Supermodel Gigi Hadid captivated audiences with a powerful return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025, showcasing two stunning ensembles and sharing an emotional reflection on her journey since her 2015 debut. This comeback not only highlighted her personal growth but also underscored the evolving landscape of the iconic runway event.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025 in New York City was a spectacle of fashion and sentiment, headlined by the much-anticipated return of supermodel Gigi Hadid. Her appearance, a decade after her debut, was not merely a walk down the runway but a profound statement on resilience, personal evolution, and the changing face of the fashion industry.
Hadid, now 30 years old, graced the stage with two distinct and memorable looks that solidified her status as a top-tier model. Her presence was a testament to her enduring appeal and the brand’s revitalized vision after its highly publicized return following a six-year hiatus, as confirmed by Elle.
The Dazzling Barbie-Pink Entrance
For her first appearance, Hadid commanded attention in a vibrant, all-pink ensemble. The look featured a dazzling two-piece lingerie set comprising a sparkly bustier and lacy boy briefs. However, it was her sprawling, floor-length hooded shawl, exquisitely embellished with 3D rose petals, that truly stole the show, creating a dramatic, Barbie-pink moment on the runway.
Her hair was elegantly pinned back, with side-swept bangs framing her face. As she concluded her walk, she blew a kiss to the cheering crowd, her magnificent floral cape trailing behind her, leaving a lasting impression. The moment was further enhanced by singer Madison Beer’s performance of her hit song “Make You Mine,” adding an ethereal touch to Hadid’s floral display, according to Variety.
An Angelic Vision: The White Winged Look
Hadid later returned to the stage in a breathtaking angelic all-white outfit. This second look featured a silky camisole and short set, perfectly complemented by massive, quilted angel wings. The transformation from bold pink to serene white showcased her versatility and ability to embody different facets of the Victoria’s Secret aesthetic.
The “angel white winged look” truly brought the iconic Victoria’s Secret imagery to life, emphasizing the dreamlike quality that fans have come to associate with the brand’s runway shows. Her sophisticated updo for both looks further enhanced the glamour of her presentations.
A Decade of Growth: Gigi’s Emotional Reflection
Ahead of the 2025 show, Hadid openly shared her emotional reflections on her journey with Victoria’s Secret, particularly recalling the intense scrutiny she faced after her 2015 debut. She revealed that she tried out for the show multiple times before finally landing a spot, making her initial success incredibly poignant.
“I’m just so happy for her. She just wanted it so bad,” Hadid shared tearfully, looking back at her younger self. She continued, “I look back at pictures of that time, and the world was so hard on her, and not just me, is hard on girls.” Hadid’s candidness about body image and self-acceptance resonated deeply with fans, highlighting the personal battles models often face despite their glamorous careers.
She emphasized her pride in her past self: “And then you look back at pictures and you’re like, ‘I was the s—. That was an awesome time. I deserved to be there.’ I continue to come back to this show just so happy for that girl that got the first show and then also my teenage self who just watched the show.” Her evolution from facing criticism to embracing her unique place in the industry showcases significant personal growth.
The Victoria’s Secret Comeback: A New Era
The 2025 show marks a significant moment not only for Gigi Hadid but also for the Victoria’s Secret brand itself. After a six-year hiatus, the runway show made its highly anticipated return in 2024, promising a reflection of “who we are today, plus everything you know and love — the glamour, runway, wings, musical entertainment, and more!” This commitment to evolve while retaining its iconic elements was announced by the brand via Instagram in May of the previous year.
Hadid played a key role in announcing the 2024 event, teaming up with VS veteran Tyra Banks in an Instagram clip. Her return for the 2025 show further solidifies the brand’s renewed direction, emphasizing diversity and empowering women, a stark contrast to some of the criticisms it faced in the past.
A Shared Stage: Other Stars and Moments
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show brought together a stellar lineup of supermodels and fresh faces. Alongside Gigi Hadid, the runway saw head-turning appearances from:
- Emily Ratajkowski, dazzling in a pink two-piece with a dramatic fabric structure.
- Behati Prinsloo, captivating in nude lingerie with a large gold cape.
- Bella Hadid, Gigi’s sister, showcasing silver fringed and red two-piece sets with large floral wings.
- Ashley Graham, confident in black lingerie and matching wings.
- Jasmine Tookes, who opened the show, proudly displaying her baby bump in a brown lingerie set with a gold netted cover-up.
- Candice Swanepoel, in a brown two-piece with chunky jewel necklace.
- Irina Shayk, in multiple looks including a red bra with a high-slit skirt and a sheer white set with a feather headpiece.
- Rising stars like Lila Moss (Kate Moss’s daughter) and Iris Law (Jude Law’s daughter), making their mark on the iconic stage.
The collaborative vision of renowned stylist Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, who has a history of working with Hadid, curated the model’s stunning looks for this year’s show, further enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Connecting with Family and Future
Beyond the glamour, Hadid’s return was also a deeply personal experience, especially as a mother. She shared a sweet moment on Instagram teasing her show morning preparations with a packed lunch for her 5-year-old daughter, Khai. Hadid expressed her joy in sharing this “most glamorous, sparkly, fun version of my job” with her daughter, noting Khai’s excitement for the costumes.
As the 2025 show concluded, Gigi Hadid reflected on her continuous evolution. “With each show, I feel like I’ve grown into a new version of myself,” she stated. Her journey from a hopeful newcomer to a seasoned supermodel, navigating public scrutiny and personal growth, serves as an inspiration to many within the fan community and beyond.
