What to Expect and the Most Iconic Moments in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show History 

Prep your wings, perfect your runway walks, and fire up the bombshell blowouts— the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is back. 

One of fashion’s most recognizable nights is returning to televisions on October 18, 2026, and it’s bringing together some of the biggest names in modeling, music, and pop culture. The evening is set to have performances from Megan Thee Stallion, Tate McRae, KATSEYE, and Megan Moroney, so it’s already shaping up to be a night to tune in. 

For years, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was about more than just lingerie. It was the elaborate wings, the sparkling fantasy bras, star-studded performances, and unforgettable moments that turned the annual evening into a fashion event for fans around the world. After the original show stopped in 2019, VS came back to the runway in 2024, but the wings and the bombshell look were missing; this time, however, the brand is promoting that classic look. Now, as the final preparations are being made and the runway gets ready to light up again, it’s the perfect time to look back at some of the moments that I think made the show so iconic. 

Adriana Lima’s Emotional Farewell

There are very few moments in Victoria’s Secret history that were as emotional as Adriana Lima’s final runway walk in 2018. After almost two decades with the brand, the Brazilian supermodel who became the face of the brand said an emotional goodbye to the runway that became a defining part of her career. 

For Lima’s final walk, it was a tribute to her career as an Angel. Although Lima was visibly emotional, she waved to the audience as the models around her celebrated her legacy. As one of the most recognisable faces of the fashion show, it really felt like the end of an era and marked a significant moment in the brand’s history. 

However, Lima did make her return to the runway in the 2024 comeback show and proved that she remains an iconic part of Victoria’s Secret’s history. Adriana is set to walk the 2026 show and continue her legacy with the brand. 

The Fantasy Bras That Stole the Show

Before the elaborate celebrity performances were the topic of conversation among fans, it was the question of which Angel would wear the fantasy bra. 

The bra could be adorned with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and other precious stones. The extravagant look became one of the most anticipated looks of the whole show. The bra turned lingerie into a statement piece that was worthy of its own spotlight. 

One of the most memorable Fantasy Bra moments was back in 2014 when Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio made history, and both wore a fantasy bra. The bras were each valued at around $2 million dollars and featured more than 16,000 precious gems and took more than 1,380 hours to make, according to Alex Apatoff for People Magazine. 

The last Fantasy Bra was worn by Elsa Hosk in 2018, and it’s yet to be said if it will return to the runway this year.

The Rise of Wings

Now it wouldn’t be an article about the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show without talking about the angel wings. From delicate feathers to colorful, embellished creations, the wings became one of the most recognizable symbols of the brand. 

The wings transformed each look into something theatrical and made every Angel entrance feel like a moment in itself. Some wings were romantic and understated whilst others were large and elaborate and looked like they could take over the entire runway. 

It became a kind of speculation around the show to see which Angels would wear the most elaborate wings that added another layer to the spectacle. Even as the show evolved, the wings still remain a part of the brand and Victoria’s Secret’s identity as a whole. They represent a type of glamour and larger-than-life fantasy that audiences came to expect. 

A New Era 

The show’s return in 2024 was more than just bringing back a familiar runway. The comeback featured iconic models like Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel and Tyra Banks; it also ushered in a new generation of models whilst putting music back into the event with performances from  Cher, Tyla and Lisa. The comeback gave Victoria’s Secret a chance to reintroduce itself in the world of fashion. 

Now with the 2026 show fast approaching, Victoria’s Secret has the chance to balance the classic nostalgia with something new. From new performances, sets, wings, and overall runway looks, the new talking point is just days away. The significance of the iconic show has always been in its little moments that give people something to talk about even when the lights go out. Now, as the show prepares to return once again, the question is what will be that spotlight moment this year. 

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