It’s official: after a six-year hiatus, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has returned, and this time, it’s all about celebrating women in a new light. As someone who has followed the rise and fall of this iconic brand, I couldn’t wait to see how they would handle their much-anticipated comeback. Let me tell you—it was quite the spectacle, but not necessarily in a good way!
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Makes a Comeback
The event, which took place in Brooklyn, was designed with the female gaze in mind. Everything from the all-female musical lineup to the more sophisticated and, yes, comfortable-looking lingerie pieces screamed empowerment. Gone were the days of overly revealing, cookie-cutter designs. Instead, we saw models sporting leggings, sheer coverups, and even faux feather angel wings that were PETA-approved—talk about progress!
One of the show’s most electrifying moments was Lisa from K-pop sensation Blackpink kicking things off with a killer performance. Not long after, Gigi Hadid emerged from the stage floor, strutting down a runway that looked like something straight out of the “Barbie” movie with a splash of ‘80s video game vibes. Gigi and other models showcased those signature wings, but this time, they felt more symbolic than sensationalized.
What stood out to me was the diverse representation on the runway. It felt like Victoria’s Secret had finally taken the hint. There were more Black and Brown models than ever, many embracing their natural hair and plus-size and older models confidently taking center stage. Seeing this level of inclusivity felt long overdue but completely refreshing. Though they may have seen the error in their ways, why did it take so long? After all, Victoria’s Secret is inherently targeted towards women, and all women are not the same — we come in a variety of shapes, colors, heights and of course, weight!
We saw the iconic Kate Moss—that Kate Moss—made her Victoria’s Secret debut at 50, alongside her daughter Lila. It was a multigenerational moment that made it clear: beauty isn’t limited by age.
But the true highlight of the night? Cher. The legend herself. As she belted out “Believe” and “Strong Enough,” it was as if time stood still. Let’s be real, with Cher on the stage, no one was even paying attention to the models!
The Evolution of Victoria’s Secret: From Fantasy to Reality
Victoria’s Secret once held a monopoly on what it meant to be sexy. Back in the ’90s and early 2000s, they were everywhere—from mall storefronts to their highly-publicized fashion shows that became an annual TV event. But let’s be honest, the brand’s old formula—largely White, ultra-thin models—started to feel tone-deaf in recent years. At its peak, millions tuned in to watch, but by 2018, that number had drastically fallen. The landscape was changing, and Victoria’s Secret wasn’t keeping up.
Fast forward to today, and it’s clear that brands like Savage X Fenty—founded by Rihanna—helped redefine what inclusivity looks like in the lingerie world. Suddenly, curves were cool, and people wanted to see models of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities strutting in styles that made everyone feel sexy. Victoria’s Secret had to adapt or fade into obscurity. And faded into obscurity they did, apart from the non inclusivity of their models, the quality of their pieces was in question. As a Victoria’s Secret girlie myself, the one thing I could always count on was their 100% cotton panties — these are a thing of the past as going in store I see “cotton blend” and polyester and spandex undies which are not ideal for down there.
The brand went on an indefinite break in 2019, but over the past couple of years, they’ve been inching back with a new strategy. Their recent documentary, “Victoria’s Secret: The Tour,” attempted to shift the conversation by featuring diverse designers and models, offering a glimpse into a more inclusive future.
And now, this revamped fashion show feels like their boldest step yet toward rebranding. Victoria’s Secret executive Sarah Sylvester summed it up best when she said they’re “evolving while staying true to the parts of our DNA that people love.” It’s clear the brand is making an effort to appeal to a broader audience, but as fashion journalist Chantal Fernandez pointed out, it’s still a “work in progress.”
Did Victoria’s Secret Nail the Rebrand?
The verdict? Well, it’s still early days, but I’d say they’re off to an ok start. The show’s representation of different body types, ethnicities, and ages certainly signals a shift in their messaging. Seeing Tyra Banks close out the show—looking as fierce as ever—was a nostalgic treat. And when plus-size model Ashley Graham hit the runway, embracing her post-baby body, it felt like a win for women everywhere. Though the show was .. ok, there are two things I noticed, why was the show not broadcasted on CBS as it was in past year AND!! Where is the million-dollar fantasy bra! We live for a fantasy bra moment and this is usually worn by the “It” girl of the season who would close out the show. I also feel it lost that behind the scenes vibe where we saw bits and pieces of the show from start to finish and how the announcer would always say “stand by …” .
I can’t help but feel hopeful. While it’s clear that Victoria’s Secret has a long way to go to regain its once-dominant position, they’re listening. They’ve started to modernize their vision of beauty, and with any luck, they’ll continue to embrace inclusivity in a way that feels authentic, not performative.
In a world where the standards of beauty are constantly evolving, it’s refreshing to see this once-controversial brand attempt to keep pace with the times. As someone who grew up watching the glitzy, over-the-top fashion shows, I’m excited to see what comes next.
Will this rebrand last? Only time will tell, but for now, Victoria’s Secret is back—and it’s a new kind of sexy.
