When the 28-year-old model took a spill on the catwalk, her friends and fellow models were there to help her up, physically and emotionally.
When Chinese model Ming Xi headed out on the runway at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China, she had no idea that she'd end up taking a high-profile misstep -- or that her stumble would end up being one of the inspirational highlights of the star-studded evening.
While strutting down the long catwalk -- as Leslie Odom Jr. performed live behind the models at the back of the stage -- the train of the 28-year-old model's stunning ensemble got tangled in her heels and she took a surprising spill.
As producers and coordinators could be heard panicking for a moment, Xi's fellow model Gizele Oliveira was quick to come to her assistance and help her back onto her feet. As Xi regained her posture, Oliveira sweetly gestured for her to continue walking ahead of her, and applauded for Xi as she did.
While the moment must have felt undeniably embarrassing for her, Xi's smile didn't falter for even a moment as she finished her loop around the catwalk and walked backstage with impressive grace and elegance.
In a shot from backstage on Tuesday's broadcast, viewers saw as Xi's strong emotional exterior buckled once she was out of view of the audience.
The young model was brought to tears by the unfortunate mishap, but was soon comforted by another of her fellow runway pros, Lily Aldridge, who embraced Xi supportively.
"It's OK, don't worry," Aldridge told Xi as she hugged her. "You're so beautiful, and you looked so beautiful at the end."
Even Odom Jr. had some inspirational words as he walked past Xi and Aldridge backstage after his performance.
"It happens to the best of 'em," the Hamilton star said to the VSFS cameras. "Sometimes we fall, but we get back up. Fall down seven times, get up eight!"
For more on Xi's unexpected misstep, check out the video below.
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