After six years, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show finally returned on Tuesday.
The show was canceled in 2019 when the company stepped back because of controversy and an up-and-coming body positivity movement. Victoria’s Secret faced slander throughout the years for the way the brand seemingly objectified women to fit the mold of the stereotypical male fantasy.
The corporate lingerie giant used these past years to reorganize its corporation, shrink its market share and rebrand its message to promote female empowerment.
Despite the company’s many criticisms, there always seemed to be a worldwide plea — the fans wanted the angels back.
On Oct. 15, fans finally saw the return of faux-feathered and sequinned wings to the stage, flaunted by the ethereal line-up of “angels.”
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The show is currently receiving mixed reviews from various demographics. Longtime Victoria’s Secret fans thought it was underwhelming and lacking its previous sense of glamor.
Many people, especially women, have shared their reviews on TikTok.
“Did anyone else think the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was so underwhelming?” said Bailey Savoie, TikTok user. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. You had six years, and that’s what you gave?”
While the show differs from what the brand has produced, they have considered their past criticisms.
Unsurprisingly, the show featured many familiar icons, such as Gigi and Bella Hadid, Paloma Elsesser, Ashley Graham, Adriana Lima and Candice Swanepoel.
Other familiar yet unexpected faces also made their way to the runway. The show displayed a radiant-as-ever 50-year-old Kate Moss, who shockingly walked the runway for the first time.
Moss set a precedent for aging gracefully, strutting down the runway to artist Orianthi’s cover of “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” while wearing an all-black lace ensemble. She flaunted a pair of black wings, a seductive robe and her timeless beauty — considerably the perfect runway debut for the fierce supermodel icon.
Moss was not the biggest shocker to take the runway. Familiar faces like Eva Herzigová returned to the runway in a black lace-sleeved outfit with the iconic bombshell bra.
Even Carla Bruni, the 56-year-old former first lady of France, showed off her catwalk as she took the runway in lace body stockings.
Even Victoria’s Secret legend Tyra Banks took the stage in leggings, an intricate silver corset, a waist cincher and a cape, reminding everyone that she is still the trailblazer we know her to be.
The show also featured performances by K-pop star Lisa of BLACKPINK and singer Tyla. During both performances, they wore the typical “angel” uniform, fully equipped with wings and lingerie.
They commanded the audience through their solid voices and stage presence. Both performers gave the audience the walk of an authentic Victoria’s Secret angel, sporting smiles and frequent winks.
But the show’s true highlight began during the third act. As models changed into eccentric red lingerie, arguably the most legendary presence made her way to the stage.
Cher headlined the show with live renditions of two of her greatest hits, “Strong Enough” and “Believe,” proving that even at 78 years old, she still has her star quality and strong vocals.
In the 2024 show, Victoria’s Secret supplied the legends we all know and admire as well as some fresh faces, including Moss’s daughter, Lila Moss.
Much criticism stems from including models like Lila Moss in this year’s show, as nepotism is becoming increasingly prominent in the modeling industry.
Influencer Jade Beguelin took to TikTok to give her opinion on the show and how it has been altered since 2018, specifically focusing on the younger Moss’s addition to the show.
“I get that Lila has been going ham trying to become a model, but I just want to know if one way they got Kate to show was by promising Lila a spot,” Beguelin said. “Although, I will say Lila did better than I would have expected her to.”
Compared to other shows Lila Moss walked, the Victoria’s Secret show is arguably one of her better performances. Maybe Mother Moss started teaching her a thing or two.
Other controversies include aspects from this year’s show that seem to have been underdone: While many wings have been reduced from their former 30-pound weights so the models could walk easier, this does not seem to have helped their cause.
Gigi Hadid was the first to walk out during the show as Chappell Roan’s hit “Femininomenon” played over the loudspeaker. Gigi Hadid was adorned in light pink lingerie and massive wings, engraving the message that Victoria’s Secret is back.
Even though Gigi Hadid is easily one of the most recognized Victoria’s Secret models — as the entirety of her career is based on modeling and looks — she seemed nervous about stepping out on the stage once more.
Gigi Hadid seemed to have fumbled a little, gripping her expansive faux wings by the straps to prevent them from tipping.
Gigi Hadid was not the only model who faced a hiccup; many models were stumbling or out of practice controlling these extravagant props on their backs. Even model Doutzen Kroes got her crystal-strapped stiletto stuck on the runway.
A few setbacks are anticipated in any show, but the models still maintained their grace — they are angels, after all.
Victoria’s Secret took pieces of its previous criticism and improved for this year’s show. Since models are known to set the beauty standard, it is important to include different groups of people on the runway.
This year’s show was more diverse, featuring transgender models and women of different ages. Even the merchandise and lingerie worn by the models were shoppable during the show, compared to past shows where the bras and garments were somewhat absurdist.
Some thought the looks and outfits worn this year were cheesy or cheaper than in the past. I think it is refreshing to see something that could be worn by the average person instead of the normal Fantasy Bras worn in previous shows.
Many people miss the almost fictitious perfection and extravagance these fashion shows formerly promoted, but this year’s changes demonstrate that the corporation is slowly attempting to become more inclusive.
As a brand, Victoria’s Secret will probably never satisfy all sides of the argument. While some people seek the idea of sex appeal that the company was based upon, others want the company to change and take a more modern approach to feminism completely — and both do not seem achievable simultaneously.
In light of their past criticism, it seems evident Victoria’s Secret attempted to focus this show more on women. It did not have the same seriousness it used to before its cancellation; it seemed more like a reboot of an old show in which everyone’s favorite characters are reunited.
As Victoria’s Secret attempts to navigate its rebranding, fans can only hope that as time goes on, they will pay more recognition to their roots and return to the extravagance we have seen previously.
Then again, no show could ever top Rihanna’s 2012 iconic strut down the Victoria’s Secret runway.
