Wednesday Oct 21, 2026
Wednesday Oct 21, 2026
Wednesday, 21 October 2026 00:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Elina Gunawardana has made her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut, becoming the first Sri Lankan model to walk the iconic runway. For the 19-year-old from Colombo, the appearance marks a significant milestone in an international modelling career, and brings Sri Lankan representation to one of fashion’s most recognisable stages.
Held on October 18 at Sony Pictures Studios in Los Angeles, the show brought together some of the industry's most recognisable faces, including Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Adriana Lima and Irina Shayk, alongside performances by Tate McRae, Megan Thee Stallion and KATSEYE. Against this international backdrop, Gunawardana's debut marked a notable moment for Sri Lankan representation in high fashion.
In the hours following the show, Gunawardana took to social media to reflect on the milestone. “I’m officially a VS Angel! Honestly never thought that this would ever happen. What do you mean I walked for THE VICTORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW?!” she wrote. “I am so so soooooo grateful for this moment and to be the FIRST Sri Lankan model to walk for VS. Literally crying because this is just a dream come true!”
In a separate post, she added a simpler but equally powerful message: “To be the first Sri Lankan model for @Victoria's Secret feels unreal to me! I'm still processing everything. This is why I love being able to represent my country.”
On the runway, Gunawardana appeared in a pastel lime-green ensemble before returning in a crystal-embellished nude look, accompanied by a flowing champagne-gold dupatta. The latter brought a distinctly South Asian element to the show's theatrical visual language, offering a point of cultural resonance amid its signature wings and elaborate styling.
Beyond the runway, Gunawardana offered another glimpse of Sri Lanka's place in the story. In a separate social media post, she shared a photograph of a jacket bearing the words “made in Sri Lanka”. The detail offered a striking juxtaposition: a country long associated with the production behind global fashion brands was also represented by a model walking one of the industry's most recognisable runways.
Represented by The Lions in New York, Ford Models in Paris and Storm Management in London, Gunawardana has walked for leading houses including Dior, Jacquemus, Coperni, COS, Isabel Marant and McQueen. Her portfolio also features luxury brands such as Fendi, Hermès and Loewe. Earlier this year, she reached another milestone with the cover of Vogue Netherlands’ May issue, fulfilling a long-held ambition. She hopes to continue championing South Asian representation in fashion while pursuing her passion for dance.
For Sri Lanka, Gunawardana’s debut marks a milestone in the country’s representation on one of fashion’s most prominent global stages. Her achievement also draws attention to the Sri Lankan garment industry’s longstanding connection to international fashion, bringing renewed focus to the talent emerging from the island.
For Gunawardana, the debut is both a personal milestone and a new chapter in an international career. For Sri Lanka, it is a reminder that the country's presence in global fashion extends beyond the clothes it produces to the talent it sends onto the runway.
