For nearly two decades, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was the ultimate spectacle of glitz, glamour, and fantasy. It wasn’t just a runway show; it was an annual cultural phenomenon. Featuring some of the world’s top models, larger-than-life wings, and performances from A-list musicians, the show captured the attention of millions.
In 2019 the show was cancelled after a decline in sales and poor television ratings. Not to mention the controversy that surrounded the brand over concerns of the show’s lack of diversity and inclusivity. However, last year Victoria’s Secret announced plans to relaunch the show in 2024 after almost six year away.
Details of the show, which will take place on October 15th in New York City, have been kept tightly wrapped. Though many fans of the lingerie brand are hoping that the typical glamorous runway event, that we all know and love, will return. Albeit with more inclusivity.
The brand has confirmed a few details of the show, including the announcement that it will be the first ever all-female lineup of musical artists – including Cher, Tyla, and K-pop rapper Lisa. The brand also announced that the iconic wings will be made using handcrafted faux feathers after forming a dialogue with the animal-rights charity Peta US.
While Gigi Hadid and Tyra Banks have been confirmed to walk the show, it can be assumed that other beloved Angels will make a comeback. Previous Angels include big-name models such as Adriana Lima, Gisele Bündchen and Candice Swanepoel, as well as models like Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Cara Delevingne who have walked in the show in the past.
To celebrate the return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, here is a look back at some of the most iconic moments from throughout the years. From the rise of the “Angels” to unforgettable moments that defined pop culture…
The First Show (1995)
The first Victoria’s Secret show took place in 1995 in New York at the Plaza Hotel, and was rather modest compared to what we now expect of the show. The models were of course in sexy lingerie and high heels, but there were no wings or fantasy bras insight.
Tyra Banks and the Beginning of the Wings (1998)
Tyra Banks was one of the original Victoria’s Secret Angels and the very first to wear a set of wings.
Gisele Bündchen and the Red Hot Fantasy Bra (2000)
Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen was the face of Victoria’s Secret in the early 2000s, and her runway moments were always show-stoppers. One of her most memorable appearances was in 2000 when she donned the “Red Hot Fantasy Bra,” the most expensive lingerie piece ever created, valued at $15 million!
When Protesters Stormed Gisele’s runway (2002)
In 2002, supermodel Gisele Bündchen had her own dramatic moment on the Victoria’s Secret runway when animal rights activists from stormed the catwalk to protest her involvement with fur campaigns. In true supermodel fashion, Gisele didn’t even flinch.
Spice Girls Reunion (2007)
Because where better for a girl power reunion than the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show? Performing their hit “Stop,” the group reunited onstage for the first time in years, wearing glamorous outfits that paid homage to their 90s personas.
Heidi and Seal Duet (2007)
One of the most romantic moments ever seen on the Victoria’s Secret stage came in 2007 when supermodel Heidi Klum performed a surprise duet with her then-husband, singer Seal. During Seal’s performance of “Wedding Day,” Klum, in full Angel gear, joined him on stage to create one of the show’s most memorable moments.
Mermaid Miranda (2011)
In 2011, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show featured some of the most elaborate wings in its history. Miranda Kerr wore a set of glittering, crystal-encrusted wings (that technically were shaped like a seashell) that weighed over 40 pounds! The dazzling wings became an instant symbol of the show’s over-the-top spectacle and artistic brilliance.
Cara Delevingne’s Debut (2012)
Known for her quirky personality and playful attitude, Cara Delevingne brought a refreshing sense of fun to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. In 2012, she made her debut wearing a sporty, striped set, complete with knee-high socks, during the “Pink” segment, which catered to a younger, more playful audience.
Rihanna’s Show-Stealing Performance (2012)
Though the models were always the stars of the show, musical performances were a key component that made the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show feel like a concert-slash-runway extravaganza. In 2012, Rihanna’s performance stood out as one of the best in the show’s history. Clad in a black corset and lace, she sashayed down the runway while performing her hit song “Diamonds.”
Candice Swanepoel (2013)
It is impossible to do a round-up of the most iconic moments from the Victoria’s Secret fashion shows without mentioning Candice Swanepoel. She is one of the most instantly recognizable faces of VS and responsible for so many of the show’s memorable moments. It’s no wonder that in 2013, Candice had the honor of wearing the “Royal Fantasy Bra,” valued at a staggering $10 million. It was adorned with over 4,200 precious gems, including diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. The bra was one of the most expensive ever created for the show.
That Iconic Ariana Meme (2014)
An image that sparked a thousand memes. During the 2014 show, Elsa Hosk’s massive wings almost took poor Ariana’s head off.
The Double Fantasy Bra (2014)
If you are wondering what is better than one VS Angel in a fantasy bra, it is two VS Angel’s in a fantasy bra. In 2014, two of the biggest Victoria Secret Angels, Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio, both wore the fantasy bra on the runway. Each set featured 16,000 bedazzling gems coupled with an 18-karat gold-strung jewel body piece.
Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid’s Angel Debut (2015)
By 2015, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show had become a launchpad for new supermodel stars. That year, two of the biggest names in the next generation of modeling—Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid—made their Victoria’s Secret debuts.
Bella Hadid Walking Past The Weeknd (2016)
In 2016, Bella Hadid made her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut, but what really made headlines was her viral moment with The Weeknd. At the time, Bella and The Weeknd had recently broken up, and The Weeknd was performing his hit song “Starboy” as Bella walked the runway. In what could have been an awkward moment, Bella confidently strutted past him exchanging nothing more than a quick glance and a subtle smile.
Adriana Lima’s Emotional Goodbye (2018)
Adriana Lima, often hailed as “The Queen of the Runway,” was the longest-serving Victoria’s Secret Angel. She first appeared in 1999 and went on to become a staple of the brand, walking in the show for nearly two decades. In 2018, Lima announced that it would be her final walk. She strutted down the runway to a standing ovation, tears in her eyes, as the screen flashed “Thank you, Adriana.” It was a poignant moment that marked the end of an era.