By Sophie Masi
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its resurgence on October 15, 2024 after being on hiatus from the annual show for six years, their last show being held in 2018. After an exciting and anticipated return, let’s look back on how the iconic show started and how things changed on the catwalk over the last few decades.
The 90’s
The first ever Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was held in August of 1995. The catwalk was at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, and the show was hosted by supermodel Stephanie Seymour. The show also featured well known supermodels Beverly Peele and Frederique van der Wal.
Though the first few years of the show looked a little different than the one we are all used to today, the infamous Victoria’s Secret Angel Wings were introduced in 1998. With all the different wings we’ve seen over the years, it’s hard to imagine the show without this iconic detail. And as the fashion show was picking up more traction, very well known supermodels appeared on Victoria's Secret Runway. This included Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks and Heidi Klum all walking the show in 1998.
In 1999, Victoria’s Secret held a live web broadcast of their show for the first time, and continued it the next year. This was a major success. 1999 was also the first year Adriana Lima walked for Victoria’s Secret, who later became known as one of the most recognizable Angels, and a face to the VS name. EOnline
The 2000’s
The first VS Fashion Show of the 2000’s appeared in France. The catwalk starred fashion idols like Lima, Klum and Banks, as well as Alessandra Ambrosio and Gisele Bündchen, who sported the Fantasy Bra that year, which was valued at $15 million, the most expensive fantasy bra ever worn.
The 2001 show was the first of many to be televised. Today, the Victoria’s Secret fashion show being televised is almost ingrained in our culture. Since it was the first to be televised, it was also the first to have musical performances, which again, is another given with today’s shows.
In 2002, the catwalk was interrupted by PETA protesters during one of Gisele Bündchen’s walks, but she seemed unbothered and spoke of the controversy later backstage.
STEFANI / @st3finkaaa via Pinterest
The Angels opted for a tour across America instead of their annual fashion show in 2004. They visited four different cities: New York City, Miami, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
In 2007, Miranda Kerr was the only spokesmodel for PINK, which was later incorporated in all their shows. This was Kerr’s second VS show. Seal, the Spice Girls and will.i.am were the performers for the show. This year was also Candice Swanepeol’s first show and now she is one of the most recognizable Angels.
The 2010’s
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows only got more popular in time, and the 2010’s may have been their most popular decade. With constant star studded shows, not only on the catwalk but with performers like Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj and many more, the television event was one not to miss.
The early 2010’s brought now popular models to the runway, such as Karlie Kloss and Elsa Hosk who debuted in 2011 and Barbara Palvin who debuted in 2012.
In 2014, for the first time, two fantasy bras were worn in one show, one by Adriana Lima and one by Alessandra Ambrosio. This show also had musical performances by Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift & Hozier. It was also a well known Angel today, Taylor Hill made her first appearance. TEEN VOGUE / Via Teen Vogue
Performances from Selena Gomez, The Weekend, and Ellie Goulding were a vital part of 2015’s show. As was Kendall Jenner's VS runway debut that year, along with Gigi Hadid, both who went on to become faces of the late 2010’s VS image.
In 2018, the show was split into seven segments, the most it has ever had. This show was planned to be Adriana Lima’s last show (until this year). She has walked in 18 of the shows from 1999-2018, not walking in 2009 due to her pregnancy at the time. The Fantasy Bra this year was worn by Elsa Hosk. Musical performers included Halsey, Shawn Mendes, Rita Ora, The Struts, Leela James, Bebe Rexha, The Chainsmokers & Kelsea Ballerini. This show featured VS newcomer, but well known model Winnie Harlow. Lima was the last to walk at this show, as it was her final walk for the brand.
The 2020’s
In 2023, Victoria’s Secret partnered with Amazon Prime to come out with “Victoria’s Secret: The Tour ‘23” which was a documentary style film focusing on 20 individuals involved in Victoria’s Secret somehow. This film took place all over the world talking to a lot of different people, but it was not the same as their normal show.
Finally, this year, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion show came back. It features some of the iconic Angels like Adriana Lima, Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Taylor Hill, Candice Swanepoel, Alessandra Ambrosio and Tyra Banks. It also featured very well known models such as 90s supermodel Kate Moss, Irina Shayk and Carla Bruni. Some new upcoming or already established models that haven’t been seen on the VS runway were also spotted like Anok Yai, Lila Moss, and Alex Consani. Musical guests included Cher, Tyla, and Lisa.
The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show we all know and love is officially back!
MATILDA / @matildqaa via Pinterest
Comments