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Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returns with Tyra Banks, Kate Moss, Cher bringing fresh energy to the runway

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Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returns with Tyra Banks, Kate Moss, Cher bringing fresh energy to the runway

Tyra Banks returned to the runway, nearly 20 years after retiring from modeling, for the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Oct. 15, 2024. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show leaned into nostalgia for its return.

The lingerie parade — canceled in 2019 amid criticism that it was outdated, sexist and lacked diversity — took place Oct. 15 at Duggal Greenhouse in Brooklyn, N.Y. While the focus was the same — selling undies! — the show tried to invoke a female-centric, inclusive vibe. A lot of familiar faces took the stage.

Cher performs during the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)Cher performs during the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
The all-female performance lineup was anchored by Cher. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

While there were certainly “normie” runway models — like the Hadid sisters, Gigi, 29, and Bella, 28 — doing their thing, the show featured added representation in its 50 models from 25 countries, of varying backgrounds, body types and ages.

Gigi Hadid, wearing pink wings, poses on the runway.Gigi Hadid, wearing pink wings, poses on the runway.
Gigi Hadid wore some classic wings for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Ashley Graham, the 36-year-old champion of body diversity and positivity, made her show debut, as did fellow plus-size model Paloma Elsesser, 32.

Ashley Graham wore wings with a trellis with appliqué flowers. Ashley Graham wore wings with a trellis with appliqué flowers.

Ashley Graham was a new face on the runway. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Valentina Sampaio, 27, and Alex Consani, 21, made history as the first trans models to walk in the show.

Alex Consani, in long blond hair and quilted lavender wings. Alex Consani, in long blond hair and quilted lavender wings.

Alex Consani was one of the first two trans models ever to be featured in the show. (Masato Onoda/WWD via Getty Images)

A big effort was made to bring back models with a long history with the brand. An original “Angel,” the American Tyra Banks, who retired from modeling nearly 20 years ago, “smized” her way down the runway at age 50. Adriana Lima was also back wearing wings. The Brazilian model, 43, covered many VS catalogs during her career.

Adriana Lima, in butterfly wings and checkered stockings, looks exultant.Adriana Lima, in butterfly wings and checkered stockings, looks exultant.
Adriana Lima, the Brazilian model, walks the runway. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)

The brand also tapped the catwalk queen Kate Moss for her first show ever — at age 50. The British model’s daughter, Lila Moss, also appeared, making it a family affair.

Kate Moss, in long blond hair and bee wings, on the runway.Kate Moss, in long blond hair and bee wings, on the runway.
Kate Moss looks as if she’s taking her job seriously on her first appearance in the show. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)

For the first time, there was also an all-female lineup of musicians. Leading them was 78-year-old Cher, performing her hits “Strong Enough” and “Believe.” The other performers were the K-pop star Lisa, 27, the South African singer Tyla, 22, and the Australian guitarist Orianthi, 39.

Tyla, in white wings, at the microphone.Tyla, in white wings, at the microphone.
Tyla performs during the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Oct. 15, 2024. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Before the livestream began, executive producer Janie Schaffer welcomed everybody to the show, saying it “spans the spectrum.” Schaffer also said the models were cast “for their confidence and their fierceness.”

Orianthi, surrounded by models, performs in a black hat, black boots and black feathery jacket.Orianthi, surrounded by models, performs in a black hat, black boots and black feathery jacket.
Orianthi performs at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Oct. 15, 2024. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Opening the show, Banks announced that spectators would see “a brand-new Victoria’s Secret fashion show, where women take the reins and the spotlight.”

Reactions to bringing back the show, which was canceled amid controversy, were mixed. It did provide surprises, nostalgic moments and marginally more representation. However, some felt it didn’t go far enough, including the Teen Vogue writer Aiyana Ishmael, who said she thought it was “a lot of lip service and little action” toward greater inclusivity.

Grace Elizabeth, in red, with wings spelling out Victoria's Secret in neon plastic, walks the runway. Grace Elizabeth, in red, with wings spelling out Victoria's Secret in neon plastic, walks the runway.
The model Grace Elizabeth walks the runway. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)
Imaan Hammam had no wings but instead a cascading cloak with puffy pink sleeves and billowing pink layers.Imaan Hammam had no wings but instead a cascading cloak with puffy pink sleeves and billowing pink layers.
Imaan Hammam joins the lineup. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Joan Smalls has a fantastical wing span of more than eight feet.Joan Smalls has a fantastical wing span of more than eight feet.
Joan Smalls on the stage. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Vittoria Ceretti's wings consisted of two immense ostrich feathers. Vittoria Ceretti's wings consisted of two immense ostrich feathers.
Vittoria Ceretti sashays across the stage. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
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