The highly anticipated 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has returned, striking a delicate balance between its famed angelic fantasy and a groundbreaking commitment to diversity, featuring iconic supermodels, rising stars, and celebrated athletes on its New York City runway, echoing a classic reboot for modern audiences.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, a cultural phenomenon once synonymous with a singular vision of beauty, made its highly anticipated return on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in New York City. After a significant hiatus and a period of intense introspection, the brand showcased a transformed spectacle, blending its iconic glamour with a newfound commitment to inclusivity.
For fans of fashion and cultural evolution, this comeback felt akin to the reboot of a beloved classic film. The question wasn’t just “What will it look like?” but “How will it balance its storied past with the demands of a new era?”
The Controversial Hiatus and a Call for Change
The original Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was once a peak of global entertainment, known for its dazzling “Angels” and extravagant wings. However, the brand faced severe public scrutiny, leading to its cancellation in 2019 after a six-year run. Critics highlighted a significant lack of body inclusivity, accusations of being out of touch with contemporary women, and alarming allegations of abusive behavior within its leadership, particularly concerning former CEO Leslie Wexner’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein, as detailed by Salon.
Comments from former Chief Marketing Officer Ed Razek in 2018, where he stated that transgender and plus-size models shouldn’t be in the show because it’s a “fantasy,” further fueled the controversy. These issues, alongside campaigns like the “perfect body,” created a disconnect with an evolving audience that demanded more authentic representation.
A Strategic Reimagining: From Angels to Inclusivity
The path to the 2025 show was paved with a deliberate rebranding effort. Victoria’s Secret embarked on a journey to reflect “who we are today,” a significant shift from dictating “what’s sexy.” This included tangible changes:
- The appointment of a new board of directors, with six out of seven members being women.
- The hiring of the brand’s first transgender model, Valentina Sampaio, and first plus-size model, Ali Tate Cutler, even before the hiatus.
- The introduction of maternity bras and displaying curvy mannequins in stores.
- New campaigns featuring a diverse array of women, including tennis star Naomi Osaka and plus-size model Paloma Elsesser.
This strategic pivot demonstrated a genuine effort to listen to the criticism and redefine the brand’s image for a more diverse and empowered customer base, as extensively covered by Salon.
The 2025 Show: A Blend of Nostalgia and Progress
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on October 15 was a dazzling display of this new vision. It was a glamorous affair, kicking off at 7 p.m. ET with Jasmine Tookes opening the show, proudly showcasing her nine-month-pregnant belly in true angelic fashion. This moment alone underscored the brand’s shift towards celebrating women in all phases of life.
The runway saw a compelling mix of the past and present:
- Veteran Models: Fan-favorites like Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Joan Smalls, Behati Prinsloo, and Alessandra Ambrosio returned, spreading their wings down the catwalk. Adriana Lima, a true icon, made a triumphant return, adorned with the very wings that symbolize the brand’s legacy, as noted in Moda Infobae.
- New Debuts: In a groundbreaking move, WNBA superstar Angel Reese and Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee made their runway debuts, bringing athletic prowess and broader representation to the show.
- Performers: The show featured electrifying musical acts including Madison Beer, K-pop collective TWICE, Karol G, and the legendary Missy Elliott, adding a dynamic energy to the event.
The Return of the Wings: A Symbol Reimagined
One of the most talked-about elements was the prominent return of the iconic angel wings. While Victoria’s Secret had officially moved away from the “Angel” moniker and displays in 2021, the enthusiasm for wings never truly faded amongst fans, as seen during “Victoria’s Secret The Tour” pink carpet event. The actual 2025 fashion show embraced this nostalgic element, featuring both classic and newly designed wings.
Intriguingly, the brand also adopted a sustainable approach by reusing iconic wings from previous shows, as reported by Moda Infobae. This not only honored the brand’s rich legacy but also contributed to reducing waste within an industry often criticized for its environmental impact. It’s a powerful statement that luxury and fantasy don’t have to be disposable, a message that resonates deeply in today’s conscious consumer landscape.
A New Pantheon of Runway Stars
The 2025 show not only brought back beloved figures but also elevated new and diverse voices. Here’s a look at some of the key models and performers who graced the runway:
- Jasmine Tookes: Opened the show, celebrating pregnancy in a bold, angelic ensemble.
- Adriana Lima & Alessandra Ambrosio: Veteran supermodels whose presence connected the show to its golden era.
- Gigi Hadid & Bella Hadid: High-profile sisters who brought contemporary supermodel status to the event.
- Angel Reese & Suni Lee: Pioneering athletes whose inclusion signaled a wider definition of beauty and strength.
- Ashley Graham & Paloma Elsesser: Prominent plus-size models who championed body diversity.
- Alex Consani & Valentina Sampaio: Transgender models continuing to break barriers on the mainstream runway.
- Karol G, Missy Elliott, TWICE, and Madison Beer: Diverse musical artists providing the soundtrack for this inclusive fashion moment.
The collection itself featured the signature lingerie, beachwear, and nightwear that Victoria’s Secret is known for, alongside new accessories, catering to summer must-haves for the SS25 season. The blend of classic designs with modern influences showcased the brand’s ongoing evolution.
The Future of a Fashion Icon
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show represents more than just a return; it’s a carefully orchestrated reboot of a cultural touchstone. By listening to its critics and embracing a wider definition of beauty, Victoria’s Secret is attempting to secure its place in the modern fashion landscape. While some traditionalists might miss the singular “fantasy” of yesteryear, the new direction offers a richer, more representative vision that resonates with a broader audience.
This evolving narrative ensures that the brand remains a topic of conversation, much like a beloved film franchise that successfully reinvents itself for new generations while honoring its foundational spirit. The 2025 show was a strong statement, signifying that this iconic brand is not only back but also committed to a path of continuous adaptation and celebration of all women.
