Ambra Battilana Gutierrez is the latest model of Filipino descent to have a modelling stint for the Victoria's Secret.
The 26-year-old Filipino-Italian model shared the news on her Instagram account on Friday, August 3, and gave her followers a sneak peek of her photo shoot for the American lingerie and beauty brand, held at Hudson Studios in New York City.
Her caption read: "On set today @victoriassecret Make up @raul0tero Hair @stefano_greco."
On her Instagram stories, Ambra also gave a preview of some of the official photos, which will be uploaded on Victoria Secret's official website.
In a short chat with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) via Instagram, Ambra revealed that her casting happened last June.
The Filipino-Italian model definitely enjoyed the experience working with the global brand—which mounts the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (VSFS), the most awaited lingerie extravaganza featuring the world's top models.
She told PEP.ph, "Working for them is beautiful, they all are amazing people and very nice and easy to work with."
Ambra noted that she has always been a fan of Victoria's Secret and what it stands for.
"What I love about VS that they give women freedom to express their sexy side without any judgment.
"All women should be free to be sexy."
Will she be the first Filipina to walk on the VSFS?
Ambra answered,"I don’t know about the show yet, but I’ll work hard to be ready for it in case it will happen.
"I’m proud to keep the Philippines up in the world, with my other colleagues, too.
"I’m happy to show the world what the Philippines can offer with our kind of beauty."
Aside from Ambra, Filipino supermodels Janine Tugonon and Kelsey Merritt have also worked with Victoria's Secret.
Ambra became world-famous for being one of the many female celebrities—including actresses actresses Ashley Judd, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Cara Delevigne, and Rose McGowan—who accused Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual violence and harassment, and has sparked the #MeToo movement spearheaded by Alyssa Milano.
Ambra became an instrumental figure in helping reveal the alleged sex-related offenses of Weinstein with over 87 women.
The New Yorker published an exposé against the film executive in October 2017, featuring a recording of Ambra's encounter with Harvey the day after he assaulted her in 2015.
The film executive has since been charged with six felony sex crimes—two counts of predatory sexual assault, two counts of rape, one first-degree criminal sex act charge, and one criminal sex act.
Weinstein pleaded not guilty and was released after paying the $1 million cash bail.