Former Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez is getting closer to another major international stage. The Dominican model and beauty queen has been named one of 10 finalists in Victoria’s Secret’s search for its newest Angel, putting her in contention for a spot on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2026 runway.
Martínez, who represented the Dominican Republic at Miss Universe 2022 and finished as second runner-up, advanced from a massive pool of more than 100,000 applicants. She is also reported to be the only Latina among the final 10 contestants.
© Getty ImagesThe milestone comes months after Martínez publicly shared her goal of making it onto the Victoria’s Secret runway. “Hi, I’m Andreína and I want to be an Angel,” Martínez said in a video announcing her pursuit of the opportunity.
Andreína Martínez Reaches Victoria’s Secret Top 10
Victoria’s Secret launched an open casting search in 2026, inviting aspiring models to compete for an opportunity to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
© Getty ImagesThe prize goes beyond a single runway appearance. Victoria’s Secret said the winner will have the chance to walk its iconic runway and receive an exclusive contract with IMG Models. More than 100,000 aspiring models answered the casting call, according to the company. The process has since been narrowed down, with Martínez emerging among the final 10 women.
For Martínez, the achievement carries additional significance because she had openly discussed how long she had wanted the opportunity. “I’m so proud to be going after something I’ve dreamed about for so long,” Martínez said during the earlier stages of the process. “I want you guys to come along with me so we can dream together. This is huge, and I want to celebrate myself.”
Her advancement also gives the Dominican Republic another high-profile presence in an international fashion competition.
Andreína Martínez Shared Her Victoria’s Secret Dream Months Ago
Martínez’s path to the final 10 did not happen overnight. In May, she revealed that she had been invited to participate in a live Victoria’s Secret casting.
Martínez later participated in an audition in Chicago in June, where she reflected on what the experience meant regardless of the final result. “Participating in this audition further confirms that dreaming and pursuing your goals is something you must do continuously and persistently, and I will continue to do so,” Martínez said.
She added that reaching the audition itself was worth celebrating. “Regardless of the outcome, I still feel proud, happy, and grateful that my perseverance has taken me to places I’ve always dreamed of, and that is priceless,” she said.
Who Is Andreína Martínez?
Andreína Martínez rose to international prominence after representing the Dominican Republic at Miss Universe 2022. She finished as second runner-up at the competition, establishing herself as one of the Dominican Republic’s most successful recent Miss Universe representatives.
Martínez was born in the Dominican Republic and later moved to New York with her family. She studied psychology and Latin American studies and graduated with honors.
© Getty ImagesHer transition from international pageantry to a Victoria’s Secret casting also reflects a growing modeling career that extends beyond the traditional beauty-pageant circuit.
At 6 feet tall, or approximately 1.83 meters, Martínez has the height and runway background associated with high-fashion modeling, but her Victoria’s Secret journey has focused heavily on persistence and the personal meaning behind pursuing a long-held career goal.
Victoria’s Secret Will Show the Competition in “Angels Among Us”
Fans will not have to wait for scattered social media updates to see how the final stages unfold. Victoria’s Secret is turning its casting process into a new docuseries called “Angels Among Us,” which will be streaming on YouTube.
The company describes the series as a look at the journey from casting to runway, following the women competing for the opportunity to become the newest Victoria’s Secret Angel and walk in the fashion show.
© Getty ImagesVictoria’s Secret says the series will explore the contestants’ ambition, resilience, friendships and experiences throughout the competition. “The runway is the destination. This is the journey,” the company said in announcing the project.
The first episode is scheduled to premiere September 27 at 7 p.m. ET on YouTube, with additional episodes airing on Sundays and Thursdays.
The competition will ultimately lead into the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2026 on Sunday, October 18, when the winner is expected to be revealed and walk the runway.
Dominican Models Have a History With Victoria’s Secret
If Martínez wins, she will add another chapter to the Dominican Republic’s history with the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Dominican models have appeared on the famous runway before. Omahyra Mota walked the show in 2001, while Arlenis Sosa appeared in 2008. Dilone later walked in 2016 and 2017.
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© Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
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© FilmMagicThe Dominican presence continued in the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show with Marina Moioli and Luna Yohannan.
