The evolution of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
When Victoria’s Secret first introduced its runway show in 1995, it was a relatively modest affair held at the Plaza Hotel in New York. Over the years, however, it evolved into a global spectacle, blending high fashion with entertainment to create one of the most anticipated events in the fashion industry. What began as a simple showcase of lingerie quickly transformed into a multi-million-dollar production, featuring elaborate stage designs, live musical performances, and some of the most recognisable supermodels in the world.
By the early 2000s, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show had established itself as a cultural phenomenon, with millions tuning in to watch the event on television. The brand capitalised on the growing influence of celebrity culture, bringing in high-profile performers such as Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift to accompany models on the runway. This fusion of fashion and music helped cement the show’s reputation as more than just a lingerie presentation—it became a must-watch entertainment event.
One of the defining aspects of the show’s evolution was the introduction of the Fantasy Bra, an opulent piece of lingerie encrusted with diamonds, emeralds, and other precious stones. Each year, a different model was chosen to wear this exclusive creation, further elevating the prestige of the event. From Tyra Banks to Miranda Kerr, the Fantasy Bra became a coveted honour for the brand’s most celebrated models.
As the show grew in scale, it also expanded its global reach. While its roots remained in the United States, Victoria’s Secret took the show to international locations, including London, Paris, and Shanghai. These global editions brought a new level of glamour and excitement, attracting audiences from around the world and reinforcing the brand’s dominance in the lingerie market.
Despite its success, the show eventually faced criticism for its lack of diversity and changing industry standards. As consumer preferences shifted towards inclusivity and body positivity, the traditional Victoria’s Secret aesthetic began to feel outdated. By 2019, the brand announced the cancellation of the annual show, marking the end of an era. However, discussions about a potential revival continue, with suggestions that a reimagined version could return, embracing a more modern and inclusive vision.
Iconic models who defined the runway
Throughout the years, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has been graced by some of the most iconic models in the industry, many of whom became household names thanks to their appearances on the runway. These models not only embodied the brand’s signature glamour but also helped define an era of fashion that celebrated confidence, allure, and high-energy performances.
One of the earliest stars of the show was Tyra Banks, who became a defining face of Victoria’s Secret in the late 1990s and early 2000s. With her signature charisma and powerful runway presence, Banks helped set the stage for what would become the brand’s golden era. She was among the first models of colour to achieve supermodel status within the lingerie industry, paving the way for greater diversity in the years to come.
Gisele Bündchen took the runway by storm in the early 2000s, bringing her effortlessly sexy, sun-kissed aesthetic to the show. As one of the highest-paid models in the world, Bündchen’s presence elevated the event’s prestige, and her appearances in the coveted Fantasy Bra solidified her status as a Victoria’s Secret legend. Her confident strut and radiant energy became synonymous with the show’s high-glamour appeal.
Adriana Lima, another unforgettable face of the brand, made her debut in 1999 and went on to become one of the longest-serving Victoria’s Secret Angels. Known for her striking blue eyes and sultry walk, Lima was a fan favourite for nearly two decades. Her emotional farewell in 2018, where she walked the runway for the final time with tears in her eyes, remains one of the most poignant moments in the show’s history.
Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr also made a significant impact on the Victoria’s Secret runway. As the first Australian to become a Victoria’s Secret Angel, Kerr brought a fresh, girl-next-door charm to the show, balancing elegance with a playful energy. Her tenure with the brand helped propel her to international fame, making her a beloved figure in both the fashion industry and popular culture.
In later years, models such as Candice Swanepoel, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Doutzen Kroes carried the torch, each bringing their unique style and presence to the show. Ambrosio, in particular, became known for her dedication to the brand, walking in the show for 17 years before retiring in 2017. Her final walk was met with thunderous applause, marking the end of an era for one of the most recognisable Angels.
As the industry evolved, newer faces like Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Bella Hadid brought a new wave of influence to the runway, blending traditional supermodel glamour with the power of social media. Their inclusion reflected the changing landscape of fashion, where digital presence became just as important as runway prowess.
These models not only shaped the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show but also left a lasting impact on the fashion industry as a whole. Their presence on the runway helped define beauty standards, influence trends, and create some of the most memorable moments in the show’s history.
Memorable moments from the show
Over the years, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show delivered countless unforgettable moments that captivated audiences and cemented its place in fashion history. From jaw-dropping performances to unexpected surprises, each show brought something unique, ensuring its legacy as one of the most talked-about events in the industry.
One of the most iconic moments came in 2003 when Heidi Klum strutted down the runway in the extravagant “Very Sexy” Fantasy Bra, valued at a staggering million. Adorned with diamonds and precious gems, the bra was one of the most expensive ever created for the show, reinforcing the event’s reputation for opulence and excess. Klum, a long-time Victoria’s Secret Angel, embodied confidence and glamour, making the moment one of the defining highlights of the show’s early years.
Another unforgettable highlight occurred in 2005 when Gisele Bündchen wore the Red Hot Fantasy Bra, reportedly worth million. As one of the most recognisable supermodels in the world, Bündchen’s presence on the runway was always a spectacle, but this particular moment stood out as she confidently showcased the dazzling creation, further elevating the prestige of the Fantasy Bra tradition.
