Actor Darren Barnet has partnered with Victoria's Secret as the new face of PINK's gender-free collection, making history as the lingerie brand's first-ever male ambassador.
The 'Never Have I Ever' star, 30, models tie-dye separates, logo T-shirts, and other loungewear in the new campaign that was launched on social media on Tuesday, a little over a year after PINK introduced its gender-neutral line in February 2021.
Barnet shared the news with his 2.3 million followers on his Instagram Stories while wearing one of the brand's tie-dye sweatshirts.
Scroll down for video
'I’m excited to be a part,' he said. 'They’re focusing a lot on mental health awareness, inclusivity, community. I could not be more stoked about it, and I will be helping to launch more styles in their gender-free collection.'
As part of the partnership, he will promote the PINK's gender-free collection — including his favorite products — and be the face of the brand's upcoming fleece shirt jacket launch this fall.
Barnet will also participate in PINK's initiatives for fostering positive mental health and empowering young adults as part of its continued commitment to inclusivity.
'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,' he said in a statement.
The heartthrob explained that filming his Netflix series has reminded him of his high school days, as well as 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,' he shared.
PINK spokesperson Brooke Wilson told the New York Post that while the brand has tapped male influencers for the gender-free line, Barnet is the first male celebrity to sign on as an ambassador.
The 'Love Hard' actor said he is a fan of the collection but admitted he wasn't sure what he signed up for as part of the partnership
'Upon first glance, I wasn’t very educated on the gender-free collection,' he told Us Weekly. 'I was like, "Am I going to be wearing underwear? Like, lingerie?" Then, they showed me the line, and I was like, "Wow, that’s definitely [stuff I’d be wearing]."'
Barnet joins fellow PINK ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey, the R&B singing sisters known as Chloe x Halle, and TikTok star Remi Bader.
'We are so excited to announce this partnership because Darren is such a positive role model for teens and young adults,' PINK CEO Amy Hauk said in a statement.
'As we focus on expanding our gender-free offerings and continue to evolve as a brand, we want to ensure our partners not only represent the diversity of our customers, but also embody individuality and self-confidence.'
Victoria's Secret has been working to revamp its image over the past couple of years after facing stiff competition from newer lingerie retailers with more inclusive marketing strategies.
In 2021, the brand got rid of its roster of thin Victoria's Secret Angels and replaced them with the VS Collective, a diverse lineup of spokeswomen who share a goal of promoting positive change.
Soccer star Megan Rapinoe, Indian actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, trans model Valentina Sampaio, plus-size model Paloma Elsesser, and journalist Amanda de Cadenet were among the founding members.