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The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was an annual event that debuted in 1995, showcasing collections of lingerie, nightwear and activewear. The show became famous for its models, known as Angels, and grand performances by renowned artists including Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, Rihanna and Justin Bieber. What captured people’s attention each year was the theme, reminiscent of a glamorous red carpet event like the Met Gala, combining theatrical elements with fashion design—especially the iconic wings that never failed to impress the audience. It ran until 2018, after which the brand shifted its focus toward inclusivity and diversity with a different marketing approach that did not include the fashion show.
This year however the fashion presentation made a magnificent comeback, embracing its more inclusive outlook to empower women in today’s society. Up-and-coming artists, new faces and supermodels invite us to take a look at the highlights of the show.
The overall concept of the show was a celebration of the past iconic looks of Victoria’s Secret, dividing the event into sections each featuring different colours representing the brand: pink, white, black, floral and red. Bright pink is a shade long associated with Victoria’s Secret and they even launched a chain, Pink, to focus on teenage audiences. Opening the fashion show this time was a light pink glow of flowy silhouettes in a mix of sheer and fur fabrics, soft and girlish, emphasising feminine energy.
The show then transitioned from baby pink to nude, white and blue, revealing the power of elegance, with each piece enhanced by shimmering beading and glittering details.
Next came a series of black collections featuring lace adorned with silver beading and star motifs. This showcased bold and confident looks, celebrating the strength and allure of femininity and reminding everyone that they can be a star! A shift from black lace to a floral theme with touches of red followed, bringing a fresh and romantic element.
As it moved into its final segment, bold red sets were introduced. The entire presentation illustrated a storyline of a woman evolving from the innocence and comfort of pink into a bold and confident individual in red. Each look aimed to empower women through diverse styles and personalities.
Victoria’s Secret is renowned for its iconic models, often referred to as Angels, who brought glamour and confidence to the runway. This time, some of the models who had worked with Victoria’s Secret graced the runway once again and reminded us all why they’re called Angels! However, in a twist reflecting the brand’s new focus on inclusivity and diversity, fresh faces also made their debut. Here’s a list of some of the models.
Behati Prinsloo, Candice Swanepoel, Adriana Lima, Doutzen Kroes and Alessandra Ambrosio made a return to the runway, bringing back nostalgia among the audience. Many of them were featured in key closing or opening spots for each segment, creating a powerful impression.
Gigi Hadid first appeared at a Victoria’s Secret fashion show in 2015 and her sister Bella followed in 2016. They were regulars at Victoria’s Secret and were the first siblings to grace the runway together. At this latest event, Gigi was the show opener wearing giant feather wings with pink lingerie, making a strong impact on the audience. Meanwhile Bella, who had paused her modelling due to health problems, presented a surprise comeback during the third part of the show in a red lace bra and thong with an oversized red ombré coat spreading like wings.
The show did not just bring back their popular Angels, they brought back the icons of the 90s including Kate Moss, Carla Bruni, Eva Herzigová and Tyra Banks- one of only a few Black models of that time – who closed the show. Since the 90s marked a rising era for supermodels, their return highlighted the profound impact their legacy has had on the industry.
To mark the new era of Victoria’s Secret, they introduced current supermodels featuring Vittoria Ceretti, Anok Yai, Alex Consani and Lila Moss, Kate Moss’s daughter.
Throughout the show models including plus-size ladies Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsesser walked down the runway, showcasing the inclusivity of the event. He Cong and Mika Schneider proudly represented Asian models, while Alex Consani, a transgender model, also made an impactful appearance. Together they remind us that anyone can be an Angel, regardless of size, background or culture.
Photo: Courtesy of Kevin Mazur / Getty Images
The Victoria’s Secret presentation would have lacked an important element without the extravagant performances of Lisa, Tyla and the 60s superstar Cher. The programme opened with Rockstar by Thailand’s own Lisa, in full energy as she was lifted up on a motorcycle. She was dressed in a black lingerie set that reflected the lights, making it look bold and alluring at the same time. Her latest song Moonlit Floor came during the third segment, adding a romantic touch.
Photo: Courtesy of Matt Baron / Bei / SHUTTERSTOCK
Tyla was the second performer, showcasing her all-time favourite songs Water and Push 2 Start. She wore a crystal bra and white feather wings. The atmosphere of the show shifted from light pink to blue, elevating her performance and adding a sense of fun.
Photo: Courtesy of Matt Baron / Bei / SHUTTERSTOCK
For the final part Cher soared above the stage, with a backdrop highlighting her years of success across different eras. She performed her hit songs Strong Enough and Believe, turning the stage into a disco dance floor. The veteran singer impressed in a shimmering black jumpsuit.
As the curtain fell on this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, the traditional parts of the show remained, with theatrical wings and great performances, but the brand also tried to achieve a bold step forward into a more inclusive future, reminding us why this show remains a cultural phenomenon. Brought together by both iconic models and fresh faces, it highlights the true concept of femininity and diversity. The return of the Angels paves the way for a new journey, leaving the audiences wanting to know what’s next in this exciting new chapter.
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