Content Warning: Mention of sexual assault and harassment. Additionally, use of an outdated term and mislabeling with exclusionary intent
I honestly had no idea that the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was about to happen. I didn’t know who the performers were, which models were walking, or if there was a theme. Watching their live stream on TikTok — having already missed Megan Moroney’s and Tate McRae’s performances — I was shocked by how beautiful the looks were and how expensive the production appeared.
It’s no secret that Victoria’s Secret has a tumultuous history. The company’s image has long included the term “Angels” in reference to their models, and promoted the idea of a “fantasy” runway show. Inherently, there’s nothing wrong with envisioning an image for your company or project to have. However, for a significant period of time, in order to achieve this “fantasy,” it meant extreme exclusion.
Limiting diversity in body types and promoting unrealistic ones was something that frequented Victoria’s Secret campaigns and runways. Statements by corporate officials, inappropriate behavior, and lack of representation led the company to scramble to find positive attention where it was once plentiful.
Beginning in 2019, the company began a rebrand which has continued to demonstrate that they are moving towards a more inclusive collection of models and target audience. However, there are still those who remain steadfast in their belief that these efforts are shallow, and that the presentation of women is still one that is unrealistic and not as diverse as it could be.
For a brand whose image has forever been a “fantasy,” is it wrong that even in this effort to include more representation, that there still exists some exclusivity? Scrolling TikTok, creator Maya Cherry’s video caught my attention. She expressed that there exists a nuanced conversation about these shows. While they could feature more diverse skin tones and body types — because their shows have supermodels — the shows will never fit everyone’s satisfaction. She says,
“When it’s something that’s tied to subjectivity and specifically tied to appearance, because there’s so much value being put on our appearance in our society, especially regarding women, I think that’s what makes people so uncomfortable [about the show]. The idea that someone out there has decided that someone else is prettier than you. News flash, there’s always going to be someone that’s prettier than you. There’s always going to be someone prettier, smarter, richer, taller, more talented, whatever the case may be.’
‘Or, there’s always going to be someone who thinks that someone is all of these things more so than you are. But I think it’s also important to also think about where we are looking for validation. Because if you’re always looking for external validation to confirm that you are valued and that you are beautiful, you are someone’s dream girl out there, you’re always going to be disappointed. We should be able to take bits and pieces of ourselves and see them in other people. I don’t have to see someone who looks exactly like me walking down the runway, to know that I’m beautiful and valued in my own right.”
The world of fashion and the perception of lingerie was forever changed when the first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was held in 1995. The runway at The Plaza Hotel is distant from the ones we now recognize as the VS Fashion Show. With no wings, no live performances, and no cell phones, this industry-only event included simple looks and ‘90s icons. Chantal Fernandez, co-author of the book Selling Sexy: Victoria’s Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon, says that the show,
“Presented this very appealing idea that our underwear could be fashion, just like our clothing. And the fashion show was part of the idea that you’re not buying [the lingerie] as a daily, needed garment. This is fashion, this is fun, this is a way to express yourself. And that definitely boosted their business, and was a very effective strategy for a while.”
The subsequent three shows were all also held at The Plaza Hotel. In 1997 the “Angel” catalogue was released, and in 1998, Tyra Banks wore the first pair of wings on the runway. 1999 was a pivotal moment, as it was the first live streamed show. In 2000, the show returned in a completely different way; broadcasted on live TV, it brought the show into the living rooms of American homes. The models at the time, Gisele Bündchen, Alessandra Ambrosio, Heidi Klum, and many others became household names that have never left the vernacular when it comes to VS.
In 2004, the annual runway show took a hiatus, and the company hosted “Angels Across America” where in NYC, Miami, and Las Vegas, fans could meet the Angels. Following this road trip, the show returned to the runway and with it came the live performances, chaotic “free-for-all” backstage reporting and glam, and supermodels. Constantly growing and evolving, the show retained and created stars, included impressive musicians, and fashionable lingerie, until it all caved in.
In 2015 and 2016, the show’s presentation of beauty seemed dated. Emily Kirkpatrick, a fashion and pop-culture writer reflected that the show,
“Felt very divorced from the times and the conversations that women were having about beauty in the fashion industry and its impact on mental health and body image and all of that.”
