Barbara Palvin Defies Odds: Walking the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show with a Broken Foot

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Supermodel Barbara Palvin is preparing for an extraordinary appearance at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, revealing to Us Weekly that she will confidently walk the runway in heels despite a broken foot. This remarkable display of dedication underscores Palvin’s unwavering commitment to the iconic show, promising a memorable moment for fans worldwide.

An Unyielding Spirit on the Runway

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is renowned for its dazzling display of supermodels, intricate lingerie, and show-stopping performances. This year, however, model Barbara Palvin is set to add an extra layer of awe to the spectacle. Palvin, 32, exclusively told Us Weekly that she will be gracing the runway in heels, all while navigating a broken foot.

“I’m very nervous,” Palvin admitted, highlighting the immense challenge. Yet, her characteristic wit shone through, as she quipped, “Very stressful, but I got my wings, so if anything, I’ll just fly away.” Fans can expect to see her control her facial expressions, concealing any pain, though she humorously conceded, “I don’t know if I can control the vein popping out of my forehead.” Her resilience is a testament to the sheer dedication required of a Victoria’s Secret Angel.

Adding to the physical demands, Palvin revealed a notable change in her ensemble for the 2025 show. This year, she will wear one-pound wings, a significant departure from the impressive 40-pound wings she effortlessly donned at the 2024 fashion event.

The Evolution of an Angel: Palvin’s VSFS Journey

Barbara Palvin’s history with the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is a narrative of dedication and notable comebacks. She first debuted on the runway at the age of 19. Following a six-year hiatus, she made a highly anticipated return to the 2018 show. At the time, Palvin, then 25, openly shared the immense pressure she felt.

“When I was 19 and I did the show, I didn’t really understand how much pressure it is and how I should feel,” Palvin told People during her 2018 preparations. She added, “But to be here now means so much because I did this. I worked my ass [off] and I am here. It is my big comeback.” Her 2024 appearance further solidified her place, and now, her 2025 return, despite injury, reinforces her unwavering commitment to the brand and her craft.

Pre-Show Rituals and Beauty Secrets

Preparing for the high-stakes Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show involves meticulous attention to diet and self-care. Palvin shared her go-to meal for optimal energy and strength before hitting the runway. “You want to have a little bit of everything,” she explained. “I’ll need protein, carbs, and a little fat, yeah. They have a juicery too, so something like that.”

Beyond nutrition, Palvin also adheres to a unique beauty tip passed down through generations. She credits her great-grandma for her glowing skin, revealing a somewhat surprising secret: drinking milk. Despite being lactose intolerant, Palvin continues the tradition, noting, “I do that — but I’m lactose intolerant — but I still drink a glass of milk because she said I’ll be beautiful. And I guess it’s working.”

Barbara Palvin backstage at a fashion show, perhaps after following her unique beauty rituals and pre-show meal.
TheStewartofNY/FilmMagic

Dylan Sprouse: The Ultimate Supportive Partner

A highlight for fans during Barbara Palvin’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show appearances is always the creative support from her husband, actor Dylan Sprouse. In 2018, Sprouse famously arrived with a bag of Shake Shack burgers, hand-delivering them backstage for Palvin’s post-show cheat meal. He even kept the bag under his seat at the show, sitting next to model Dellah Belle Hamlin, before presenting them to a grateful Palvin on the red carpet, where he was rewarded with “a big smooch” as People reported.

At the 2024 show, he continued his tradition of unique gestures, bringing along cutouts of their beloved pets to cheer her on from the audience. This year, however, Sprouse’s plans remain a delightful mystery. “He always does something,” Palvin smiled, acknowledging his consistent support. She added, “Last year he was giggling for two days, and I was like, what’s going on? [He’s] like, ‘Nothing.’ This year I haven’t heard any of those [giggles], so we don’t know.” Palvin also shared a glimpse into their morning, playfully quipping that Sprouse, 33, was “asleep!” when she left for her 8 a.m. call time.

The couple, who tied the knot in 2023, celebrated their two-year wedding anniversary in July with a memorable camping trip to Redwood National Park, complete with deep-sea fishing. Their bond and Sprouse’s unwavering encouragement are a cherished part of Palvin’s journey.

Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse share a moment on the red carpet, highlighting their supportive relationship at a Victoria's Secret event.
Stephen Lovekin/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images

The Grand Spectacle: What to Expect from the 2025 VSFS

The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, kicking off on Wednesday, October 15, in New York City, promises to be an event of epic proportions. Alongside Barbara Palvin, high-profile models like Gigi Hadid and Adriana Lima are set to captivate audiences. This year will also mark a significant milestone with Reese, the Chicago Sky forward, becoming the first professional athlete to walk the runway, complete with the signature Angel wings.

The show will feature a star-studded lineup of musical performances, including Missy Elliott, K-Pop group TWICE, Madison Beer, and Karol G. For fans eager to watch the spectacle unfold, the show begins at 7 p.m. Eastern Time and will be livestreamed across multiple platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Prime Video in the U.S.

A Legacy of Glamour and Evolution

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has a storied history, evolving from its modest beginnings at New York City’s Plaza Hotel in 1995 to the global phenomenon it is today. First televised in 2001, the event has seen its share of iconic moments, from the introduction of the Angel wings in 1998 to memorable musical acts and groundbreaking model appearances. After a hiatus in 2019, the show made a celebrated return in 2024, demonstrating its enduring appeal and ability to adapt.

Barbara Palvin’s journey with the show, marked by her dedication, resilience in the face of injury, and the heartwarming support of her husband, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of evolution and determination that defines the Victoria’s Secret legacy. Her 2025 appearance is not just a walk down a runway; it’s a powerful statement of commitment and grace that will undoubtedly inspire fans worldwide.

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