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Gizele Oliveira Talks About Helping Ming Xi After Her Fall at the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

"Once she walked in, she started crying, and all the angels started cheering her up," the Brazilian beauty explains

By Diana Marti Nov 22, 2017 12:03 AMTags
2017 Victorias Secret Fashion Show, Gizele OliveiraMatt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret

This year's 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show marked the first time that model Gizele Oliveira walked as an angel. 

She strutted behind model Ming Xi and witnessed the Chinese fashion model get tangled in her flowing, sheer ensemble then take a tumble on the catwalk. 

As the Brazilian beauty watched it all unfold in front of her, she could only think of doing one thing. 

"I just thought about helping her. She was having a hard time getting up with the long dress, high boots, and the wings," the 24-year-old model tells E! News. "Helping was the first thing that came to mind as it was all happening."

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Victoria's Secret Model Ming Xi Takes a Tumble

Oliveira says that some wings weighed over 20 pounds. 

"I think this year Josephine Skriver wore the heaviest one in the Balmain session!" she said. 

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2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock

And although Xi handled the entire situation like a pro, she was overwhelmed with emotion as she went backstage. 

"Once she walked in, she started crying, and all the angels started cheering her up," Oliveira reveals. "She sat down, and I told her she had the most beautiful smile and that there was no need to cry because she's the most beautiful thing!"

As the model explains, the angels have a sort of sisterhood and genuinely tried to make Xi feel better after the situation. 

"Afterwards, we all hugged her at once and told her that this was nothing," she says. 

After party babes @hoskelsa ?? #vsfashionshow #vsfs2017 #??

A post shared by Gizele Oliveira (@giizeleoliveira) on

Walking this show was a career moment for Oliveira who has been a model for five years and considers this the "biggest recognition" she could receive for all of her hard work. She recalls the "funny moment" when she found out that she had made it.

"I did the casting that same day, and then, later on, I was shopping with my friend in NYC when my booker called me asking where I was. I already knew he was going to tell me about the casting, so I just told him. 'OMG! Go ahead!'" she explains "He started screaming 'You got it!' I couldn't believe it! I kept repeating, 'Oh my God!'"

Oliveira says that this show was exactly as phenomenal as she dreamt of it being. Although she might have been nervous, she explains that she tries to stay calm and keep it positive. She credits DogPound and Rumble boxing for getting her fashion-show ready. 

"I've worked really hard to be where I am today, and I couldn't be happier right now of where I am in my career!" she says. 

A source tells E! News that Xi's fall won't be seen on national television.
 
See a breakdown of Xi's tumble below:
Rocking the Runway

Everything seemed to be going well for the 28-year-old model when she first graced the catwalk.

Getting Tangled In Her Outfit

However, she seemed to trip on her long, flowing ensemble.

Slipping on Stage

She then proceeded to fall.

Falling to the Floor

After losing her balance, the model fell to the floor.

Landing on the Catwalk

Thankfully, she was still OK.

Being Able to Laugh At Herself

If the model was embarrassed, she certainly didn't show it.

Smiling Through It All

In fact, she continued to smile the whole time she was on stage.

Carrying on With the Show

After adjusting her hair, she proceeded to carry on with the show.

Receiving Applause From the Audience and Models

She even received applause from her fellow models and the audience.

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