‘Next Gen NYC’ Star Emira D’Spain Is Making Bravo History

Bravo is ushering in a new era with the premiere of “Next Gen NYC,” and at the center of the network’s latest reality venture is a true trailblazer: Emira D’Spain. The 28-year-old model and content creator isn’t just another face in the crowd — she’s making Bravo history as the first full-time transgender cast member on any of the network’s shows.

D’Spain, who first broke ground in 2022 as the first Black transgender woman to model for Victoria’s Secret, brings an already impressive resume and a massive online following to the screen. With over 1.3 million TikTok followers and high-profile modeling campaigns under her belt, D’Spain enters the Bravo-verse ready to redefine what a reality star looks like.

Who Is Emira D’Spain and Why She’s Making History

According to her Bravo bio, D’Spain was born in Dubai, raised in Dallas, and found her stride in New York City. After attending New York University, where she met co-star Brooks Marks, D’Spain became the beauty director at Paper magazine, all while cultivating a powerful personal brand on TikTok through “Get Ready With Me” videos that have amassed over 85 million views.

According to Reality Tea, she made headlines in 2022 for her appearance in the Victoria’s Secret campaign, writing at the time, “Honored to be the first Black trans girl working with @victoriassecret.” She also acknowledged fellow model Valentina Sampaio for paving the way and called the campaign’s timing during Black History Month “an honor.”

Beyond Victoria’s Secret, D’Spain has modeled for powerhouse brands like Fenty Beauty, NARS, UGG, and Anastasia Beverly Hills. Her digital influence earned her magazine covers with Glamour and Galore, where she was dubbed “TikTok’s It-Girl.” She even made a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo in “Another Simple Favor,” the Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick sequel.

Now, as the first full-time openly trans cast member in Bravo’s long-running history on “Next Gen NYC.”

What Fans Can Expect From Emira on ‘Next Gen NYC’

On “Next Gen NYC,” D’Spain enters the spotlight with momentum. The season premiere features her walking her first runway show, and later episodes will capture her landing a massive ad in Times Square with the beauty brand Kosas. The show follows her as she balances work, love, and loyalty in the city that shaped her transformation. “Years later, I’m that (expletive),” she quipped in the debut episode.

Fans can also expect a deeper look at her personal life, including her relationship with boyfriend Kevin, whom she met on Hinge. In episode two, she shared that Kevin, who works in finance, is her “first serious, serious relationship.” She described him as “calm and grounded,” though it remains unclear if they are still together today.

Her mom, Fouzia, also appears on the show, showing just how much support Emira has built around her. According to her Bravo bio, “She usually stays above the fray when drama unfolds, but this summer, balancing romance and friendship loyalties might disrupt her perfectly planned hustle.”

D’Spain is introduced on-screen as a close friend of Marks (Meredith Marks from RHOSLC’s son). Their NYU bond runs deep, and their chemistry is immediately apparent. But in classic Bravo fashion, tensions might simmer beneath the surface. D’Spain also hits it off with Gia Giudice — and when the whole cast comes out to support her big night, the celebration doesn’t stay drama-free for long.

“Next Gen NYC” airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo and streams the next day on Peacock.

Tell us! What do you think about Emira D’Spain’s debut on “Next Gen NYC”? Let us know in the comments below.