skriver were with Jasmine when she found out she was going to wear this year’s Fantasy Bra, after which she quickly called to tell her grandmother and mom. Besides those lucky ladies, the secret was kept under tight wraps for nearly five months until it was announced to the world in October.
Instagram.com/@victoriassecret10/11Jasmine looks to the other Angels as her extended family, saying, “All the girls are so sweet, and very supportive. I feel like it’s rare in this industry that you can find loyal and humble people, so it’s nice that we were all together.”
