The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its much anticipated return after a six-year hiatus, in New York City at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on October 15, but was its comeback better? Fans have given differing opinions on this and based on what social media app you’re on at any given moment, you may hate or love this year’s production, but the one thing everyone (haters and lovers alike) agreed on was that the VS show was rushed and seemingly commercialized.
On the flip side, the Victoria Secret OGs models like Adriana Lima, Bella Hadid, Barbara Palvin, Taylor Hill and Alessandra Ambrosio among others, returned to strut their stuff on the runway and dazzle their fans once more. Gigi opened the 2024 show in pink Angel wings and Anok Yai made her Victoria Secret fashion show debut this year. Read on for a more in-depth analysis of the 2024 edition of this exclusive fashion show.
Taylor Hill
The Highlights
• Gigi Hadid’s Opening Look:
Gigi Hadid opened the show wearing a lovely ensemble featuring giant pastel pink angel wings, a matching pink playsuit, and tall, silver wraparound Rebecca Caovalli heels featuring tiny butterflies. This look set the tone for the glamorous and whimsical theme of the show.
Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid
• Star Performances:
Cher, Lisa, and Tyla each delivered inspiring performances that were met with enthusiastic applause and praise from attendees not only for their vocal range, but also for their gorgeous outfits.
During her performance, veteran singer, Cher, had embraced the event’s theme with a black lace bra layered beneath a shimmering mesh shirt and double-belted pants.
K-pop’s Lisa stunned in a bedazzled bra and hot pants, topped with a sheer cape embellished in silver star appliqués. This look was a solid slay among fans due to its bold and playful design.
Lisa
Grammy awards winner Tyla, on the other hand, wore an ostentatious lingerie set that was topped with fluffy white Angel wings , sparkly heels and chunky rings.
Tyla
• Fashion and Glamour:
The return of iconic elements like the elaborate wings added to the excitement and nostalgia, which loyal fans loved. The runway showcased a range of styles, from luxurious lingerie sets to innovative fashion pieces.
Irina Shayk
I loved that each meticulously designed outfit featured intricate details like lace, sequins, and ‘loud’ embroidery, distinguishing it from every other runway show.
• Models:
The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a mix of iconic supermodels, OG Angels and fresh faces. Some of the notable models who walked the runway included:
- Adriana Lima who returned to the runways after retiring in 2018.
Adriana Lima
- Candice Swanepoel, a veteran VS Angel who made her comeback.
- Gigi Hadid who is a familiar face on the VS runways. She opened the show for this year’s edition.
- Irina Shayk, a high fashion model who is also notable for her Sports Illustrated covers.
- Tyra Banks who made her first appearance since 2005. She had also closed the show.
Tyra Banks
- Paloma Elsesser, a public figure renowned for her work in campaigning for body positivity.
- Anok Yai who made her debut as a VS Angel in this show.
- Barbara Palvin, a veteran VS Angel who made her comeback.
Barbara Palvin
- Ashley Graham, a notable plus-sized model.
- Devyn Garcia, a rising star in the modelling industry
- Allesandra Ambrosio, a veteran VS Angel who made her comeback.
- Bella Hadid, another supermodel who is also a veteran VS Angel making her comeback.
Bella Hadid
• Reinvention:
This year’s show aimed to reflect the brand’s new direction, focusing on empowering and modernizing women. The traditional “Fantasy Bra” and the term “Angels” were discarded, marking a change towards a more contemporary show.
The modernity could be seen in the designs on the runway and the models used.
Candace Swanepoel
The absence of traditional elements such as the “Fantasy Bra” which was one of the show’s highlights before its hiatus. The fantasy bra was often adorned with jewels and worn by a top model. Its absence this year, coupled with the designs seen on the runway marked the move away from extravagant displays towards more relatable and wearable fashion.
Adriana Lima
The term “Angels” and the iconic Angel wings were for the most part, notably absent. This might be due to the brand’s effort to move away from its hyper-glamorized and somewhat exclusive image of the past, to focus more on celebrating all women and their unique qualities.
• Inclusivity:
In a bid to address past criticisms about diversity and inclusivity. This year’s Victoria’s Secret show saw a significant rebranding as a more inclusive lineup of models of different ethnicities, and backgrounds, as well as curve models like Paloma Elsesser and Ashley Graham were featured.
Carla Bruni
In addition, this year’s runway designs were more aligned with current fashion trends, which encouraged versatility and everyday wearability to make it more appealing to the average consumer.