Victoria’s Secret was slow to adapt to diversity, and it would be voiced directly by then Victoria’s Secret CEO Ed Razek. Models and viewers alike were outraged when Razek was quoted in a Vogue interview saying:
“Does the brand think about diversity? Yes. Do we offer larger sizes? Yes… [When people ask] Shouldn’t you have transsexuals in the show? No. No, I don’t think we should. The show is a fantasy. It’s a 42-minute entertainment special. That’s what it is. It is the only one of its kind in the world… We invented the plus-size model show in what was our sister division, Lane Bryant. Lane Bryant still sells plus-size lingerie, but it sells a specific range, just like every specialty retailer in the world sells a range of clothing. As do we. We market to who we sell to, and we don’t market to the whole world. We attempted to do a television special for plus-sizes [in 2000]. No one had any interest in it, still don’t.”
This interview was detrimentally released hours before the 2018 runway show. At the time, models Karlie Kloss, Lily Aldridge, and Kendall Jenner all took to Instagram to voice their opposing opinions towards his statement. In 2019 Razek left the company a few months after his ties to Jeffrey Epstein became public. Numerous sexual assault, harrassment, and misogyny allegations would later be publicized in greater detail about Razek and other men involved in Victoria’s Secret.
In 2021, Victoria’s Secret began their rebrand. Launching the VS Collective; a collective of seven women — Adut Akech, Amanda de Cadenet, Megan Rapinoe, Paloma Elsesser, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Eileen Gu, and Valentina Sampaio — not all of whom were models, but all were advocates of body positivity and other productive causes.
This initiative intended to allow the company to move away from the traditional vision of the Angels that catered towards the male gaze, and towards a vision of female-empowerment and inclusive representation.
In 2024, a new CEO, Hillary Super, was appointed. She had previously served as the CEO of Savage X Fenty, and since 2019, the 2024, 2025, and 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows have been held after Super’s appointment as CEO.
On October 18, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2026 was held at Sony Pictures Studios in Los Angeles, California. This show reinvigorated conversations about representation, the brand’s intentions, and the Angels. However, taking the show for what it was, from Elsa Hosk carrying 50 pound wings on her back, to all female performers, and 16 mothers walking the runway, here is how the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show created a fantasy around female power.
The show itself was divided into seven parts, and this article will touch on each of them in their respective order. This year’s show was under the direction of Creative Chief Adam Selman. Inspired by the textures, colors, and movement of the seasons, this show explored the ways in which “beauty can be found in any season.” Between many of the models returning or this being some models’ first show, there was complexity between people experiencing literal differences in the seasons of their lives. Beginning the show was the segment of Spring Awakening.
Spring Awakening
Bella Hadid opened the show, in embellished green lingerie with matching wings. This segment of the show centered around spring, blossoming forms and shades of pink permeated the looks. Anok Yai was quite literally engulfed by a rose in full bloom —her arms hidden inside. Doutzen Kroes wore layered wings that translated to appear as though they were flower petals. As she moved, they shifted and opened, mirroring the natural occurrence.
Ashley Graham wore wings with rotating roses. These and many others were designed and engineered by Casey Curran, who describes his own portfolio of work to focus on the ways of “capturing the vast and small aspects of nature.” Using very simple methods, he is able to create works that emphasize the kinetic behavior of natural elements.
This proposes a challenge for the model; in this case for Graham, who has to carry this moving piece as she walked down the runway. However, the payoff is massive. Not only does it create the illusion of spring flowers being blown around in a garden, but the material the flowers are made of reflects the lights from around the stage, allowing their forms to become more complex.
Whether jackets, headdresses, or wings, the looks in Spring Awakening flaunted a fragile blooming characteristic that parallels the true delicacy of early spring.
Vintage Victoria
Megan Moroney opened the ‘Vintage Victoria’ section in a gorgeous pink one piece bodysuit and the softest looking wings. Singing songs off her latest album, Cloud 9, her softness was the perfect complement to these vintage looks.
