Cameroon-born Solange Omon named Victoria’s Secret’s newest Angel after winning model search

The 21-year-old former nonprofit worker made her runway debut after winning the brand’s “Angels Among Us” competition.

Victoria’s Secret introduced Solange Omon as its newest Angel on Sunday, Oct. 18, when the 21-year-old Cameroon-born model made her debut at the brand’s 2026 fashion show in Los Angeles. The win adds to the history of Black women at the show, following milestones such as Angel Reese’s runway debut in 2025, when she became the first professional athlete to model in the show.

Omon earned the spot through a nationwide casting competition documented in Victoria’s Secret’s YouTube series Angels Among Us. In an interview with PEOPLE, she recalled screaming when she learned she’d advanced to the top 10 in Chicago. She then drove to her mother’s house to share the news because she lived alone.

“I was speechless. I started screaming, and as soon as I was done with that call, because I live alone, I was like, ‘I’m driving to my mom because I need to share this news with someone.’ So that day, it was the happiest day of my life, honestly,” she shared.

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After making the top 10, she traveled to New York with the other contestants for runway training, photo shoots and fittings.

The field eventually narrowed to three women: Omon, Andreína Martínez and Tatyana Tinsley. The winner was revealed during Sunday’s show, where Omon walked the runway wearing golden wings.

Omon described her mixed feelings when her name was called. “I was expecting my name, but not expecting my name,” she said. Winning was exciting, but she also felt for the other finalists, whom she’d become friends with during the competition.

Before the show, Solange Omon was living in Maine, attending college and working as a nonprofit program coordinator. She helped Black and immigrant teenagers apply for jobs, develop networking skills and learn about climate change.

In an earlier nonprofit role, she connected young people aged 16 to 24 with mentors, educational support and community resources. Modeling, she said, had long been on her vision board.

Victoria’s Secret CEO Hillary Super praised Omon’s confidence and individuality, while chief creative officer Adam Selman said her warmth and determination helped her stand out.

Omon’s win also includes an exclusive modeling contract with IMG Models. After balancing school and nonprofit work, she now has an opportunity to build the career she’d pictured for herself.