Victoria's Secret continues inclusivity push with Darren Barnet, Pink's gender-free line

"Never Have I Ever" star Darren Barnet is Victoria's Secret's Pink's first celebrity male brand ambassador.

The clothing retailer made the announcement Tuesday in a press release, citing Barnet's involvement "as part of the brand's continued focus on inclusivity."

The Netflix star will promote Pink's gender-free collection and curate a list of his favorite products. He will also take part in the company's mental health initiatives and campaigns to support young adults.

"Filming 'Never Have I Ever' definitely brings me back to my high school days and reminds me of the insecurities and issues that we face as young adults. I know how it feels to not fit in, and how important it is to feel supported and accepted for who you are," Barnet said in a statement.

He added: "I love the work that PINK is doing – especially their focus on community and mental health – so I'm really honored to be a part of this team."

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Barnet shared the news Tuesday on Instagram alongside a few photos of himself modeling the gender-free collection.

"I wish mental health was more of a focus when I was a teenager and my hope is that we can reach those young adults who need to be heard and supported most," he captioned the post in part.

Pink's CEO Amy Hauk called Barnet a "positive role model for teens and young adults" and someone who embodies "individuality and self-confidence."

Victoria's Secret inclusivity initiative and rebranding

The retailer announced it was rebranding last summer.

Victoria's Secret, known for using models called "Angels" to represent collections and walk in the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, announced a rebrand with a new campaign in June 2021, recruiting a group of diverse women as the brand's new representatives.

Among the women selected to join the "VS Collective" were professional soccer star Megan Rapinoe, actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas and LGBTQ model and activist Valentina Sampaio, the first transgender model to be featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

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In February, Puerto Rican model Sofía Jirau became the first Victoria's Secret model with Down syndrome.

Jirau joined 17 others in the company's new underwear line and campaign, Love Cloud Collection. The 24-year-old thanked Victoria's Secret for seeing her as a model "without limits" on her Instagram.

“Love Cloud Collection is a major moment in the brand’s evolution. From the cast of incredible women that bring the collection to life, to the incredible inclusive spirit on set, this campaign is an important part of the new Victoria’s Secret standard we are creating," new creative director Raúl Martinez said in a statement at the time.

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That same month, Emira D'Spain made history as the first Black transgender model to work with Victoria's Secret.

D’Spain, known for her beauty tips and comedic “Get Ready With Me” makeup videos on TikTok, partnered with Victoria’s Secret to create a “Single Girl’s Guide to the Perfect Valentine’s Day,” a how-to video for people spending the holiday on their own.

At the time, the model said the theme of self-love of the collaboration was an extension of the positive message she wanted to convey in her social media content. “My entire platform is built on confidence and self-love,” D’Spain said in a statement to USA TODAY.

She continued: "I want to empower young trans women and men around the world to show them that the beauty and fashion industries are changing, especially if you are a POC. I am so grateful to work with Victoria’s Secret and hope this paves the way for those after me."

Contributing: Elise Brisco, Gabriela Miranda, Edward Segarra

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Victoria's Secret male model Darren Barnet promotes gender-free line