Walking in pairs or solo, the models showcased looks of beautiful pastel greens, yellows, and pinks. It was obvious at times that models had to dodge Moroney’s wings, which shifted as she moved around the runway. Despite this, it was very isolated, and both parties appeared as professionals. The models had unfazed expressions and Moroney continued singing.
Barbara Palvin, a model who has previously appeared on the VS runway, closed this section. Less than six weeks ago, she had a baby girl, and some viewers had some thoughts about her ability to transform her body in such a short amount of time. It’s important to remember though that modeling is these women’ s jobs. They have trained their bodies for sustained periods of time. Additionally, as a result of this being their job, the resources they have access to and the way they go about maintaining a physique differs from the average person, due to the nature of their job.
She commented in an interview saying her returning to walk was nothing major. She noted that the average woman only gets six to eight weeks before she has to return to work. She also mentioned how she was more concerned about the fact she had broken her foot four weeks ago, and hadn’t walked in heels since then.
In that interview and others, she voices her appreciation for the support system around her. Her and her husband, Dylan Sprouse, frequently voice their admiration for one another, supporting each other in career endeavors. A touching and familiar scene at the 2026 VS show was Sprouse watching and clapping for her, just as he always has.
Summer Fever
Finding inspiration for this section from his disco nights, Selman reflects that, “Summer is about desire.” What better person to express this essence than the powerhouse, Tate McRae. Accompanied by numerous dancers, she took over the runway prior to the introduction to the models.
Her new song, “Housewife,” released only a few days prior is an anthem for the independent woman: ‘I just wanna make a lot of money, be my own housewife.’ She sings about having control directly in her own hands, rather than relying on a man. For a company that is shifting towards prioritizing female capability, focusing on a self made artist who has incredible live vocals and can STRUT down the runway, was the ideal choice.
The wings of this section were to die for. Gigi Hadid opened the section stunned in shimmering purple and pink wings. Alexander Propios designed McRae’s; the range in materials created dynamic movements as well as static shapes that exuded authority. Awar Odhiang and Emeline Hoareau’s wings, creatively overseen by Selman, looked straight out of an aestheticized tropical America.
The designs of this segment focused on various metallics, and varied widely in terms of colors. From McRae’s firehouse red, to the vibrant blues and purples Joan Smalls wore, this section displays the vitality of the season.
PINK Halftime Show
Performing during the PINK Halftime show, KATSEYE stunned in glimmerly black and pink charm covered outfits. Their music feels like something you would imagine to hear while shopping around in Victoria’ Secret’s store PINK.
This section featured many up-and-coming models and influencers. Gabriela Moura wore one of my favorite looks; featuring a silver fringe-like skirt, charm-adorned bra, and accessorized with a pink bag. Marlee Guillory and Presley Kiffin were the cutest duo; between a pink fuzzy robe and patch covered shorts, both of their looks felt like sleep-over-luxury.
Iris Law’s split bodysuit was Y2k gold, with shimmer of all colors making the look a standout. Closing the section was Quenlin Blackwell, who took a selfie at the end of the runway. Visually signifying the blend of her careers as a model and comedian, her walk was full of authenticity.
Autumn Changes (or Autumn Change)
Autumn experienced a full shift from the previous vibe of the show. Dominated by gold, black, and tans, these looks were defined by their arrangements, even when there wasn’t much fabric at all. Cloak-like fabrics and structured shapes framed the models.
Alex Consani appeared once again — after walking in the Spring Awakening section — in gorgeous structured gold wings. In the spirit of change, Consani breaks through Razek’s previous statements. Her and Valentina Sampaio — who previously walked in the 2024 show — destroyed the illusioned idea that this was not a space for transgender women, displaying that there is no ceiling to representation.
An absolute standout of the show was Elsa Hosk closing the section in massive golden wings. Credited to Selman, with multiple layers of different textures, the top of the wings were structured while the lower tier billowed out, as if she were quite literally about to take flight. Viewers noted that her walk felt restricted. Commenting, Hosk revealed that it took three men to put these 50 pound wings on her back. Trying to support the weight and walking in four inch heels while making it look effortless is just another day in the life of a model.
