Victoria’s Secret makes a comeback with icons, new faces, and a fresh take on inclusivity

The glamour is still there, but so is a new message: the runway belongs to everyone now. Only time will tell if Victoria’s Secret sticks to this path but for one night, at least, it felt like a step in the right direction.

The Victoria’s Secret fashion show is back. After six years off—and some soul-searching—the lingerie giant debuted Tuesday night at Brooklyn Navy Yard with a lineup that was familiar yet fresh. And the days of one size fits all beauty standards are behind them. Instead, it’s all about inclusion, inclusivity and yes, some serious glamour.

The show started with a performance by Lisa of BLACKPINK. The K-pop superstar hit the runway in full throttle singing her hit single “Rockstar,” setting the mood for a wild night. 

Gigi Hadid opens the show in a pastel pink ensemble carrying angels wings. | Getty Images

Supermodel sisters reigned supreme. Gigi Hadid returned to the Victoria’s Secret runway opening the show wearing a pastel pink ensemble and carrying those VS angel wings. Bella Hadid closed the show reminding the world why she remains one of the industry’s biggest names. Bella ended the evening in a hot red lingerie and a dramatic oversized bolero.

The two sisters walked the VS runway for the first time since 2018 and their presence felt like a torch being passed to a new, more inclusive Victoria’s Secret angels. 

No Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show would be complete without its legends. Adriana Lima returned and proved that age is just a number. It was the 43 year-old’s first runway appearance since 2018 and she looked stunning in metallic pink butterfly wings. Lima was one of the brand’s most iconic angels.

Bella Hadid surprises the crowd. | Getty Images

Then came the twist that caught everyone by surprise: Kate Moss making her Victoria’s Secret debut. Yes, that’s right. Kate Moss, the fashion icon who has walked every major runway — walked the VS catwalk for the first time. Moss was on the runway in a sheer, black lace dress over a bodysuit and feathered wings moments after her daughter, Lila Moss, walked down the runway.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get more iconic, Cher took the stage. The 78-year-old pop legend delivered a powerhouse performance, singing her classics “Strong Enough” and “Believe,” turning the runway into a full-on disco. Cher was dressed in goth cargo pants and a latex corset. Her performance was a masterclass in timeless style and star power, leaving everyone in awe.

Cher performs her classics “Strong Enough” and “Believe,” turning the runway into a full-on disco. | Getty Images

Another highlight was when Tyra Banks returned to the Victoria’s Secret stage for the first time since 2005. In a geometric black jumpsuit and metallic cape, Banks showed everyone she still can compete, leading the pack of supermodels to close the show. She twirled down the runway in what could almost be a comeback for the supermodel who defined the show’s golden age.

Tyra Banks | Getty Images

The wings, the shimmer, the huge runway looks were still there, but the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marked a departure from the label’s tumultuous past. There were more models of all shapes, sizes and ages this year. Victoria’s Secret models Paloma Elsesser, Ashley Graham and Valentina Sampaio walked the runway. Known VS Angels Taylor Hill and Barbara Palvin shared the runway with newcomers Anok Yai and Devyn Garcia, creating a powerful visual of what beauty means today.

And now the big question after the 2024 show: Is Victoria’s Secret really evolving or is this a temporary rebranding effort? While the label may have embraced curvier models, age diversity and dropped some of its older symbols, the real test will be whether it will stick to its guns in years to come.

One thing’s for sure, the 2024 Victoria’s Secret fashion show merged nostalgia with empowerment. The glamour is still there, but so is a new message: the runway belongs to everyone now. Only time will tell if Victoria’s Secret sticks to this path. But for one night, at least, it felt like a step in the right direction.

Watch the entire Victoria’s Secret 2024 Fashion Show below:

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