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How models like Winnie Harlow and Candice Swanepoel are preparing for the Victoria's Secret show

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(L-R) Lorena Rae, Mayowa Nichols, Yasmin Wijnaldum, Winnie Harlow, Josie Canseco, Melie Tiacoh and Maia Cotton attend rehearsals for the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Midtown on November 7, 2018 in New York City.
(L-R) Lorena Rae, Mayowa Nichols, Yasmin Wijnaldum, Winnie Harlow, Josie Canseco, Melie Tiacoh and Maia Cotton attend rehearsals for the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Midtown on November 7, 2018 in New York City.

The anticipated Victoria’s Secret Fashion show kicks off today in New York City. This is a major event in the modelling world where the chosen few get to strut the latest lingerie designs on the day. 

We've talked about the exclusion of fat and previously black women in their lineup before, and asked when will Victoria’s Secret realise "fat" women are sexy too? We need more diversity in the selection of models.

READ MORE: The first black, trans and disabled teen signed to one of the most famous model agencies in the world finally has her own cover

The models who will be spreading their wings on the runway include Winnie Harlow, South Africa’s Candice Swanepoel (who has shared stories of how she's returning after two babies), Duckie Thot, Namibian model Behati Prinsloo, Estelle Chen and sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid, among the 50. 

READ MORE: WATCH: Naomi Campbell wants more models of colour to be included in fashion

Winnie Harlow, who'll be the first model with vitiligo on the show, shared her excitement about making it in the show on an Instagram post.

“It’s the pinnacle of my career,” she tells Vogue in this interview. “I told anyone [who] asked, ‘I want Victoria’s Secret!’”

View this post on Instagram

I had a break down before i walked into the most nerve wrecking casting of my life. I asked my driver to go around the block twice before i could walk into the @VictoriasSecret offices so i could re coup, and remember (while my trainer @bodybymato reminded me on the phone through sobs - thank you lol) how hard I’ve been working! I went in and made new friends and saw old friends and it already felt like home! We patiently waited while @ed_razek @johndavidpfeiffer @monica.mitro @10magazine carefully took time to get to know each girl. When it was finally my time, within my nervous storm of anticipation i changed into a black Victoria Secret set and stepped out!!!! I spoke to them about Jamaica, @nick_knight , my abs, and how i was beyond honoured to be given the opportunity to try out.. then I walked for my life!!!! I can’t believe this!! Thank you for giving me all the energy and kindness in that room! Thank you for allowing me to walk for VICTORIA’S SECRET! Thank you to my agencies @firstaccessent @womenmanagementnyc @women_paris @thesquadmanagement my pr @remibrb my agent @mannyuk and mama bears #sarahstennett & @thelilmisse for having my back supporting and believing in me! I love you guys you’re FAMILY!! Thank you mommy for praying with me everyday for the past 3 days. And thank you so much to my fans who have been pushing me forward to this point in my career. I’m so blessed thank you Lord!! IM WALKING THE VICTORIA’S SECRET SHOW! Thank you Vogue for the exclusive interview ??????????

A post shared by ?Winnie Harlow? (@winnieharlow) on

While it was not her first time walking on a Victoria Secret show, Chinese model Sui He shared how it never gets easier. On the Victoria's Secret Road to Runway series she says: “This is my eighth year but I’m still nervous! But I’m enjoying every single moment.”

In between all the nerves and excitement the models experience, the preparation they have to go through is as intense as you can imagine. One of the most popular secrets they share is their exercise routine for the show.

READ MORE: Sports Illustrated's models are now also breastfeeding moms, Paralympians and plus-size beauties

The models train hard and smart for this big day. Yoga, core strength training, leg and booty toning, weight and resistance training are all part of the Angels’ workout sessions.

According to Vogue Australia, first time Angel Alannah Walton has spent two hours a day toning and strengthening her body, cut out processed foods, and eats high protein, healthy fats and complex carbs.

Another article from the same magazine, says that alumni Georgia Fowler, has also been at it for two hours day, has cut carbs, salt and sugar and made sure to eat one avo a day.

READ MORE: Gigi Hadid has reinvented the bike shorts look - here's how you can own it too

And there are fittings on fittings on fittings. The Victoria’s Secret models attended a number of fittings for the latest lingerie designs. With a dedicated wing designer you can expect to see parachute-like wings, a 400 hundred hour star wing and hand painted check skirt.

Tailor Barak Stribling for By Barak said: I think that the viewing audience would be surprise how much work goes into each one of these pieces (sic).”

Rehearsals are a big part of any live show, and so it was for this Victoria’s Secret show as well. The top models each stopped by at the Victoria’s Secret headquarters, posing by outside the offices. 

The Victoria’s Secret show is being filmed today to air on the ABC channel on 2 December 2018.

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