Emira D’Spain: The Spark of Next Gen NYC

 If you’ve caught even a glimpse of Bravo’s Next Gen NYC, which hit screens on June 3, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, you know Emira D’Spain is the one stealing hearts and stirring pots. As Bravo’s first full-time transgender cast member, this 28-year-old model, TikTok star, and all-around vibe is bringing the heat to Manhattan’s social scene. Let’s get into who Emira is, why she’s the soul of the show, and how she’s making waves with her hustle, heart, and killer style.

Emira’s Story: From Dallas to the Spotlight

Imagine growing up in Dallas, Texas, with roots in Dubai and a dream to make it big. That’s Emira D’Spain’s origin story. She headed to New York City for college at NYU, studying Marketing and Communications, and let me tell you, she didn’t just study—she hustled. Emira turned an internship into a dream job as Paper Magazine’s beauty director, where she got to geek out over makeup and fashion. But she was just getting started.

While working her magazine gig, Emira built a TikTok following as @XOXOEMIRA, racking up 1.3 million followers and 85 million views with her “Get Ready With Me” videos. Her vibe? Real, funny, and a little sassy—she’ll start a video with, “Your makeup looks like trash, but don’t worry, mine did too,” and somehow make you feel like her bestie. On Instagram, she’s got over 200,000 fans loving her “Barbie you always wanted” energy. Her “Cunty Barbies” fanbase can’t get enough of her charm.

Then came the big moment: in February 2022, Emira became the first Black trans woman to model for Victoria’s Secret. She called it a dream come true, giving props to Valentina Sampaio for breaking the mold first. That campaign, dropping on the first day of Black History Month, was a total mic-drop. Since then, she’s worked with brands like Fenty Beauty, NARS, and Kosas, and landed covers for Glamour and Galore, who called her “TikTok’s It-Girl.” Oh, and she bought her family a house—talk about goals.

Lighting Up Next Gen NYC

Next Gen NYC follows a crew of twentysomethings—some with famous parents like Gia Giudice and Brooks Marks, others like Emira and Ava Dash carving their own paths—as they navigate love, careers, and drama in Manhattan. Emira’s casting is huge: Bravo’s touting her as their first full-time trans cast member, bringing “diversity and authenticity” to the mix. And trust me, she’s delivering.

Emira’s all about big energy and bigger dreams. Her Bravo bio says she’s got “hustle in her DNA,” and her tagline, “I love being messy,” is your first clue she’s here for the chaos. In the premiere, we saw her strut her stuff on her first runway and score a Kosas ad in Times Square—casual flex! She’s got this knack for balancing ambition with a playful edge, dropping lines like she’s “banned from Mallorca” (spill the tea, Emira!). Whether she’s hyping up her friends or throwing shade, she’s the spark that keeps the show buzzing.

The People in Emira’s World

Emira’s tightest bond is with Brooks Marks, son of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’s Meredith Marks. They met at NYU, and their friendship is everything—think late-night chats and shared fashion obsessions. Emira calls Brooks “my little baby,” while he says she’s the friend who’ll “go to war” for you. “Cross her friends, and you’re done,” he laughs, “but, like, she’s not a murderer.” Their chemistry is a highlight, but teasers hint at some bumps ahead. Will their BFF status hold up?

Then there’s her love life. Emira’s dating Kevin, and her mom, Fouzia, is her rock, cheering her on through it all. The show teases that juggling romance and friendships might throw her off her game. Emira’s super open about her journey as a trans woman—she’s shared about her gender confirmation surgery and two rhinoplasties—but she’s also clear she’s more than her identity. “I want to inspire confidence in everyone,” she says, and her authenticity is magnetic.

Fashion That Pops

Emira’s style is a whole mood. She’s serving Barbie realness with big hair, pink blush, wispy lashes, and a love for all things pink. On Next Gen NYC, her looks are straight fire—like a Rick Owens red one-shoulder denim mini dress paired with Rene Caovilla wrap sandals, or a Nana Jacqueline blazer top with a Bulgari diamond Serpenti necklace. She’s got a thing for luxe accessories, like a Van Cleef & Arpels gold Alhambra necklace. Fans are obsessed, and sites like Femestella are dishing on how to cop her style (or at least dream about it).

Why Emira’s Got Us Hooked

Emira D’Spain is the kind of person you want to root for. She’s gone from a self-described “busted” college kid to a history-making model, and her journey feels so real. She’s funny, raw, and not afraid to stir the pot, but she’s also got this big heart that shines through. On Next Gen NYC, she’s the glue of the group, bringing drama, loyalty, and laughs in equal measure.

As a Black trans woman, Emira’s breaking down barriers just by showing up. Her Victoria’s Secret moment and Bravo role are huge for representation, but she’s not here to be boxed in. She’s all about uplifting her community while living her truth. And let’s be real—her hustle (hello, buying her family a house!) is the kind of inspo we all need.

What’s Coming Up?

As Next Gen NYC keeps rolling, Emira’s story is only getting juicier. Expect drama with Brooks (fingers crossed they work it out), some ups and downs with Kevin, and more wins in her modeling career. The mix of nepo babies and go-getters like Emira makes for a wild ride, and she’s ready to take on NYC with her signature swagger.

Your Invite to the Party

If you haven’t jumped on the Next Gen NYC train, now’s the time. Emira D’Spain is the reason to tune in—she’s the friend you want, the style icon you screenshot, and the drama magnet you can’t look away from. Catch her on Bravo every Tuesday at 9/8c, or stream on Peacock the next day. And follow her on TikTok (@XOXOEMIRA) and Instagram for all the glam, giggles, and realness you can handle.

Emira D’Spain’s not just a cast member—she’s the spark, the heart, and the whole damn vibe of Next Gen NYC. So grab your pink lip gloss, channel your inner Barbie, and let’s keep up with her!