Former Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez has been named one of ten finalists in Victoria’s Secret’s search for its next Angel, placing her in contention for the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The announcement highlights her rise within the fashion industry and marks a significant milestone in her career.
Martínez, who finished as second runner-up in the Miss Universe 2022 pageant, advanced from a pool of over 100,000 applicants. According to reports, she is the only Latina among the final ten contestants in this highly competitive casting process.
Andreína Martínez’s Journey to the Top 10
This achievement comes after Martínez publicly expressed her desire to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway. In a video shared earlier this year, she stated, “Hi, I’m Andreína and I want to be an Angel.” The open casting call, which Victoria’s Secret announced in 2026, has drawn significant interest from aspiring models.
Martínez’s journey to the finals has been marked by her long-held ambition. She previously revealed that she attended a live casting for the brand in Chicago earlier this year, where she emphasized the importance of persistence in pursuing her dreams. “Regardless of the outcome, I still feel proud, happy, and grateful,” she noted during the audition process.
Winning this competition involves more than just a runway appearance; the victor will receive an exclusive contract with IMG Models and gain the opportunity to walk in the iconic fashion show. The competition is set to culminate in October 2026, revealing the winner on the runway.
The increasing presence of Dominican models in the fashion industry is exemplified by Martínez’s advancement. If she claims victory, she would join the ranks of previous Dominican models who have participated in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, including notable figures such as Omahyra Mota, Arlenis Sosa, and Dilone.
The casting process will also be documented in a new series titled “Angels Among Us,” airing on YouTube, which aims to follow the final contestants as they navigate the competition and their journeys to the runway.
Why It Matters
Andreína Martínez’s selection as a finalist reflects not only her personal aspirations but also the growing representation of Latin American models in high fashion. Her story resonates with many aspiring models and serves to inspire individuals pursuing their own dreams in competitive industries.
