The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show: A Dazzling Return to Form
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its highly anticipated return to New York City on Wednesday night, reestablishing itself as a premier cultural event that seamlessly blends fashion, music, and spectacle. After a brief hiatus, the iconic show came back with renewed energy and its trademark extravagance, featuring the legendary Angel wings that have become synonymous with the brand’s identity. The event was broadcast across multiple platforms, including Prime Video and Amazon Live, as well as various social media channels, ensuring that audiences worldwide could witness the glamour and excitement unfold in real-time. This accessibility demonstrates how the brand has adapted to the digital era while maintaining the theatrical elements that made the show a cultural phenomenon in the first place.
This year’s runway brought together an impressive blend of veteran Angels and fresh faces, creating a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation. Beloved supermodels like Gigi Hadid, Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, and Alessandra Ambrosio returned to the catwalk, delighting longtime fans with their familiar presence and undeniable charisma. Their participation served as a comforting reminder of the show’s illustrious history and enduring appeal in the fashion world. However, what truly made this year’s event special was the inclusion of new talent, most notably WNBA star Angel Reese, who made history as the first professional athlete to earn her wings and join the ranks of Victoria’s Secret Angels. This groundbreaking addition represents the brand’s commitment to embracing diversity and redefining traditional notions of beauty and representation.
The fashion show transcended the boundaries of a typical runway presentation by incorporating spectacular musical performances that transformed the evening into an immersive entertainment experience. Artists Madison Beer, Missy Elliott, the K-pop sensation Twice, and Latin music star Karol G delivered energetic performances that complemented the visual splendor of the models and their elaborate outfits. This thoughtful integration of music and fashion created a dynamic atmosphere that engaged multiple senses and elevated the entire production. The musical diversity on display—spanning pop, hip-hop, K-pop, and Latin genres—reflected the show’s global appeal and its ability to bring together different artistic expressions under one roof.
What makes the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show particularly special is its ability to create moments of theatrical magic through its meticulous attention to detail. The signature wings, which were described as “bigger and better than ever” this year, represent the pinnacle of the brand’s artistic vision and craftsmanship. These elaborate constructions are not merely accessories but works of art that transform the models into ethereal beings as they glide down the runway. Combined with the dramatic lighting, choreographed walks, and the iconic “slow-motion hair flips” mentioned in the original text, the show creates a dreamlike aesthetic that transports viewers into a world of fantasy and indulgence. This commitment to spectacle has been the show’s hallmark since its inception and continues to distinguish it from other fashion events.
The return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show can be viewed as the brand’s effort to reconnect with its audience while adapting to changing cultural values. After facing criticism in previous years regarding its narrow representation of beauty and femininity, the inclusion of diverse talent like Angel Reese signals a step toward greater inclusivity. The decision to broadcast the event across multiple platforms also demonstrates an understanding of how contemporary audiences consume entertainment, preferring accessibility and digital engagement. By balancing tradition with innovation, Victoria’s Secret appears to be navigating the complex landscape of modern fashion while maintaining the core elements that made the show beloved in the first place.
As the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show continues to evolve, it remains a fascinating cultural touchstone that reveals much about our relationship with beauty, celebrity, and spectacle. What began as a relatively straightforward fashion presentation has transformed into a global entertainment phenomenon that merges multiple art forms and reaches millions of viewers. The enduring appeal of the show lies not just in the beautiful models or the elaborate lingerie, but in its creation of a fantasy world where beauty, music, and artistry converge in spectacular harmony. In an age of digital overload and fleeting attention spans, the show’s ability to create memorable, visually stunning moments ensures its continued relevance in the cultural conversation. As one observer aptly noted, the evening felt “less like a fashion show and more like a full-blown concert with a lot of lace”—a perfect encapsulation of the event’s unique position at the intersection of fashion and entertainment.
