In a historic moment for Sri Lanka’s fashion industry, Elina Gunawardena, internationally known as Elina G, has become the first Sri Lankan model to walk the runway at the iconic Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, marking an extraordinary milestone for the country’s growing presence in international fashion.
The achievement unfolded on October 18, 2026, in Los Angeles, California, where the Sri Lankan model joined some of the world’s most celebrated supermodels for one of fashion’s most glamorous and widely recognised runway events.
Sharing the international spotlight with industry icons including Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Irina Shayk and Ashley Graham, Elina’s appearance represented more than another professional accomplishment. It was a breakthrough moment for Sri Lankan representation within the global modelling industry.
Her participation has been widely reported by Sri Lankan media as a national first, placing her among a new generation of South Asian models gaining recognition on prestigious international fashion platforms.
From Sri Lanka to the World’s Most Recognisable Runway
For many aspiring models, appearing at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show represents an extraordinary career opportunity. For Elina Gunawardena, the achievement is another defining chapter in a journey that began in Sri Lanka and rapidly expanded into the competitive world of European high fashion.
Her early modelling experience included participation in major local fashion events, where she developed the confidence and runway skills necessary to pursue opportunities beyond the island.
In December 2022, she participated in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka, one of her earliest significant runway experiences. She subsequently appeared at Colombo Fashion Week in 2024 and 2025, gaining valuable exposure to professional runway presentations.
Her career took a decisive turn in February 2025 when she secured representation with Ford Models in Paris, one of the world’s established international modelling agencies.
According to an interview published by The Sun in Sri Lanka, Elina attended her interview with Ford Models Paris on February 25, 2025, and signed with the agency the following day.
Within days, she was preparing to travel to Paris for Fashion Week, beginning a remarkable new chapter in her professional life.
What followed was a rapid ascent through the international fashion industry, with opportunities to work alongside some of the world’s most respected designers and modelling professionals.
Walking for Chanel, Hermès and International Luxury Fashion Houses
Before making history at Victoria’s Secret, Elina had already established an impressive international runway portfolio.
Her career has included appearances for renowned luxury fashion houses such as Chanel, Hermès, Fendi, Loewe, Isabel Marant, Jean Paul Gaultier and Alexander McQueen.
Her first international runway experience came with Courrèges during Paris Fashion Week in 2025, an occasion she later described to Vogue Netherlands as an unforgettable moment.
Although she initially expected to feel overwhelmed by nervousness, her excitement at joining the international fashion scene helped her embrace the experience.
In an April 2026 interview with Vogue Netherlands, Elina recalled the extraordinary reaction from her family and friends in Sri Lanka after her debut.
“Family and friends in Sri Lanka went wild!” she said, reflecting on the excitement surrounding her early success.
By April 2026, she had already participated in 38 fashion shows, an impressive achievement for a model whose international career had begun just over a year earlier.
Her work with leading designers demonstrates the growing recognition of her talent within an industry known for its demanding standards and intense competition.
Elina G at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2026
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2026 took place at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, Los Angeles, bringing together some of the biggest names in international fashion and entertainment.
The event featured a spectacular series of runway presentations, showcasing the brand’s signature lingerie collections, elaborate angel wings and theatrical designs.
Among the returning supermodels were Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio, whose longstanding association with Victoria’s Secret has made them internationally recognised figures.
Other prominent participants included Anok Yai, Paloma Elsesser, Barbara Palvin, Alex Consani and Gigi Hadid, alongside emerging models who represent the next generation of runway talent.
The evening also featured live musical performances by Tate McRae, Megan Thee Stallion, Megan Moroney and international girl group KATSEYE.
For Elina, the experience represented an opportunity to appear on the same global platform as some of the industry’s most influential personalities.
Her participation was documented in backstage photographs captured by Getty Images photographer Dimitrios Kambouris, showing the Sri Lankan model preparing for the event with the professional styling team.
The photographs offer a glimpse into the preparation behind a landmark moment in her career, capturing Elina wearing a personalised Victoria’s Secret robe while having her hair and makeup completed ahead of the show.
From Sri Lankan Runways to the Cover of Vogue Netherlands
Another defining moment in Elina’s rapidly developing career came in 2026, when she appeared on the cover of Vogue Netherlands for its May Wedding Issue.
Photographed by Zoe Karssen in Ibiza, the editorial featured Elina in contemporary bridal-inspired looks, offering a sophisticated interpretation of modern wedding fashion.
For the young Sri Lankan model, appearing on the cover of an internationally respected fashion publication represented the fulfilment of a major personal ambition.
In her interview with Vogue Netherlands, Elina explained that appearing on a Vogue cover had long been one of her professional goals and described the experience as almost unreal.