Following Hosk’s exit, the top models from the docuseries “Angels Among Us” walked together down the runway. The blowouts that original Victoria’s Secret runways were known for were on full display, with fans blowing their hair around, the models looked one with the runway.
However, within this show, there was also the inclusion of box braids, buzz cuts, and pixies. While these were not the first time these hair styles have appeared on the runway, the prevalence throughout the show conveyed a newfound appreciation of natural beauty in the forms that are authentic to the models.
The winner of “Angels Among Us,” Solange Omon, followed them, walking solo for the first time as a VS model. The curtains were pulled back, the lights dropped from the ceiling, and she strutted down the runway in gorgeous gold wings, a black and white set, with adorning fabric. With a smile across her face, she closed out the section with grace.
Winter Reprise
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley opened Winter Reprise in owl-like wings, silver metallics returning to the show. This segment featured gorgeous coats worn by He Cong and Emeline Hoareau. Amelia Gray had coat-like wings, the texture mirroring Hoareau’s. I loved all of the coque feathers that stuck out from the sides; the added dimension and interests to the looks.
Irina Shayk in malleable wings was everything. Holding them, she was able to control the movements and personalize it as she walked down. Mathilda Gvarliani wore an adorable corset and pom-pom dress with earmuffs and while I don’t think it would keep me warm in the Colorado winters, the outfit was gorgeous to look at.
I appreciated how current the references and playlist was for this show. Songs that have recently been released, from Zara Larsson’s “Hot and Sexy – Girl’s Trip” to ADELA’s “Nicole Kidman,” served as the perfect mashup of women in music.
In the center of Winter Reprise, Megan Thee Stallion came out in true style. With numerous dancers and opening with “Her,” I honestly couldn’t imagine the power models including Precious Lee and Yasmin Wijnaldum felt while walking down the runway.
Megan Thee Stallion was perfect for the winter section, her songs of self love, “Her” and “Body,” and dance breaks made it feel as though you were experiencing the force of a blizzard. Her backup dancers showcased a number of body types, displaying the skill that comes with training as professional dancers.
Winter Melody
The Fantasy Bra returned. Prior to this year, the last time the traditional Fantasy Bra made an appearance was 2018. Although each year they differed in design, they were known for being the million dollar bra. Traditionally, the Fantasy Bra is worn by a top supermodel or prominent Angel. However, breaking the tradition, socialite and businesswoman Kylie Jenner wore it this year.
Crafted by Jacob & Co., the 2026 Fantasy Bra took 15 artisans more than 1,000 hours to create it. Holding 4,410 diamonds, it had no fabric, only 18k white gold. It’s valued at $50 million.
While many critics and devoted fans of the runway had comments about the validity of her wearing it, the other half were saying that it made sense that the $50 million bra should be worn by the wealthy business mogul.
White designs dominated, giving the section a pure, snow-like feel. Feather skirts, ribbed corsets, and embellished dresses populated the runway. I loved Doutzen Kroes and Vittoria Ceretti’s looks. The weighted skirt allowed the dress to bounce back and forth as she walked. Palvin returned again, with a gorgeous train and wings. Candice Swanepoel wore delicate wire wings, which prioritized the outline of sections as opposed to the overall structure and texture.
Liu Wen wore the most fabulous gem-fringe pants — they put Derek Hough’s cha-cha pants to shame. Bella Hadid’s dress was the same fabric as her wings, and it appeared as though it was one continuous structure. Billowing in the wind, she appeared birdlike.
With wings whose border appeared to be inspired by peacock feathers, closing the show was Adriana Lima. This is her 21st appearance in a VS Show, the most of any model. In 2018, it appeared as though Lima would never return to the VS runway. However she came back, and participated in the 2024, 2025, and now 2026 shows, angelic as ever.
Closing
The show itself closed with all of the models returning to the runway. What better way to end the show than with the Spice Girls’ “Say You’ll Be There” as pink confetti rains from the sky. Dancing, hugging, and cheering, the models and performers celebrated with one another.
While there was online discourse over some of the aspects, overall I believe Victoria’s Secret is proving that they are moving towards more representation, that puts emphasis on female empowerment. From the looks to the models, Victoria’s Secret’s 2026 show was a beautiful success.