Andreína Martínez has already conquered one of the world's biggest beauty pageant stages. Now, the Dominican model has her sights set on something entirely different: earning her wings as the next Victoria’s Secret Angel.
The former Miss Dominican Republic, who placed as second runner-up at Miss Universe 2022, is competing in Victoria’s Secret’s new modeling competition, Angels Among Us. After an international casting call that attracted more than 100,000 applicants, Martínez earned a coveted spot among the final 10 contestants.
© @missrdopinaAnd the stakes are high. The winner will walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2026 and receive an exclusive modeling contract with IMG Models, one of the industry's most recognized agencies.
For Martínez, the opportunity represents much more than another glamorous appearance. It could mark the beginning of an entirely new chapter in her career, taking her from the world of international beauty competitions to the global fashion industry.
Andreína Martínez Is Competing to Become Victoria’s Secret’s Next Angel
Martínez first revealed her Victoria’s Secret ambitions in May 2026, when she shared her excitement about participating in the brand's open casting process.
What began as a personal goal to become a VS Angel quickly turned into a serious professional opportunity. She attended an audition in Chicago in June, competing against aspiring models hoping to secure a place in the brand's iconic fashion show.
By September, she had officially made the top 10.
At the time, Dominican media reported that Martínez was one of the only two Latinas among the 10 finalists. The competition has since progressed, with nine contestants remaining as of October 8, including Martínez and Puerto Rican model Kassandra Marie Crespo.
For the Dominican beauty queen, simply reaching this stage is already an accomplishment. But with the final decision approaching, the possibility of walking the Victoria’s Secret runway is becoming increasingly real.
Victoria’s Secret’s Creative Director Sees Something Special in Andreína Martínez
One of the most interesting moments in Martínez's journey came during the second episode of Angels Among Us, when Victoria’s Secret executive vice president and chief creative officer Adam Selman evaluated her potential.
Selman praised her runway walk and long legs while expressing curiosity about how she could evolve beyond her beauty pageant background. He also raised an intriguing question: Could Martínez make the transition from pageant contestant to fashion model?
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© Getty Images for Art Hearts FashBeauty pageants and fashion runways may appear similar, but they demand different skills. Pageant contestants are often trained to project confidence, elegance and personality while engaging with judges and audiences.
Fashion models, meanwhile, must adapt their walk, expressions and body language to the designer's creative vision.
Martínez already knows how to command a stage. Her next challenge is proving she can bring that same confidence to the world of Victoria’s Secret.
Who Is Andreína Martínez? From Dominican Republic to Miss Universe
Before setting her sights on Victoria’s Secret, Andreína Martínez Founier was already a familiar face to international beauty pageant audiences.
Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York, Martínez built a path that combined academics, personal ambition and modeling.
© MLB Photos via Getty ImagesShe studied psychology and Latin American studies, graduating with honors before gaining international recognition through beauty competitions.
Her defining moment arrived at the 71st Miss Universe competition, held in New Orleans in January 2023.
Representing the Dominican Republic at Miss Universe 2022, Martínez finished as second runner-up, behind winner R'Bonney Gabriel of the United States and first runner-up Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela.
© Getty ImagesHer performance placed her among the competition's top three contestants and established her as one of the Dominican Republic's most recognizable recent beauty queens.
Standing approximately six feet tall, Martínez has the physical presence associated with international runway modeling. But her appeal extends beyond her appearance.
Her story also reflects the determination required to pursue opportunities outside the industry where she first became famous.
The possibility of Martínez becoming Victoria’s Secret’s next Angel carries particular significance for Dominican and Latina representation in fashion.
Latina models have helped shape the brand's history for decades, with Brazilian supermodels Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio becoming two of its most recognizable Angels.
Dominican models have also appeared on the Victoria’s Secret runway. Omahyra Mota walked in 2001, Arlenis Sosa appeared in 2008, and Dilone participated in the 2016 and 2017 shows. More recently, Dominican models Marina Moioli and Luna Yohannan appeared in the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
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© FilmMagicMartínez would therefore be joining an established legacy rather than becoming the first Dominican woman associated with the show.
However, winning Angels Among Us would give her a particularly visible platform, as the competition is designed to introduce a new Angel through a public, documentary-style casting process.
It would also demonstrate how a successful pageant career can become a stepping stone toward opportunities in the international modeling business.
What Is Victoria’s Secret’s 'Angels Among Us' Competition?
Victoria’s Secret is approaching its newest Angel search differently this year. Instead of introducing a new model through a traditional campaign announcement, the lingerie brand launched Angels Among Us, a documentary series following aspiring models through the casting process.
Produced by Boardwalk Pictures and directed by filmmaker Nadia Hallgren, the series premiered September 27, 2026, on YouTube.
The episodes offer viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the auditions, challenges, personal stories and decisions shaping the search for the next Angel.
The competition is also part of Victoria’s Secret’s broader effort to transform its annual fashion show into an entertainment experience that audiences can follow over several weeks, rather than just one night.
For contestants such as Martínez, this format provides an opportunity to show viewers more than a polished runway walk.
Audiences can learn about their ambitions, personalities and experiences while watching them navigate the pressure of competing for a major modeling opportunity.
And that could be especially valuable for Martínez, whose journey from Miss Universe to Victoria’s Secret offers a compelling career transformation.
When Is the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2026?
After several shows in New York City, VS will showcase its new designs on Sunday, October 18, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. Streaming on YouTube and Victoria’s Secret social channels
The winner of Angels Among Us is scheduled to be revealed during the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2026, where she will also make her runway debut.
© Dimitrios KambourisIn addition to earning the title of the brand's newest Angel, the winner will receive an exclusive contract with IMG Models.
For Martínez, that contract could potentially open doors to additional runway shows, editorial campaigns, and fashion partnerships.
