Arlenis Sosa

Arlenis comes from a modest and numerous family, and used to live on a farm. According to some sources she was born in Santa Domingo. She is the daughter of a model and was discovered by Luis Menieur, her mother's former agent. Before that she wanted to study communication studies in Santo Domingo.

The model, whose nickname is Sunshine is the current spokesmodel for Lancôme cosmetics and appeared in the 2008 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show but well known from Gap Ads and in Vogue Italia July 2008 as well. It was the first all-black issue of Italian Vogue where Arlenis shot with legendary models Tyra Banks, Iman, and Liya Kebede. The issue became Vogue Italia’s best-selling issue in history.

Arlenis does a lot of Pilates and always finds time for workout while she usually listens to the band Swedish House Mafia.

When she’s not working, she likes going home to see her family and friends.

“They are my rock.”

She has said that meeting Anna Wintour (who helped to launch her career) at the Met Gala made her feel like Cinderella. However she could not speak English when she moved to New York. She is known as a sweet, humble, responsible, down-to-earth, and wise woman who believes in the power of smile. She is the godmother of model Jourdan Dunn's son and one of the best friends of Chanel Iman and Sessilee Lopez. 

Arlenis got married with professional basketball player Donnie McGrath in 2015 but before that she was in relationship with Rene Rodriguez, fellow Dominican modell, for 3 years.

“Models need to stick together, especially black models."

“I always wanted to have money—not just to have it but to help others”.

In 2010 she launched The Arlenis Sosa Foundation, which helps children suffering from diabetes in the Dominican Republic.