The Return of the Angels: Victoria’s Secret Reclaims the Runway
Transforming lingerie into a spectacular celebration of glamour, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show defined the 2000s. With its iconic feathered wings and god-like supermodels, Victoria’s Secret put on a show like no other.
However, the show went on a 6-year hiatus after receiving backlash regarding its narrow representation of beauty. The show returned in 2024 with a renewed focus on inclusivity and a modernised vision for the angels.
Now, following its latest show on the 18th October, Victoria’s Secret is once again embracing the extravagance that made it famous. This year feels like a love letter to the brand’s glamorous past. With the return of the legendary fantasy bra and its star-studded line-up, the magic feels recaptured. Yet as fashion continues to evolve, the question remains: can Victoria’s Secret return to its heyday whilst keeping up with the ever-evolving fashion world?
Bigger Wings, Bolder Glamour: The Return of Maximalist Fashion
This year’s show embraced maximalism in all its glory. From elaborate angel wings to intricate lace detailing, each look became a statement. The show’s seasonal theme brought a fresh dimension. The brand created distinct visual identities through its spring-inspired wings, romantic lacing and shimmering designs.
Bella Hadid’s botanical-inspired wings evoked a sense of fantasy, while the autumn-inspired looks leaned into darker romance through detailed corsetry. In an era where minimalism has dominated the trend cycle, Victoria’s Secret were unapologetically loud in its approach. This theatrical approach is what distinguishes the show from its competitors and kept it in the spotlight for such a long time. The return to fantasy and the combination of storytelling with familiar signatures has demonstrated that maximalism is still a powerful tool to create memorable fashion moments.
From Runway Icons to New Faces: The Evolution of the Angels
The runway this year brought a few familiar faces back into the spotlight, including Adriana Lima, who has an enduring association with the brand and the return of Gigi Hadid, reinforcing the nostalgia that has become central to the show’s revival. The show also saw the likes of Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsesser. These models represented a broader range of beauty.
However, the clearest glimpse into the show’s future comes in the form of new talents. The brand invited aspiring models to compete for a place on the runway through its ‘Angels Among Us’ casting competition. The initiative attracted over 100,000 applicants and also gave the audience an insight into the behind-the-scenes.
Nevertheless, the casting has not been without controversy, with former Angel Romee Strijd not being selected for the show. Many fans have taken to TikTok to call out the brand over this ‘mistake’. Introducing a new wave of models may increase the brand’s relevance; however, it’s the former angels that keep the public coming back.
They’re Back, but are They Really Back?
Once a defining moment in the fashion calendar, the Victoria’s Secret Angels would become household names. However, as the conversations around body image change, the brand struggled to retain its former glory.
Victoria’s Secret has attempted to make changes to stay relevant, including streaming the show on YouTube, making it available to more viewers. In their search for a new Angel, the series invited audiences along with them. The brand has also included a greater variety of models.
The brand’s renewed visibility raises questions about what cultural relevance means today. The return of iconic Angels and elaborate wings satisfies audiences nostalgic for the show’s earlier years. That being said, modern consumers increasingly expect fashion brands to reflect a wider range of identities and experiences. It’s imperative for Victoria’s Secret to find that balance to resonate with a new generation.
More Than Lingerie: Fashion as Entertainment
The runway is designed to be spectacular. That’s why this year’s show featured Tate McRae, KATSEYE, Megan Moroney, and Megan Thee Stallion. The performances became part of the production itself, with models walking between sets. Kylie Jenner also made her runway debut in dramatic white feathered wings and the Fantasy Bra, last worn in the 2018 show, during Megan Thee Stallion’s performance.
The show is about creating entertainment an audience wants to watch. Blending the music with the runway, the show becomes a full scale production. The success lie in making the fashion feel like an event.
Has Victoria’s Secret Found Its Fashion Crown Again?
Personally, I loved the show, but the times have changed. I don’t think Victoria’s Secret can be as culturally relevant as it was in the 2000s, when heroin chic was in, and everyone was on fad diets. Everyone wanted to see models who showed off an unattainable figure, so Victoria’s Secret just worked.
With the rise of body positivity, Victoria’s Secret doesn’t fit anymore. Despite their rebranding, they’ve lost a core element that made their shows so successful – the audience. Specifically, the audience in the 2000s. That being said, I don’t think Victoria’s Secret is going anywhere, and I wouldn’t want it to!
Maybe if the brand can find a way to appeal to audiences in the way they once did, they might just get their crown back.
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