The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show leaned towards nostalgia for its return.
The lingerie parade – canceled in 2019 due to criticism that it was outdated, sexist and lacking diversity – took place on October 15 at Duggal Greenhouse in Brooklyn, NY, while the focus was the same: selling underwear! – the show tried to evoke a female-centric, inclusive atmosphere. Many famous faces took the stage.
While there were certainly “normie” runway models — like sisters Hadid, Gigi, 29, and Bella, 28 — doing their thing, the show had extra representation in the 50 models from 25 countries, with different backgrounds, body types and ages.
Ashley Graham, the 36-year-old champion of body diversity and positivity, made her show debut, as did fellow plus-size model Paloma Elsesser, 32.
Valentina Sampaio, 27, and Alex Consani, 21, made history as the first trans models to walk in the show.
A lot of effort has been made to bring back models with a long history with the brand. An original ‘Angel’, the American Tyra Banks, who retired from modeling almost twenty years ago, ‘strolled’ across the catwalk at the age of 50. Adriana Lima also wore wings again. The Brazilian model, 43, has covered many US catalogs during her career.
The brand also tapped catwalk queen Kate Moss for her first ever show – at the age of 50. The British model’s daughter, Lila Moss, also made an appearance, making it a family affair.
For the first time there was also an all-female line-up of musicians. Leading the way was 78-year-old Cher, who performed her hits “Strong Enough” and “Believe.” The other performers included K-pop star Lisa, 27, South African singer Tyla, 22, and Australian guitarist Orianthi, 39.
Before the livestream began, executive producer Janie Schaffer welcomed everyone to the show, saying it “covers the entire spectrum.” Schaffer also said the models were cast “because of their confidence and their fierceness.”
At the show’s opening, Banks announced that audience members would see “a brand new Victoria’s Secret fashion show, where women would take the reins and the spotlight.”
Reactions to bringing back the show, which was canceled due to controversy, were mixed. It did provide surprises, nostalgic moments and a little more representation. However, some felt it didn’t go far enough, including Teen Vogue writer Aiyana Ishmael, who said she thought it was “a lot of lip service and little action” toward greater inclusivity.
