Catriona Gray and Christina Nadin mark two distinct milestones on the global fashion stage.
Filipina beauty had two reasons to shine at this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Filipino-British model Christina Nadin brought Philippine representation to one of fashion’s most recognizable runways, each making her mark in a different way.
Catriona attended as a special guest representing the Philippines, while Christina made her runway debut, becoming the second Filipina to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show after Filipino-American model Kelsey Merritt in 2018.
Held on October 18 in Los Angeles, California (October 19, Philippine time), the 2026 spectacle brought together established supermodels, emerging faces, and entertainment personalities for an evening of fashion, femininity, and fantasy.
Catriona Gray
Catriona Gray knows how to command a crowd, whether she’s competing for a crown or making an appearance on an international fashion stage.
For the occasion, Catriona wore a black lace corseted gown by Filipino designer Job Dacon, styled by Harley Atractivo. Featuring floral detailing, a sweetheart neckline, and a thigh-high slit, the ensemble balanced the brand’s bombshell aesthetic with her own polished personal style. Her glamorous pre-show portraits were photographed by BJ Pascual.
Ahead of the event, Catriona also shared an Angel-inspired photoshoot featuring a pink lace bodysuit, blonde waves, and oversized white wings, teasing her appearance with the caption, “Wings up, we’re inbound.”
While she didn’t walk the runway, her presence placed a familiar Filipina face among the international personalities invited to experience the show. It also continued the Philippines’ connection to the brand’s annual spectacle, following Anne Curtis’ appearance as a special guest in 2025.
Christina Nadin
The Filipino-British model made her debut in the brand’s youthful PINK segment, officially becoming the second Filipina to walk the prestigious runway.
Ahead of the show, Christina shared her excitement on Instagram, writing, “Secrets out. Mum, I’m walking the @victoriassecret fashion show.”
Her inclusion places her among a new generation of international models appearing alongside some of the industry’s most established names, including Gigi Hadid, Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, and Anok Yai.
Christina’s debut also carries cultural significance. Her Filipino heritage adds another layer to the growing visibility of Filipina talent in global fashion, where representation extends beyond familiar faces to emerging models building international careers.
Kelsey Merritt
Christina’s runway appearance recalls another significant moment in Philippine fashion history: Kelsey Merritt’s Victoria’s Secret debut in 2018. The Filipino-American model became the first Filipina to walk the brand’s celebrated runway, achieving a career-defining milestone that drew widespread attention in the Philippines.
Kelsey shared her excitement on Instagram when she secured the opportunity, expressing pride in becoming the first Filipino model selected for the show.
Her achievement established an important precedent for Filipina models pursuing international opportunities. Eight years later, Christina’s debut adds another name to that history, demonstrating how Filipino talent continues to find a place on major global fashion platforms.
What their participation means
Catriona and Christina’s participation reflects two distinct forms of Filipino representation in the international fashion industry. Catriona brings the influence of a globally recognized beauty queen, whose career has expanded into fashion, entertainment, and advocacy. Christina represents the modeling profession itself, earning a place on a runway associated with some of the industry’s biggest names.
Their appearances come as Victoria’s Secret continues developing its fashion show for contemporary audiences, combining familiar supermodels with newer talent and personalities from different cultural backgrounds.
For the Philippines, the significance extends beyond an invitation or an individual runway walk—it signifies international reach.
Kelsey opened the runway door in 2018. Christina has now followed in her footsteps, while Catriona’s special appearance gives Filipino audiences another familiar face to support.
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