Her cover appearance demonstrated that her international appeal extended beyond runway modelling into high-profile editorial photography.
With achievements spanning luxury fashion shows, international agency representation and prestigious magazine features, Elina had already developed a notable international profile before her historic Victoria’s Secret appearance.
A Proud Milestone for Sri Lanka’s Fashion Industry
Elina Gunawardena’s breakthrough represents a significant achievement for Sri Lanka’s fashion and modelling community.
While the country has produced talented designers, fashion professionals and internationally recognised personalities, access to the world’s most prominent modelling platforms remains highly competitive.
International fashion careers often require considerable preparation, professional representation, extensive travel and the ability to adapt to different creative environments.
Elina’s progression from local runway events to Paris Fashion Week, international luxury brands and the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show illustrates the opportunities available to talented Sri Lankan models seeking careers beyond the domestic market.
Her achievement is particularly meaningful for young women interested in pursuing professional modelling, providing a visible example of a Sri Lankan talent competing successfully within the global fashion industry.
It also draws attention to the importance of local fashion platforms, professional agencies and experienced mentors in helping emerging models develop their skills and international connections.
Elina G and the Future of South Asian Representation in Fashion
The international fashion industry has undergone substantial changes in recent years, with growing attention directed towards representation, cultural identity and opportunities for models from previously underrepresented regions.
South Asian talent has increasingly gained visibility through international campaigns, editorial features and major runway presentations.
Elina’s success contributes to this evolving landscape, demonstrating how emerging models from smaller fashion markets can establish meaningful careers within the world’s leading fashion capitals.
Her professional journey also reflects a broader shift in the industry, where international modelling agencies and luxury fashion houses are increasingly searching for distinctive talent across diverse markets.
For Sri Lanka, the visibility created by such achievements can help strengthen international interest in the country’s modelling industry while encouraging future collaborations and professional opportunities.
Beyond the Runway: The Personality Behind Elina G
Despite the glamour associated with international modelling, Elina’s interests extend well beyond fashion.
In her interview with Vogue Netherlands, she spoke about her lifelong passion for dancing and performing, describing dance as an important outlet for self-expression.
She also expressed an interest in sketching, singing, travelling and exploring new cultures.
For Elina, modelling has provided opportunities to meet creative professionals, experience different countries and develop greater independence and self-confidence.
She has also spoken about her desire to dedicate time to charitable activities and volunteer work, reflecting personal ambitions beyond her professional achievements.
These interests provide a more complete picture of the young model, whose career continues to evolve through new experiences and international opportunities.
A Historic Achievement That Could Inspire a New Generation
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has been an internationally recognised entertainment and fashion platform for more than three decades, attracting celebrated supermodels, designers, musicians and influential personalities.
For a Sri Lankan model to appear on such a stage is an important moment in the country’s fashion history.
Elina Gunawardena’s achievement is especially remarkable given the speed of her international career progression. Within a relatively short period, she has moved from local fashion events to working with some of the most prestigious names in luxury fashion.
Her story illustrates the importance of ambition, perseverance, professional development and access to international opportunities.
It also challenges the perception that aspiring models must originate from the world’s established fashion capitals to achieve international recognition.
As Elina continues to establish her career, her success may encourage modelling agencies, designers and aspiring fashion professionals in Sri Lanka to pursue stronger international connections and opportunities.
From Colombo to Los Angeles: Elina G’s Journey Is Only Beginning
For Elina Gunawardena, October 18, 2026, will remain a defining date in her professional journey.
Her appearance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marks the latest achievement in a career that has already included Paris Fashion Week, luxury fashion houses and a Vogue Netherlands cover.
More importantly, it represents a moment of international visibility for Sri Lankan talent on a stage historically dominated by models from established global fashion markets.
As the country’s fashion community celebrates the milestone, Elina’s journey provides an encouraging example of what can be achieved when local talent meets international opportunity.
Her growing career is a reminder that remarkable talent can emerge from anywhere, including an island nation with ambitions extending far beyond its geographical boundaries.
From the runways of Sri Lanka to the global spotlight of Victoria’s Secret, Elina G has not only made history but also helped open a new chapter for Sri Lankan representation in international fashion.
Image Credits and Disclaimer: All photographs, runway images, editorial photographs, magazine covers and promotional materials featured in this article remain the intellectual property of their respective photographers, publishers, fashion houses, agencies and copyright holders, including Getty Images, Vogue Netherlands, Victoria’s Secret and other relevant rights holders. No ownership is claimed. Images are presented for editorial and informational reference. Appropriate licences or permissions must be obtained before reproducing or publishing copyrighted photographs.
