The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025 was a spectacle of revival, highlighted by supermodel Bella Hadid’s powerful return to the catwalk after a health scare. Sporting a stunning bleach blonde hairstyle and two distinct, memorable ensembles, Hadid embodied the brand’s strategic pivot back to its signature “sexy and glitzy” aesthetic, alongside a roster of legendary Angels and exciting newcomers.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, an iconic event that captivated millions for decades, marked its second year back after a six-year hiatus, ushering in a new era defined by a bold return to its “glitzy and sensual” roots. Held in Brooklyn, N.Y. on October 15, 2025, the show was undeniably spearheaded by the highly anticipated return of supermodel Bella Hadid, who made a triumphant comeback to the runway following a significant health scare.
Bella Hadid’s Triumphant Comeback: Blonde Ambition and Fiery Red
At 29, Bella Hadid’s appearance on the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway was more than just a modeling gig; it was a powerful statement of resilience. Her striking transformation included ditching her signature brunette tresses for bold, feathered golden-blonde locks, instantly becoming a major talking point among fans and fashion critics alike.
Hadid’s first look was a vision in crimson, showcasing a fiery red ensemble that exuded confidence and allure. This racy outfit featured a red bra, lacy underwear with a daring center cut-out, matching garter connected to sultry sheer red tights, and red strapped stilettos. A romantic satin robe draped around her elbows and ’90s glam makeup completed her head-turning presentation.
Her return comes just one month after she was hospitalized for Lyme disease, a condition she was diagnosed with at 16. Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, shared emotional updates on social media, detailing Bella’s courageous fight against the debilitating illness. Following her treatment, Bella quickly returned to the fashion circuit, notably walking for the Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2025 show during Paris Fashion Week before gracing the Victoria’s Secret stage. Her journey underscored her bravery and unwavering commitment to her career, as highlighted by a report from People.
A Second Iconic Look: Angelic White and Silver
Later in the show, Bella Hadid presented a dramatically different yet equally stunning ensemble. This second look embraced a white-and-silver color scheme, featuring an opaque white bra adorned with shimmering tassels covered in silver sequins. The bra seamlessly connected to a matching tasseled garter, with thin straps gracefully crisscrossing her toned stomach, drawing attention to her long, trim legs.
To complete this angelic transformation, Hadid was adorned with a dramatic pair of white flower-covered wings, designed to resemble ethereal clouds. This ethereal presentation showcased her versatility and solidified her status as a top-tier supermodel.
The Sister Act: Gigi Hadid’s Graceful Presence
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show also celebrated a beloved “sister act” with the appearance of Gigi Hadid, Bella’s older sister. Gigi brought her own distinct style to the runway, first appearing in a vibrant bubblegum-pink top and high-waisted lace panties, flashing her taut midriff. She completed this look with a sheer pink robe lined with voluminous pink flowers, her brunette hair elegantly swept back in a bun.
In her second appearance, Gigi complemented Bella’s angelic theme with a luminous white teddy, featuring a fluttering skirt and framed by plump, white pillow-like wings. Her presence added another layer of star power and family camaraderie to the highly anticipated event.
Victoria’s Secret: A Legacy Reimagined
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show’s 2025 revival marks a pivotal moment for the brand, signaling a strategic shift back to its classic “glitzy and sensual” style. After a six-year hiatus following its cancellation in 2019, the show is actively working to ramp up sales and reclaim its former glory. The hiatus was prompted by immense criticism over the brand’s lack of diversity in body types and controversial comments from former chief marketing officer Ed Razek, as well as reports of misogyny and harassment within the company.
The brand’s return in 2024, with a focus on diversity, including plus-size and transgender models, received a tepid response and was perceived by some as lacking the traditional glamour for which Victoria’s Secret was known. However, the 2025 show, airing live on Amazon Prime Video, embraced a different direction.
Under new CEO Hillary Super, who took on the role in September 2024, Victoria’s Secret is openly embracing its “unapologetically sexy” branding. Super acknowledged that previous decisions were made “out of fear” and had led to the brand becoming “watered down.” This new approach is a conscious effort to return to the brand’s bombshell roots, replacing more conservative designs with seductive lingerie and a renewed focus on glamor, a strategic move widely reported by industry outlets like Business Insider, referencing reports from the Wall Street Journal.
The All-Star Lineup: Veterans and Newcomers
Beyond the Hadid sisters, the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show featured a constellation of stars, blending beloved veterans with exciting new faces. The runway buzzed with the energy of familiar Angels and models who have shaped the brand’s image for years.
Returning Icons
- Adriana Lima: Made stunning entrances, including a sheer sequin bodysuit with glittering underwear and dramatic copper-colored metallic wings, followed by a black-and-silver look with enormous silver wingspan.
- Alessandra Ambrosio: Graced the runway in a sheer beige monokini with heart-shaped metallic wings and later a black lace bustier with unique masquerade mask-like wings.
- Candice Swanepoel
- Doutzen Kroes
- Behati Prinsloo
- Lily Aldridge
- Taylor Hill
- Stella Maxwell
- Barbara Palvin
- Grace Elizabeth
- Joan Smalls
- Irina Shayk: Appeared as a burlesque performer with a towering pink feathered headdress and a sequin-covered bow, later showcasing a flowing semi-sheer red skirt.
- Ashley Graham: Displayed her famous curves in a busty black bra, semi-sheer lace panties, and fuzzy black feathered wings, representing the diverse models that have graced the runway.
- Anok Yai
- Alex Consani
- Paloma Elsesser
- Yasmin Wijnaldum
Exciting New Faces
The show also introduced a fresh wave of talent, reflecting a broader appeal while maintaining its core aesthetic:
- Angel Reese: The WNBA star made history as the first professional athlete to walk as an Angel, towering over the runway in a floral bra and thong with a fuzzy pink floral boa.
- Quenlin Blackwell
- Iris Law
- Yumi Nu
- Daiane Sodre
- Barbie Ferreira: The actress displayed a slimmed-down figure in red lingerie and a denim jacket with comical denim wings.
- Precious Lee
- Emily Ratajkowski: Made her debut in a lavender lace bra and thong, adorned with a lovely pink orchid design instead of traditional wings.
- Sunisa ‘Suni’ Lee: The Olympic gold medalist gymnast showcased her athletic physique in a pink crop top over a black bra and athletic shorts.
Sounds of the Runway: A Star-Studded Musical Lineup
Adding another layer of spectacle, the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show featured an impressive roster of musical performers, turning the event into a full-blown concert experience.
- Missy Elliott: The hip-hop icon brought effortlessly chic style, performing in a black bodysuit adorned with sequins, rhinestones, and opulent jeweled designs.
- Karol G: Created a stir walking the runway in a red satin bodysuit with angular, knife-like wings.
- K-pop group TWICE
- Madison Beer: Performed her song “Make You Mine” and later walked the runway in a sheer pink corset with silvery floral embroidery and pink feathered wings.
The Enduring Allure of Victoria’s Secret
From its debut in 1995 to its broadcast on television in 2001, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a cultural phenomenon. Despite its cancellation in 2019 and a brief period of re-evaluation, the 2025 show demonstrates the brand’s determination to adapt and thrive. By embracing a blend of nostalgic glamour, strategic leadership, and a new generation of diverse talent, Victoria’s Secret is working to redefine its place in the world of fashion, proving that its allure continues to endure.
