The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Returns

After a six-year hiatus, Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned to the runway on Tuesday (10/15) in Brooklyn, New York. Some of the biggest modelling supermodels returned to claim their wings such as Tyra Banks and the Hadid sisters which put the world in a frenzy. Many stars graced the audience as well such as Angel Reese and Ice Spice to show their support. The lingerie company’s promotional event which features its superstar roster of models referenced as “angels” was largely considered primetime viewing during its glory from 1995 to 2018. However, in 2019, the executives decided to cancel the show due to the backlash amid body positivity, transgender rights and the #MeToo Movements.

Fast forward to May 2024, Victoria’s Secret announced its return to the world. The executives expressed that their views shifted and promised to update their values to reflect who they are. The 45-minute show which was streamed on Amazon’s Prime Video and other social media platforms showcased its first-ever all-women musical talent lineup. The show featured performances by K-pop star LISA, South-African singer Tyla and pop legend Cher closed out with iconic songs, “Strong Enough” and “Believe.”

Victoria’s Secret promised to live up to today’s beauty standards and to show the world they have changed their values. By keeping this promise, the company debuted model and body activist Ashley Graham who was “over the moon” to finally be featured and looks forward to continuing to represent curvy women. At first, Graham was hesitant to accept the invitation due to the company’s “perfect” brand of women; however, when she spoke to the head of Victoria’s Secret, she was reassured that their plan is to have extended sizes and wants her to be the face of this rebrand.

“When I talked to the head of Victoria’s Secret and they ensured me that their hope and their plan is to have extended sizes, I said, yes so that there could be more women that could see themselves represented on the runway because we did not see that during Fashion Month,” Graham told People.

The final model to take the stage was supermodel icon and first Black contract angel Tyra Banks who walked in nine shows before she retired in 2005 to focus on television. Her return after nearly two decades shook the world as she was greeted with roars of applause during her sultry catwalk. A victorious return of Victoria’s Secret annual fashion show peaked at 12.4 million viewers which could help the company win back its audience with its newfound approach.