Bella Hadid’s fierce comeback at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show took center stage, not just for her stunning looks, but for her revelation about the staggering 50-pound weight of her angel wings, a testament to her endurance following a challenging health scare.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made a highly anticipated return on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, bringing back its signature blend of spectacle and high fashion. Among the returning luminaries was supermodel Bella Hadid, who delivered a powerful performance on the runway. Her appearance was particularly poignant, marking her first major runway event since a recent hospitalization for Lyme disease. What truly stunned fans and garnered widespread attention, however, was Hadid’s candid revelation about the immense physical challenge behind one of her most breathtaking ensembles: a pair of massive angel wings weighing an astounding 50 pounds.
The Unprecedented Weight of Angelic Embellishments
Following her triumphant walk, Bella Hadid took to her Instagram Stories to share a behind-the-scenes detail that underscored the demanding nature of her profession. She confirmed that the elaborate angel wings, crafted from intricate petal embellishments, were not merely decorative but a formidable accessory. “Ok, we’re not going to pretend these wings weren’t 50 pounds but how beautiful,” she wrote, acknowledging the significant burden while celebrating their artistry. This weight, roughly equivalent to 22 kilograms, proved to be a considerable challenge, especially when paired with high heels and the requirement to maintain a poised demeanor down the lengthy catwalk. For more details on her stunning appearance, fans can explore the comprehensive coverage by People.
Historically, Victoria’s Secret Angel wings have been known for their impressive scale and often considerable weight, with previous iterations reportedly ranging from 20 to 30 pounds. Hadid’s 50-pound wings, however, represent a new extreme, highlighting the brand’s continued push for theatrical grandeur and the incredible physical conditioning of its models. The effort required to carry such a load, all while exuding grace and confidence, is a testament to the models’ dedication.
A Triumphant Return After a Health Battle
Hadid’s return to the runway held deeper significance for her and her fans, as it followed a period of intense focus on her health. Just a month prior, in September 2025, the supermodel was hospitalized due to her ongoing battle with Lyme disease, a chronic neurological condition she was diagnosed with in 2013. Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, publicly shared her daughter’s struggle on Instagram, describing the “invisible disability” of Lyme disease and the “darkness, the pain, and the unknown hell” Bella had endured. Bella herself later updated fans on her recovery, posting from the gym and sharing her journey to regain stamina, indicating her determination to return to full strength. More on her hospitalization and recovery was reported by People.
Her powerful presence at the show, especially under the extraordinary physical demand of the 50-pound wings, served as an inspiring display of resilience and dedication. It was a clear message to her fans that despite health challenges, her commitment to her craft remains unwavering.
Bella’s Dual Looks and Runway Highlights
Beyond the impressive wings, Bella Hadid graced the 2025 show with two distinct and equally captivating looks:
- The Silver Angel Ensemble: Her show-closing appearance featured a jaw-dropping bedazzled lace lingerie set, dripping in silver fringe, paired with elegant silver heels and, of course, the now-famous 50-pound petal-embellished wings. This look was a dazzling display of the show’s renewed glamour.
- The Fiery Red Entrance: Earlier in the evening, Hadid debuted in a stunning all-red ensemble during a performance by Karol G. This look included a satin bra, matching garter and underwear, and a dramatic floor-sweeping chiffon robe, exuding a vibrant confidence.
Adding to her refreshed appearance, Bella also unveiled a new, lighter blonde hair color. Styled by Jacob Schwartz with Olaplex, her “early-2000s”-inspired sun-kissed locks provided an extra touch of polish and glamour for the high-profile event.
A Legacy of Iconic Moments
Bella Hadid has long been a fixture of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, making her debut in 2016 and consistently delivering iconic moments. Her history with the brand dates back to 2015 with a PINK holiday campaign, and she has since become a VS Collective Member. The 2025 show not only highlighted her personal journey but also marked a significant milestone for the brand itself, returning after a four-year hiatus with a renewed focus on inclusivity, diversity, and dynamic artistic performances.
This year, Bella was joined on the catwalk by her sister, Gigi Hadid, who also wore oversized wings, creating another memorable moment. Other notable supermodels who graced the runway included Ashley Graham, Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldridge, and Behati Prinsloo, underscoring the star-studded nature of the event. The collective presence of these fashion giants reaffirmed the show’s status as a premier global spectacle, celebrating both beauty and the incredible effort required to bring such a vision to life.
