Delve into the high-stakes world of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025 as Angels like Barbara Palvin, Adriana Lima, and newcomers Angel Reese and Suni Lee share their intimate pre-show preparations and indulgent post-runway cravings, including the viral sensation of Dubai chocolate.
The runway of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is a spectacle of glamour and high fashion, but behind the scenes, a different narrative unfolds. On October 15, 2025, as models prepared for their highly anticipated struts in New York City, insights into their personal pre-show anxieties and coveted post-show indulgences emerged, revealing a relatable blend of intense discipline and human desires. This year’s show marked a significant return for the brand’s runway production, which made its comeback in 2024 after a multi-year hiatus, bringing back beloved veterans and introducing fresh faces to the world of high-stakes lingerie fashion.
The Emotional Rollercoaster: Pre-Show Rituals of the Angels
For many models, the moments leading up to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show are a delicate balance of nerves and focus. Veteran Angel Barbara Palvin, despite this being her fourth show, openly admitted to still getting “a nervous wreck.” Her coping mechanism involves a breathing routine and hugging herself tightly just before hitting the stage, showcasing that even seasoned professionals feel the immense pressure.
The dressing room buzzed with anticipatory energy, a stark contrast to the calm many models tried to cultivate. Here’s a look at the diverse ways some of the Angels prepared:
- Joan Smalls: The original Angel, joked about stashing a “bottle of tequila,” but in reality, she focused on having fun and laughing backstage with friends. Her practical tip was kicking the back of her heels before stepping out to prevent slipping.
- Adriana Lima: The brand’s longest-running Angel, maintained her composure with meditation and essential oils, specifically a mix of tangerine and lavender. She selected Beyoncé’s “My Power” to channel her runway persona, as reported by USA Today.
- Iris Law: The 24-year-old model chose a more modern soundtrack, with Drake’s “Somebody Loves Me” on repeat. She also found popping a mint helped her feel “fresh and awake and clean and ready.”
- Irina Shayk: Known for once walking the show while pregnant, emphasized the importance of good sleep (which she humorously admitted to not getting), along with an infrared sauna the night before and an ice roller on her face in the morning.
- Barbie Ferreira: The model and actress drew on her stage performance affirmations and the support of loved ones, stating that talking to friends helps “talk me down from my ledge.”
Newcomers Take the Stage: Athletes in Angel Wings
This year’s show also welcomed athletes making their runway debut, adding another layer of diverse talent to the lineup. Olympic gold-medalist Suni Lee and WNBA star Angel Reese stepped into the world of high fashion, each bringing their unique perspectives on preparation.
- Angel Reese: Reese likened her runway preparation to her athletic career, stating, “Just like basketball, I put in a lot of work… I had a walking coach for about a month or a month and a half, so just being able to understand what I’m up against and that nothing’s bigger than what I’ve already been through.” She relied on prayer and deep breaths, trusting her extensive training, as detailed by USA Today Sports.
- Suni Lee: The Olympic gymnast took a more organic approach, aiming to bring her authentic self to the stage. She consciously avoided over-preparation, wanting to “feel empowered and just inspired at the end of the day.”
The Ultimate Reward: Post-Show Indulgences
After months of rigorous training and hours of hair and makeup, the relief that washes over the Angels post-show is palpable. The high-stakes moments quickly give way to cravings for “crazy meals” and beloved treats.
- Adriana Lima: Had two chocolate bars stashed in her purse, eagerly anticipating tearing into a “White Dubai chocolate variety like right after.”
- Suni Lee: Joked about heading home for a “big meal and sleep,” specifically craving a burger she’d been thinking about for days.
- Irina Shayk: Recalled her post-show ritual from the previous year, which involved a “huge crazy meal” at a Russian restaurant, hinting at a “little bit of the afterparty” for this year too.
The Dubai Chocolate Phenomenon: A Sweet Escape
The mention of “Dubai chocolate” by a supermodel like Adriana Lima brings this viral sensation into the spotlight, showcasing its status as a luxury indulgence. Originating from Dubai-based Fix Dessert Chocolatier, the “Can’t Get Knafeh Of It” bar, as it’s officially known, became an internet phenomenon in late 2023.
This distinctive chocolate bar is characterized by its thick, sometimes oozing, milk chocolate shell filled with a bright green, crispy mixture of kataifi (shredded phyllo dough), pistachio, and tahini paste. The inspiration for this unique confection comes from iconic Middle Eastern desserts like baklava and knafeh, blending traditional flavors with contemporary appeal. It was invented by Sarah Hamouda, a Dubai-based entrepreneur who started Fix Dessert Chocolatier as a side hustle during maternity leave.
The chocolate gained immense viral traction after a TikTok video by foodie Maria Ve Hera garnered over 100 million views, transforming it into a global sensation. Its allure lies not only in its exquisite flavor combination of creamy and crunchy textures but also in its attractive packaging and shimmery gold or green dusting, making it both visually appealing and an aspirational treat. While replicas have emerged worldwide, the original remains exclusively available through Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, primarily via Deliveroo, with strict purchase limits.
The Angels’ post-show cravings for this opulent treat highlight the universal desire for comfort and indulgence after intense efforts, making their glamorous world a little more relatable to fans.
