Are there Angels among us? Victoria’s Secret posed the inquiry globally on April 2, 2026 – a modern-day Willy Wonka ticket to stardom, glamour and privilege straight out of a young girl’s hazy daydream.
To a lucky beauty plucked from the fanbase, the opportunity of a lifetime lies ahead. A contract with IMG Models and walking the iconic VS runway blessed by the soles of breathtaking bombshells is just the start.
To Victoria’s Secret, a worthy chance at redemption is at stake.
The brand’s zenith in the early 2000s was defined by the “Angels” marketing campaign. It focused narrowly on a theatrical, unattainable body type, steadfastly prioritizing a seemingly divine and high glamour standard over inclusivity. With global phenomenons including Adriana Lima and Gisele Bündchen strutting in bold, bling-y VS lingerie, massive brand recognition and loyalty began to grow.
But overtime, the unrealistic standard and underlying misogyny bred into the foundation of the brand would decay and attract significant criticism.
Following an unfavorable evaluation of the brand during the #MeToo era, the show was put on a six year hiatus until the fall of 2024, prompting a strong reexamination of the Victoria’s Secret audience and future aims.
Previously, the road to Angelhood was predictable, though highly competitive. Applicants had to be between 5 ‘8” – 6’ 0” and possess a toned, curvy physique, maintain a decent prior social presence and be represented by a leading modeling agency that had established relations with the brand. Multiple rounds of casting would follow with recruiters scanning for professionalism, confidence and potential to handle an intense preparation schedule if selected.
The training process would include personally tailored workout and strength training routines most days of the week along with a high-protein, low-carb diet aiming to build lean muscle while improving posture and definition. Extensive time would also be spent perfecting the walks and poses and receiving professional beauty treatments including the signature bouncy blowout.
The open casting call reflects an attempt to deconstruct the central narrative of the brand, shifting from exclusivity to a more participatory, diverse and content-driven agenda. Firstly, the casting journey along with the preparation plan to be developed into a documentary series, transforming the brand look into an ongoing, followable story rather than a single annual event. Moving away from the long-standing modeling agency pipeline for casting allows Victoria’s Secret to select from a larger pool of applicants and engage directly with audiences to develop more of an authentic connection with a digitally savvy fanbase. The show plans to retain elements of the legacy that make VS renown- large scale runways, musical acts, striking costumes – but aims to redefine who is included within the aesthetic, bridging the gap between 2000s high fashion and contemporary standards.
The official application opened on April 6 and the castings themselves will take place from mid May to early June of 2026. Victoria’s Secret also encouraged their fans to keep up with their social media as they begin to chronicle the rise of their new Angel.