The show also became known for its star-studded musical performances, which added an extra layer of entertainment to the event. In 2013, Taylor Swift took to the runway alongside the models, performing “I Knew You Were Trouble” in a glamorous, glittering outfit that perfectly matched the show’s aesthetic. Her performance was so well-received that she returned the following year, solidifying her status as one of the most memorable musical guests in the show’s history.
In 2016, Lady Gaga delivered a powerful performance, bringing her signature theatricality to the Victoria’s Secret stage. Dressed in a dramatic lace gown, she performed “Million Reasons” and “A-Yo,” creating an emotional and electrifying atmosphere that resonated with both the models and the audience. Her presence marked a shift in the show’s approach to musical acts, blending high fashion with deep artistic expression.
One of the most talked-about moments in the show’s later years was Adriana Lima’s farewell walk in 2018. Having been a Victoria’s Secret Angel for nearly two decades, Lima’s departure was an emotional moment for both the brand and its fans. As she took her final steps down the runway, she fought back tears, visibly moved by the occasion. The audience erupted in applause, paying tribute to one of the most legendary figures in the show’s history.
Beyond the glamour and spectacle, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show also had its fair share of unexpected moments. In 2017, Chinese model Ming Xi experienced an unfortunate slip on the runway during the Shanghai show. Instead of letting the fall overshadow her moment, she gracefully picked herself up with a smile, receiving support from fellow models and cheers from the audience. Her professionalism and resilience turned what could have been a mishap into an inspiring moment of perseverance.
While the show officially ended in 2019, its most memorable moments continue to live on in fashion history. From breathtaking outfits to emotional farewells, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show created a legacy of glamour, entertainment, and iconic runway moments that defined an era in the fashion industry.
Evolution of Victoria’s Secret runway shows
When Victoria’s Secret first took to the runway in 1995, it redefined lingerie as more than just intimate apparel—it became a spectacle of glamour, confidence, and high fashion. What started as a relatively modest affair in New York quickly evolved into one of the most anticipated runway events in the world, setting new standards for both lingerie and entertainment.
The early shows had a more traditional, understated elegance, with supermodels strutting in classic lace and silk designs. But by the early 2000s, the brand had fully embraced the theatrics of high fashion, incorporating elaborate wings, dazzling embellishments, and larger-than-life performances. The introduction of the Fantasy Bra—an opulent, jewel-encrusted piece worn by a chosen model each year—became a hallmark of the show, with price tags reaching into the millions.
By the mid-2010s, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show had transformed into a global media event, featuring performances by music icons like Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd. The runway itself became a stage for storytelling, with themed segments that ranged from ethereal and romantic to bold and avant-garde. The show wasn’t just about lingerie; it was about attitude, empowerment, and a celebration of femininity.
However, as the fashion industry shifted towards inclusivity and diversity, the brand faced increasing scrutiny for its narrow beauty standards. By 2019, the show was officially cancelled, with Victoria’s Secret re-evaluating its approach to modern femininity. The once-iconic runway spectacle is now being reimagined for a new era, proving that even the most glamorous traditions must evolve to stay relevant.
Iconic models who defined the runway
Over the years, a select group of models have become synonymous with the Victoria’s Secret runway, defining an era of glamour, confidence, and sex appeal. These women weren’t just models; they were icons, embodying the brand’s signature blend of allure and athleticism while setting new standards for runway presence.
At the forefront was Gisele Bündchen, whose effortless Brazilian charm and sun-kissed glow made her one of the most memorable Angels. Walking for the brand from 1999 to 2006, she brought an unparalleled energy to the runway, often closing the show in dramatic wings and the coveted Fantasy Bra.
Tyra Banks was another trailblazer, bringing a powerful, confident strut that helped redefine beauty standards in the early 2000s. As one of the first Black Victoria’s Secret Angels, she played a significant role in making the show more diverse and inclusive.
Then came the era of Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio, two Brazilian superstars who dominated the runway for over a decade. Lima, with her piercing blue eyes and undeniable presence, became the longest-serving Angel, known for her sultry walk and emotional farewell in 2018. Ambrosio, on the other hand, epitomised beachy, effortless beauty, wearing some of the most extravagant wings in the show’s history.
The 2010s saw the rise of a new generation of supermodels, with Candice Swanepoel and Doutzen Kroes bringing a fresh take on the Angel aesthetic. Swanepoel’s feline grace and signature golden waves made her a standout, while Kroes’ athletic physique and radiant smile cemented her as a fan favourite.
In later years, the brand embraced social media-driven talent, with Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Bella Hadid making their mark. These models brought a new level of relatability and digital influence to the show, blending high fashion with the accessibility of modern celebrity culture.
Each of these women played a role in shaping the Victoria’s Secret runway into the cultural phenomenon it became. Whether through their signature walks, dazzling costumes, or unforgettable moments, they defined an era where lingerie was more than just undergarments—it was a statement.