From Critic to Icon: Ashley Graham’s Triumphant Return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025 Marks a New Era of Inclusivity

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The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show wasn’t just about dazzling lingerie; it was a powerful statement on evolving inclusivity, highlighted by supermodel Ashley Graham’s radiant return and a star-studded lineup including K-Pop sensation TWICE, signaling a significant evolution for the iconic brand.

The highly anticipated Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025 converged on the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York City on October 15, 2025, to deliver an event that promised both glitz and a groundbreaking commitment to diversity. The show, which made its grand return in 2024 after a six-year hiatus, continued its revitalized vision, featuring a diverse array of models and global musical talent.

Ashley Graham: A Symbol of Change on the Runway

At the heart of this transformative event was the triumphant return of supermodel Ashley Graham, marking her second appearance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show after her debut in 2024. Graham, a long-time advocate for body diversity in the fashion industry, has been a vocal critic of the brand’s past lack of inclusivity.

Her presence on the 2025 runway, clad in striking black lingerie with intricate lace detailing and massive feathered wings, symbolized a significant shift. Graham exuded confidence, sporting soft blush, glossy lips, and a bouncy blowout, paired with elegant black strappy sandals. Her joyful demeanor was palpable as she smiled and strutted, clearly at ease in her element.

In an interview with People, Graham expressed her excitement for the show’s evolution. She highlighted her comfort and the focus on “full representation” as key reasons for her enthusiasm. This sentiment echoed her statements from 2024, where she shared her initial hesitation about joining the brand due to its previous “brand DNA” that often excluded diverse body types. However, after assurances from Victoria’s Secret leadership regarding extended sizes and representation, she embraced the opportunity, stating that it meant “more women that could see themselves represented on the runway.”

Graham’s journey with Victoria’s Secret has been a powerful narrative. Years before walking the VSFS runway, she openly challenged the brand’s narrow beauty standards. In 2017, she famously posted a photoshopped image of herself with wings, jokingly captioned “Got my wings! .. my #additionelle wings!”, a subtle jab at VS’s exclusive “Angels” roster. She also declared “I’m no angel” during a Lane Bryant lingerie campaign, further emphasizing the need for broader representation. Her advocacy, culminating in her prominent role in the revamped VSFS, underscores a monumental shift within the industry.

Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock Ashley Graham at the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

Ashley Graham at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

Graham’s confident strut and playful demeanor captivated audiences, reflecting her long-standing advocacy for body positivity.

A Global Showcase of Talent and Style

The 2025 show was a vibrant convergence of fashion, music, and celebrity. The pink carpet, hosted by designer Law Roach, saw a parade of Hollywood’s finest. Among the standout appearances was Sarah Jessica Parker, who looked impeccably chic in a black Alexander Wang dress, Dolce & Gabbana jacket, and shoes from her eponymous brand. Parker acknowledged the brand’s enduring legacy, noting how VS “has played a role in a lot of our lives,” regardless of how one fit into its traditional fantasy.

Making history as the first K-Pop group to perform at the show, four members of TWICENayeon, Tzuyu, Jihyo, and Momo—stunned on the pink carpet in a black and white theme before captivating the crowd with hits like “This is For” and “Strategy.” Tzuyu opted for a cutout white number, while her bandmates showcased different designs in black: Nayeon in a cutout black dress, Momo in a striped three-piece suit, and Jihyo in a sheer lace outfit.

The musical lineup also featured an all-female roster, consistent with the 2024 show’s approach, including performances by music legends and contemporary stars:

  • Missy Elliott
  • Madison Beer
  • Karol G
  • TWICE

The runway itself showcased a compelling blend of experience and fresh faces. Legacy Angels like Adriana Lima and Candice Swanepoel graced the catwalk, alongside notable newcomers such as Alex Consani and Paloma Elsesser. Other models included Iris Law, Luna Yohannan, Quenlin Blackwell, Summer Dirx, Gabriela Moura, Josey Mucko Sky, Yoon Young Bae, Daniella Halfo, and Sunisa Lee. The guest list was equally star-studded, featuring figures like Jodie Turner-Smith, Dylan Sprouse, and Jordyn Woods.

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025 undeniably signaled a bold new chapter for the brand, moving beyond its past criticisms to embrace a future where representation and diverse beauty are at the forefront. This shift, championed by influential voices like Ashley Graham and celebrated by global sensations such as TWICE, resonates deeply with a fan community long yearning for a more inclusive vision from the iconic lingerie powerhouse, as extensively covered by publications like Vogue.

TheStewartofNY/FilmMagic Ashley Graham at 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

TheStewartofNY/FilmMagic

Ashley Graham at 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Ashley Graham’s debut at the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show laid the groundwork for her impactful return in 2025.
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