The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marked a triumphant return to the runway in New York City, blending its signature glitz and glamour with a powerful modern push towards inclusivity and diverse representation, highlighted by historic debuts and the return of supermodel legends.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, a cultural hallmark synonymous with high-octane entertainment and supermodel star power, roared back onto the scene in 2025, captivating audiences in New York City. This highly anticipated event, back for its second year after a significant relaunch, showcased a dazzling array of striking performances, intricate costumes, and a diverse lineup of global models. It represented a deliberate evolution, mixing the timeless appeal of the runway with a modern push toward inclusivity and show-stopping entertainment, signaling a vibrant new chapter for the brand.
A Vision Reborn: Adam Selman’s Creative Direction
Guiding this exciting new direction was Adam Selman, appointed SVP and Executive Creative Director of Victoria’s Secret in April 2025. Known for his work on viral fashion moments, Selman faced the unique challenge of honoring the brand’s legacy while propelling it into a modern light. His debut outing set a clear tone, emphasizing design and the designer’s vision at the forefront of the mission, as detailed by Elle.
The collection itself was a masterclass in blending nostalgia with contemporary fashion. It brought back the beloved early 2000s blowouts and featured giant, conceptual Angel wings, some reportedly weighing up to 60 pounds. However, Selman also infused the show with ready-to-wear elements, such as Alex Consani’s silky red cargo pants and elegant transparent crystal dresses, proving that glamour and comfort can coexist on the runway.
History-Making Debuts and Iconic Returns
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a stage for both groundbreaking firsts and celebrated comebacks, redefining what it means to be a Victoria’s Secret Angel:
- Jasmine Tookes’s Pioneering Walk: Kicking off the show with elegance, Jasmine Tookes walked the runway at nine months pregnant, a historic first for the brand. Adorned in pearls and crystals, her mother-of-pearl-inspired outfit, complete with a carved shell backpiece instead of traditional wings, symbolized the brand’s growing acceptance of diverse forms of beauty.
- Angel Reese’s Athletic Representation: Angel Reese, the basketball phenom from the Chicago Sky, made history as the first professional athlete to grace the Victoria’s Secret runway. She lit up the stage in two unique outfits, including a lingerie look decorated with rosettes and a matching fur cape, bringing unprecedented athletic representation to the modeling world, as reported by AP News. Reese expressed her excitement, telling People, “I literally could not stop smiling! It’s such a surreal and full-circle moment.”
- Hadid Sisters Reunion: A highly anticipated moment was the reappearance of sisters Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid, who commanded the spotlight in the grand finale. Bella stunned in a glossy silver structure with fringe edges and white feathered wings, while Gigi exuded grace and confidence, solidifying their status as runway legends, a highlight noted by Elle.
- New Faces and Iconic Returns: Supermodel Adut Akech made her striking debut in a red one-piece with a matching headdress. Newcomers such as Angelina Kendall and Abény Nhial also made their first appearance. Anok Yai returned as “the showgirl” with a dramatic pink feathered headdress, and British model Iris Law captivated with her platinum bob and unconventional style. Veteran Angels like Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Alessandra Ambrósio, Barbara Palvin, Irina Shayk, Doutzen Kroes, and Behati Prinsloo also graced the stage, bridging the brand’s storied past with its dynamic future. Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee also made her runway debut, describing it to Marie Claire as “like a dream outside of my comfort zone.”
The Rise of the “Nepo Babies” on the Runway
A notable aspect of the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, often a topic of discussion within fan communities, was the significant presence of models from famous families. This “nepo baby” phenomenon showcased a new generation of talent with inherited connections, further integrating pop culture into the high fashion spectacle. Key figures included:
- Bella Hadid and Gigi Hadid: Daughters of model/reality TV star Yolanda Hadid and real estate developer Mohamed Hadid. Both are seasoned veterans of the VS runway.
- Amelia Gray Hamlin: Daughter of model/reality TV star Lisa Rinna and actor Harry Hamlin, making her VS debut.
- Iris Law: Daughter of actors Jude Law and Sadie Frost, also making her first appearance on the Victoria’s Secret runway.
- Lila Moss: Daughter of supermodel Kate Moss and Dazed Media CEO Jefferson Hack. Lila’s mother, Kate, notably made her own VS debut in the 2024 show alongside her daughter.
- Yumi Nu: Niece of model Devon Aoki and DJ Steve Aoki, walking her first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
Energizing Performances and the Beloved PINK Segment
Music took center stage, with energetic performances that kept the audience and models electrified. Missy Elliott hyped up the crowd with a mix of her well-known tracks like “Work It” and “Get Ur Freak On.” K-pop group TWICE impressed with a memorable performance, blending dance, singing, and an upbeat vibe while sporting outfits from the PINK line, as reported by Elle. Karol G and Madison Beer also delivered powerful sets throughout the night.
The beloved PINK interlude, a fan favorite traditionally featuring cutesy sweats and signature foldover yoga pants, leaned back into its roots. This segment highlighted models and influencers like Iris Law and Lila Moss, showcasing cozy hoodies and the signature styling of knee-high socks and heels, bridging comfort with glamour and demonstrating Selman’s focus on accessible, fashionable apparel.
Victoria’s Secret: A Legacy of Transformation
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is more than just a runway event; it’s a testament to the brand’s ongoing transformation. The show, which began in 2001 and ran annually for nearly two decades, faced a pivotal moment with its cancellation in 2019. Its return in 2024, and now its evolved 2025 iteration, signifies a commitment to embracing changing cultural landscapes and consumer expectations, according to AP News. The event showcased how fashion can stay glamorous while shifting toward comfort and a broader definition of beauty, featuring unique looks like Luna Yohannan’s laid-back grey hoodie set paired with a fur coat.
By bringing together fresh talent, cultural variety, and mesmerizing shows, the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show successfully navigated the delicate balance between honoring its iconic past and forging a path toward a more inclusive and modern future. It delivered an unforgettable spectacle that resonated with long-time fans and new audiences alike.
