After a five-year hiatus, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned to the runway on October 15, 2024, with a star-studded lineup and a renewed focus on inclusivity. The event, held at Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York City, marked a significant shift in the brand’s image and approach to fashion.
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is Back!!!
Opening the show was American supermodel Gigi Hadid, who captivated the audience in pink lingerie adorned with oversized feathers and matching high-heeled straps. Hadid’s appearance was particularly noteworthy as she paid homage to pop icon Taylor Swift, replicating her style and earning enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
Have a Look at the stunning Gigi Hadid:
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Hadid revealed, “There’s something on the runway tonight that I learned from Taylor during her tour. In one of her rehearsals, she said, ‘I’m going to show you how we do this.’ I did it then, and now I’m using it tonight.”
The show featured a mix of veteran Victoria’s Secret Angels and fresh faces, showcasing the brand’s commitment to diversity. Adriana Lima, 43, made a triumphant return to the runway, reflecting on her long history with the brand.
Speaking to People Magazine, Lima expressed her excitement: “I’m really happy to be in the Victoria’s Secret show because this is where everything started for me. My first show was in 1999 in New York City. My last show in 2018 was also in New York City, and I’m back again in New York. It’s incredible. I seriously did not think that I would be back, and it feels awesome.”
OMG! Bella is looking sizzling hot:
In a surprise appearance, Bella Hadid, Gigi’s sister and a Victoria’s Secret veteran, graced the runway towards the end of the show, sporting a red bra set with enormous red wings.
The event also saw the return of other familiar faces, including Candice Swanepoel and Tyra Banks, who closed the show following a performance by legendary singer Cher.
Here’s to Body Positivity with Ashley Graham!
Perhaps the most significant change in this year’s show was the inclusion of models representing a wider range of body types, ages, and gender identities. Ashley Graham, a 36-year-old model known for promoting body positivity, made her Victoria’s Secret debut in an all-black ensemble.
Graham shared her enthusiasm with People Magazine, saying, “I am feeling really excited. I’m not nervous, and everything’s very secure; we’re not going to have anything pop out, which makes me feel good so I can strut it, and I’m honestly more excited just for the full representation that’s going to happen during the show.”
A duo of Mother-Daughter, slaying at Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
The show also featured a mother-daughter duo, with supermodel Kate Moss and her daughter Lila making their Victoria’s Secret runway debuts. Lila dazzled in a pink outfit with tassels and sparkling lingerie, while Kate, at 50, received the loudest cheer as she strutted down the runway to “I Love Rock ‘N Roll” in a striking black ensemble.
This new iteration of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show represents a significant departure from its previous format, which had faced criticism for promoting unrealistic body standards. The brand’s website promised an “inclusive” event, stating, “Victoria’s Secret is focused on celebrating and supporting all women, and that won’t change anytime soon.”
A return of glamour after 5 years
The show’s return comes after its cancellation in 2019 due to declining ratings and widespread criticism. By embracing a more diverse cast of models and promoting a message of inclusivity, Victoria’s Secret appears to be responding to changing societal attitudes and expectations in the fashion industry.
As the curtain fell on this reimagined spectacle, it was clear that Victoria’s Secret was attempting to redefine its place in the fashion world. The 2024 show not only celebrated beauty in its many forms but also signalled a potential shift in how the industry approaches representation and body image. Only time will tell if this new direction will resonate with consumers and critics alike, but one thing is certain: the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is back, and it’s not afraid to evolve.
