After hundreds of supermodels with impossible bodies, and a divided (and very angry) internet, Victoria’s Secret took a hiatus from the runway.
Five hundred wings, 105,000 Swarovski crystals, 400 hours to construct each set of wings, and two million people on Victoria Secret’s website to watch the show in 1999. That’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show by the numbers.
Here are two more: Hundreds of supermodels with impossible bodies and one very divided internet that increasingly got angrier at the brand’s narrow definition of what makes a woman beautiful and sexy.
The show’s return is really symbolic of Victoria’s Secret’s efforts to create an inclusive brand identity,“ said model Devyn Garcia.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show began in 1995 as a relatively modest affair, but it quickly grew into one of the most iconic fashion events in the world. By the early 2000s, it was known for its elaborate sets, star-studded performances, and, of course, its supermodels—called Victoria’s Secret Angels—who embodied the brand’s ideal of beauty and femininity.
In 2019, Victoria’s Secret canceled the show, acknowledging the need to rethink its messaging and approach to align with contemporary values around diversity, body positivity, and female empowerment.
After a four-year hiatus following its 2018 show, the iconic event made a return in 2023—a combination of fashion, film, art, and culture. Rather than focusing solely on supermodels, the show spotlighted 20 global creatives from cities like Bogotá, Lagos, London, and Tokyo, who were given the freedom to showcase collections that reflected their unique artistic visions.
What a dramatic shift in approach!
Yesterday, supermodels Tyra Banks, who has walked nine shows, and Gigi Hadid, who has done three, “delivered” the invite for the October 15 show which will be held in New York City.
The fall show was first announced in May via Instagram Reels with the caption: “We’ve read the comments and heard you. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is BACK and will reflect who we are today, plus everything you know and love—the glamour, runway, wings, musical entertainment, and more! Stay tuned…it only gets more iconic from here.”
Will it, really?
From outdated beauty standards to diversity
Once a symbol of glamour and exclusivity, Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is entering a new era of diversity and inclusion. Known for its glitzy displays and ultra-glamorous “Angels,” the show has undergone a transformation in recent years. After taking a break following criticism about its outdated portrayal of women, the show is making a much-anticipated return in 2024, but with a refreshed and modernized approach to casting.
Victoria’s Secret now embraces a broader and more inclusive definition of beauty as can be seen in its casting of models from various ethnicities, body types, and backgrounds. This year’s show will also feature collaborations with designers, including those who are known for their work in inclusive and sustainable fashion.
The supermodel v.2024
women across all sizes and backgrounds —including myself!”
Alongside the fashion show, Victoria’s Secret has emphasized the personal stories of its models, chosen not just for their physical appearance but also for their inspiring journeys.
Imaan Hammam, who joins the October show, said on the brand’s website, “I’m excited to see Victoria’s Secret shine a light on all types of women and continue to empower them on the runway and at home. I think the show brings a lot of joy and happiness to the audience. The celebration of women will be the focus of the show’s return and usher us into a new era. It will be part nostalgia seeing the show back, but it is returning in a modern light and I’m excited to be part of its renewal.”
Model of the Year awardee in 2023 Paloma Elsesser, whom British Vogue described as “the first curve woman” to win the award, said on the VS website the October event represents “a fresh start and a new vision for the future. It means stepping into a space that’s evolving and making room for more diverse voices and bodies.”
Latina model Devyn Garcia, said, “The show’s return is really symbolic of Victoria’s Secret’s efforts to create an inclusive brand identity. The return demonstrates how the brand has been listening to its customers and is looking to empower women of all sizes from all corners of the world.”
Candice Swanepoel, who first walked the iconic show in LA’s 2007 edition, said, “The show really had a huge influence on women…a night to celebrate with their friends, or to celebrate being a woman, it was a phenomenon and women all over the world dialed in to see it every year. All the women I know are beyond excited the show is back.”
Taylor Hill, Mayowa Nicholas, Tyra Banks, and Gigi Hadid also join the cast of supermodels.
“Fashion and entertainment have always been in our DNA. So, YES—there will be glamour, wings, fashion, musical entertainment, models, and more, with updates to reflect our values and brand mission of today,” the brand said.
