The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is one of the most iconic runway events in the world, known for its blend of glamor, star-studded performances, and extravagant lingerie designs. A staple in fashion and pop culture for over two decades, the show shaped industry standards, introduced legendary models, and featured elaborate costumes that transformed lingerie into wearable art. After a hiatus and recent revamp, the show’s return has generated buzz among fashion lovers eager to see how the brand will merge its traditional elements with a renewed commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
The Origins of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debuted in 1995, initially held as a modest event in New York. As the brand’s popularity grew, so did the scale of the show, with each year adding more extravagance, intricate designs, and impressive performances. By the early 2000s, it had transformed into a televised event watched by millions, garnering attention as a must-see spectacle that blended high fashion with fantasy. Supermodels, or “Angels,” became the face of the brand, earning recognition worldwide, and the show itself became synonymous with beauty, boldness, and runway innovation.
Iconic Moments and Standout Features
The show’s growth brought unforgettable moments and a level of excitement that turned it into an annual cultural phenomenon. Here are some of the most celebrated elements that contributed to its lasting appeal:
The Fantasy Bra
Every year, a different model would wear the Fantasy Bra, an ultra-luxurious, jewel-encrusted piece worth millions of dollars, becoming one of the show’s most highly anticipated highlights.
Angel Wings
Perhaps the most iconic part of the Victoria’s Secret show, the massive, elaborate wings worn by “Angels” were each meticulously designed. These wings signified a rite of passage for top models, transforming them into brand ambassadors.
A-List Musical Performances
Over the years, the show featured musical performances from stars like Rihanna, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and Justin Timberlake, adding an element of concert-level excitement to the event.
Stunning Costumes and Sets
Each show had themed segments ranging from winter wonderlands to tropical jungles, with models dressed in costumes that matched the atmosphere and music, turning each segment into a visual story.
The Hiatus and Changing Standards
The fashion industry’s standards and consumer expectations began to shift in the late 2010s, with a stronger emphasis on inclusivity, diversity, and body positivity. Critics and audiences pointed out the lack of representation in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, leading to scrutiny about its portrayal of beauty and unrealistic body ideals. As a result, the 2019 show was canceled as the brand focused on restructuring and reconsidering its identity.
During the hiatus, the brand actively worked on rebranding itself to align with modern values. With a revamped board and new models representing diverse backgrounds, sizes, and identities, Victoria’s Secret has made significant strides in creating a more inclusive image while still celebrating femininity and style.
The Comeback: A Modern Approach to the Fashion Show
The much-anticipated comeback of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show signals a new chapter for the brand. While fans eagerly await familiar elements, such as the Angel wings and fantasy-themed segments, the show’s reimagined direction is expected to integrate inclusivity and empowerment at its core. Some changes expected in the show’s return include:
Diverse Casting
Victoria’s Secret has announced its commitment to representing a broader spectrum of beauty. This includes models of different body shapes, ages, and ethnic backgrounds, ensuring that the show resonates with a larger audience.
Empowering Themes
Instead of solely focusing on extravagant displays of beauty, the new show aims to emphasize empowerment, with themes that reflect individuality, confidence, and personal strength.
Eco-Friendly Fashion
The fashion industry has increasingly focused on sustainability, and the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show aims to incorporate eco-conscious elements in its costumes and designs, aligning with a modern, environmentally aware audience.
The Impact of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Pop Culture
For over 20 years, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has left an indelible mark on pop culture. Here are a few ways it has influenced the industry and its audiences:
Redefining the Lingerie Market
The show’s extravagant designs helped transform lingerie from a purely practical purchase into a fashion statement, influencing brands worldwide to create pieces that are as stylish as they are functional.
Boosting Model Careers
Many supermodels, including Gisele Bündchen, Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, and Tyra Banks, became household names through their work with Victoria’s Secret. Being chosen as an Angel often meant international fame, brand partnerships, and a defining career milestone.
Influencing Beauty Standards
Although controversial, the show established certain beauty standards and ideals that were widely emulated. While this has changed in recent years, the initial impact of the show on fashion trends, workout routines, and makeup choices was undeniable.
Entertainment Factor
By blending fashion, music, and performance art, the show became a form of entertainment that transcended traditional runway events, turning it into a high-energy display that captivated global audiences.
The return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is not just a revival of a beloved fashion event but also an opportunity for the brand to redefine itself in a changing world. By embracing inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability, the show’s relaunch promises to be a celebration of individuality and self-expression. This new approach resonates not only with devoted fans of the brand but also with those who value representation and authenticity in fashion.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show’s comeback marks a pivotal moment in the fashion industry, one that balances the glamor of the past with the values of the present. As it prepares to captivate audiences once again, there’s no doubt it will continue to inspire, entertain, and evolve with the times.
