Familiar faces of the sweetest angels, majestic wings, and above all no sleek hairstyles: Victoria Secret has made a big comeback this year
On the night of October 15th to 16th, the long-awaited fashion show of the iconic underwear brand Victoria Secret took place in New York. Due to certain controversies, the fashion show was cancelled for a few years, and only returned live last year after six years. However, that didn't go too well and the responses were rather mixed to disappointed. Perhaps that's why the brand itself expressed several times just before the show that it had listened to the audience and learned from last year.
The brand is now under the leadership of creative director Adam Selman, who is trying to revive the era of angels and in our view, he is really succeeding. This year's show saw a lot of “veterans” from the first angels of the noughties. However, newer faces of world top models, such as trans top model Alex Consani, also shone. We could also see various actresses, sportswomen, and influencers. As is well known, this year again, models were accompanied by exceptional musical accompaniment on the catwalk. Madison Beer, Karol G, Grammy-winning Missy Eliott, and K-pop group Twice showcased on the purely female line-up.
Sufficient diversity
Years ago, the brand was criticized for its poor representation of female bodies and sizes. Last year, the brand did learn and the models did not just have an xs size, but the lingerie itself did not succeed. Unflattering clothing and boring hairstyles made the show rather a smaller theater. This has changed this year.
An important moment was the opening of the whole show. Model Jasmine Tooks walked down the catwalk with her pregnant belly. A very touching moment was also a strong message that VS is not afraid to follow trends and gives space to everyone. Plus size models, for example, were the amazing Ashley Graham or actress known for her role in the series Euphoria, Barbie Ferreira. Also walked down the catwalk was previously mentioned Alex Consani, who is not afraid to talk about her transition and is also a passionate activist for the entire LGBTQ+ group. The inclusivity everyone wanted, manifested on the catwalk this year, in the right sense of the word.
Iconic names in the world of modeling
While the new generation brought a breath of fresh air to the catwalk, old stars reminded us of the golden era of angels. The show could not have been an angel parade without them. Bella Hadid appeared after the health stars, but even that didn't stop her from stealing the whole show for herself. She even ended the whole show with large white wings and in metallic, shiny lingerie. Both sisters also walked in their iconic colors, which they had shown at last year's show. Bella in striking red and Gigi in romantic pink. Whether it was a coincidence or a purpose, it's hard to say, but we know that both shone.
Adriana Lima also made an appearance, perhaps as the most popular angel of all time. At the age of forty-four and after a few children, she still looks incredible. With the privilege of wings, she walked the catwalk in a black lace set and gloves. We could also see older supermodels like Alessandra Ambrosio or Candice Swanepoel. It must be pointed out that this trio would easily outshine many newcomers.
Reactions
As for public opinion, this year's show certainly did better than last year. The Washington Post, however, reminded that Victoria's Secret did indeed improved, but it might be too late. In these fast-paced times, it's crucial to adapt, and the brand has really lagged behind in that respect. At a time when diversity is discussed more than ever before, it is not possible to maintain attitudes from the zero years. On social media, the show receives enthusiastic reactions, so probably only time will tell if the era of angels can keep up for a few more years.
