Supermodel Kendall Jenner, once a prominent figure on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway, has been notably absent in recent years. Her evolving career trajectory, strategic modeling contracts, and personal battles with anxiety have all played a role in her shift away from the iconic lingerie spectacle, culminating in her absence from the 2025 show as she prioritizes entrepreneurial endeavors and personal well-being.
For many fans, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was synonymous with top-tier models, and for years, that list included Kendall Jenner. After making her debut in 2015, Jenner walked for the lingerie giant multiple times, but her presence has become increasingly rare. Most recently, she was not seen on the runway for the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, a decision rooted in a complex blend of career choices, lucrative contracts, and personal health considerations.
The Early Years: High Fashion Calls and Missed Opportunities (2014)
Before her official debut as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, Kendall Jenner had already expressed interest in working with the lingerie brand. However, one of her earliest notable absences from the show came in 2014, when she, along with friend Cara Delevingne, chose to walk for high-fashion powerhouse Chanel in Austria instead of joining the Angels in London. This move was considered a “bold statement” in the modeling world, especially given Jenner’s stated dream of walking for Victoria’s Secret, according to a source who spoke to People magazine. The source noted that Jenner was Karl Lagerfeld’s “new girl,” signifying a significant shift in her early career priorities.
The Non-Compete Clause: A Multi-Million Dollar Decision (2017)
By 2017, Kendall Jenner‘s career was soaring, and with it came increasingly lucrative opportunities. Her absence from the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show that year was largely attributed to a significant multi-million dollar contract she signed with luxury lingerie brand La Perla. This deal reportedly included a strict non-compete clause, preventing her from walking for competing lingerie brands like Victoria’s Secret. This business decision underscored the increasing power of top models to command exclusive contracts, even if it meant stepping away from highly publicized events.
Battling Anxiety and a Shift in Runway Focus (2017-2019)
Beyond contractual obligations, Kendall Jenner has openly discussed her struggles with anxiety, particularly during demanding periods like fashion week. In a teaser for “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” and an interview with Cara Delevingne for Harper’s Bazaar in January (likely 2018), Jenner revealed that she experiences debilitating panic attacks, with her anxiety often peaking during fashion week and extensive travel. Her mother, Kris Jenner, corroborated these struggles, explaining that “Kendall gets the most anxious during fashion week.” While she did walk in the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, her public comments about anxiety coincided with a noticeable reduction in her overall runway appearances during New York Fashion Week and other major events, indicating a conscious choice to manage her mental well-being over a packed modeling schedule.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and New Passions (Post-2018 & 2025)
As her modeling career matured, Kendall Jenner‘s focus began to broaden significantly. Her absence from the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, where friends Gigi and Bella Hadid walked, highlights her current priorities. Modeling is no longer her sole career focus; she is the founder of 818 Tequila, a successful spirits brand, and has recently expressed a burgeoning interest in home design. In an interview with Vogue, she stated, “I swear to God, I’m going to stop everything and just design homes. I’m not kidding.”
Her recent runway appearances have become highly selective. For instance, she walked only one show during Paris Fashion Week for L’Oréal’s Le Défilé: A Celebration of Women’s Empowerment in September 2025. She told ELLE UK that she cherishes the “sisterhood” and connection with other ambassadors at such events, signaling a preference for collaborations that offer more than just a runway walk.
The Evolving Landscape of Supermodel Careers
Kendall Jenner‘s journey reflects a larger trend in the modeling industry, where top models are increasingly leveraging their platforms to build personal brands and entrepreneurial empires. Her trajectory from a Victoria’s Secret Angel hopeful to a tequila mogul and aspiring interior designer illustrates that the runway is just one component of a multifaceted career. While fans might miss her iconic presence on the Victoria’s Secret stage, Jenner’s choices highlight a clear prioritization of personal growth, business acumen, and mental well-being over traditional modeling commitments.
