On 13/5 (morning of 14/5 Hanoi time), model Truc Diem arrived at the casting call dressed in a pastel pink camisole, white skirt, and sneakers. She described feeling both nervous and stressed during the three hours she waited for her turn. "While queuing, I was very emotional, thinking only of my family and audience back home who have followed and supported me throughout this time," she said.

The live casting session for the Victoria's Secret 2026 show brought together over 100 contestants. It took place over two days, 13/5 and 14/5, at Beverly Center, Los Angeles, from 11h to 19h. The fashion show is scheduled for autumn but an exact date has not been set.

Truc Diem in neat attire, queuing in the casting area. Photo: Contributed

Before the casting, she and other contestants had their body measurements re-taken and removed their makeup. This process helped the judges gather accurate information about each person's physique and bare face, enabling them to make appropriate selections. Following the physical assessment, contestants competed in a catwalk and interview round.

After receiving the call for the second round, Truc Diem dedicated herself to intensive training. The model stated that her greatest asset was her sincerity and positive energy. She viewed casting for the "most valuable show on the planet" as a challenge to push her own limits.

Beyond practicing catwalk and performance expressions, she also focused on physical training with cardio, yoga, and martial arts. Yoga helped her maintain flexibility, weightlifting increased muscle tone, and cardio improved endurance. Regarding nutrition, she followed a high-protein diet, reducing carbohydrates and sugar, and drank fruit and vegetable smoothies every morning to detoxify her body.

Truc Diem captured the moment of wearing her Victoria's Secret casting badge while waiting for her turn. Photo: Contributed

Truong Tri Truc Diem was born in 1987 in TP HCM. She was the first runner-up at the Miss Vietnam Women through Photos 2005 competition, then participated in Miss Earth 2007, where she won the "Miss Fashion" award.

In 2011, she reached the top 15 in Miss International. While in Vietnam, Truc Diem pursued an artistic career in various roles, including model, actress, singer, and television host. She married businessman John Tu, who was six years her senior, in 2015. She announced their separation in 2021 and moved to the US. The beauty rented a home to live alone in Los Angeles. Over the past few years, she has occasionally returned to Vietnam to visit family and participate in fashion shows for close designers.

Victoria's Secret was founded by businessman Roy Raymond in 1977 in California. The lingerie brand is coveted by many models because, according to Vogue, walking for the brand is considered a "golden ticket" that helps them achieve international recognition. Fashionista magazine calls it the most coveted opportunity in the industry, a significant career milestone, thanks to the show being broadcast in approximately 190 countries and territories. Although Victoria's Secret's influence declined during the 2016-2021 period due to various scandals, the brand still holds symbolic value.

Y Ly