The real star of Victoria’s Secret 2018

While Australian models Shanina Shaik, Kelly Gale, Alannah Walton and Duckie Thot are all expected to rule the Victoria’s Secret runway this year, expect the real star to be a 35-year-old Greek woman.

Designer Mary Katrantzou is following in the footsteps of Balmain as the second luxury label to work with the lingerie giant on a capsule collection featuring looks straight from the Victoria’s Secret 2018 runway show.

“Everything that Victoria’s Secret creates is about a woman feeling confident and empowered—and also having fun with what she is wearing, This collaboration is going to be bold, fun and playful,” says Katrantzou.

Here’s everything to know about the woman about to take over every supermodel's underwear drawer.

Royal approved

Katrantzou made her debut on the London fashion scene 10 years ago after graduating from Central St Martins so it’s only fair that British Royalty has shown their support with Princess Beatrice wearing her striking print dresses.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and Queen Elizabeth’s right royal granddaughter Zara Tindall have also been snapped wearing Katrantzou’s printed pieces.

Hollywood approved

With their striking trompe l-oeil effects, architectural silhouettes and printing mastery, Katrantzou’s designs are favoured by bold actresses on the red carpet, such as Kerry Washinton, Taylor Swift, Lily James and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Don’t give up.

While studying Katrantzou struggled to discover the singular style that has made her a star.

"For example my graduate collection for the MA was originally a study in trompe l'oeil jewellery that was influenced by Chloe, Versace and Chanel but it had no unique identity,” Katrantzou told Vogue.

The course’s infamous director helped the designer with some tough love. “Louise really pushed me to create something that was so much less obviously referential - she just has a magic way of seeing what someone is doing and understanding their potential to do it better."

She has been to Australia

Back in 2013 Katrantzou delighted Australian journalists and customers with her down-to-earth approach, direct manner and overall kindness. The designer was a guest of the prestigious Melbourne Fashion Festival.

“It’s relaxed and easy,” Katrantzou told Harper’s Bazaar at the time.

“I’ve seen so many women wear colour while we’ve been here – it’s great! I love seeing how women from across the globe wear my clothes and it is great when people experiment with them in different ways. I am very happy that David Jones invited us to be part of the LMFF and it was really inspiring to see all the Australian designers show their work.”

Flower Power

With her digital mastery Katrantzou has created dazzling prints featuring perfume bottles and stamps but judging from the hints the designer has been dropping on social media, her collection for Victoria’s Secret will be 100 per cent flower power.

So far we’ve seen scuba style tights, long-sleeved bra-tops and high-waisted lace detail knickers on Josephine Skriver and Jasmine Tookes.