16 October 2025 |
Featuring performances by Madison Beer, Karol G, TWICE, and Missy Elliott.
Reviving a 2010s staple like the Victoria’s Secret fashion show isn’t an easy task. After dabbling with a short film in 2023 that included a more expansive view on casting, the brand staged their first proper show in 2024 after a five year hiatus. With a diverse group of models and a more inclusive view on beauty, it still garnered mixed reviews. Fans wondered: Where were the bombshell blowouts? Where were the lavish sets? Suffice to say that these critiques did not fall upon on deaf ears. For their sophomore outing, the spectacle returned with a few tweaks that made it feel more like the event of years past. From a slick black stage with dazzling pink lights to the return of bouncy curls to a soundtrack that had everyone dancing in their seats, it was pure millennial nostalgia at its finest.
A few tinklings behind the scenes explains these changes. First, back in April, Adam Selman was hired as SVP and executive creative director. The beloved New York City designer known for his playful, sexy point of view had recently decamped from Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty. From there he tapped Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele to style, Jawara on hair, and Pat McGrath for makeup. After last year’s more natural glam, this combination of creatives gave us the Victoria’s Secret fashion show we’re familiar with — bold, sexy, and updated for a new generation who grew up as fans of the event. One thing that didn’t change? A runway featuring shoppable pieces that viewers were able to browse immediately.
Consisting of six sections meant to illustrate a woman’s journey from morning to night, the show began with First Light, an ode to amber and golden designs. Jasmine Tookes, complete with pregnant belly, opened in a gleaming beaded look — something that would have been unheard of a decade ago. From there it was a parade of the brand’s classic Angels as the likes of Adriana Lima, Doutzen Kroes, Alessandra Ambrosio, Joan Smalls, and more blew kisses while making hearts with their hands. Bombshell, which included a performance by Addison Rae, was equal parts Vegas showgirl and cabaret with plenty of feathery concoctions. Gigi Hadid kicked things off in a rosette cape while Awar Odhiang, fresh off her scene-stealing Chanel closing moment, was all smiles. Also making her VS debut was the WNBA’s Angel Reese, marking the first time a pro athlete appeared on the runway.
For the K-pop fans in the audience, the PINK Halftime Show included a performance by Jihyo, Momo, Nayeon, and Tzuyu of the girl group TWICE. Always known to be the young and fun section, the casting reflected that as Olympic gold medalist Sunisa Lee and YouTube personality Quenlin Blackwell joined Lila Moss and Iris Law on the runway. Hot Pursuit took a darker, sultrier turn with Karol G as the next musical act. Bella Hadid, Alex Consani, and Yumi Nu were among those clad in sparkling red looks, including a particularly revealing sequin G-string on Amelia Gray.
For the Gen Z bunch in the audience, this was their first in-person Victoria’s Secret fashion show while the crowd at home likely had fond memories of the televised broadcasts back in the day. Magic Hour captured this nostalgic fascination with that era as Britney Spears’ Y2K anthem Toxic played while Angelina Kendall emerged with weeping willow wings. With plenty of low slung jeans and visible thongs, it felt like the perfect early aughts montage, even if it was intended to be inspired by golden hour. To cap it off was Black Tie, which like its name implies was dark and glamorous. As Bella Hadid left the stage, closing the show, the mood shifted immediately as Missy Elliott descended from the rafters. Launching into a medley of her greatest hits, the audience was on their feet, including Law Roach who couldn’t help but dance with Elliott. But of course, there was still the finale to come. As the sounds of Mariah Carey’s Fantasy blared for the speakers and confetti fell, the cast came out for one last dance. Talk about a sweet sweet fantasy.
