The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returns with a modern twist

American lingerie house Victoria’s Secret relaunched its Fashion Show on 15 October, which marked a return to the runway format that was once a key feature of the brand.

The show retained the glamour, wings and musical performances familiar to audiences but focused on reflecting the brand’s evolving values and mission.

Highlights included supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid opening and closing the show, respectively, as well as performances from musical artists Cher, Jennie and Tyla.

In addition, original Victoria’s Secret Angels Tyra Banks, Behati Prinsloo, Alessandra Ambrosio, Adriana Lima, Doutzen Kroes and Imaan Hammam returned to the runway. Banks closed the show in her trademark glamorous style, joined by all the other Angels.

The decision to return to the classic Fashion Show format came after the success of The Tour ’23, which showcased a more experimental view of the brand.

According to Victoria’s Secret, the Fashion Show combined elements of the past with a more modern perspective. The company said: “Victoria’s Secret has always been synonymous with fashion and entertainment. It’s something our customers crave and love us for, so you saw the glamour, wings, fashion and musical entertainment with a new and modern take, reflective of who we are today.”

Alongside the return of key elements such as the runway and live performances, the event also signalled the brand’s commitment to embracing a broader, more diverse representation. Inclusivity was a central theme, with Victoria’s Secret featuring a diverse range of models that reflected its global customer base.

Transgender model Alex Consani and plus-size model Ashley Graham were some of the many diverse faces to make their Victoria’s Secret debut. Legendary supermodels Carla Bruni and Kate Moss also walked the Victoria’s Secret runway for the first time.

“We are about celebrating and supporting all women, and that meant continuing to work with amazing women that represent our diverse customers and communities,” the company added.

During a pre-show interview, Victoria’s Secret Head of Marketing Sarah Sylvester commented: “The fact that so many of our customers have been asking us to bring the show back and we’re now delivering that is very exciting. For the first time, our fans can shop the show, which has never been done before.”

Victoria’s Secret Chief Design Officer Janie Schaffer added: “That was one of the biggest early decisions we made about the show. We wanted to put on the runway the craftsmanship, glitz and glam of Victoria’s Secret. It is everything our customers have always loved about the show but even better.”

Concluding, Victoria’s Secret said: “We continued to put the customer at the centre of all we did and celebrated parts of our past, but with a refreshed and modern take. We looked forward to unwrapping the magic and sharing more news with our customers later this year.” ✈