Former Victoria’s Secret model Bianca Balti, battling ovarian cancer, recently made a poignant request to walk in the 2025 Fashion Show, a plea that was ultimately denied despite the brand’s stated commitment to diversity, sparking a wider conversation about representation and hope after hardship.
The runway of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has long been a stage for iconic beauty, but its recent revival and stated commitment to inclusivity have brought new conversations to the forefront. This year, former Victoria’s Secret model Bianca Balti, at 41 years old and navigating a battle with ovarian cancer, made a deeply personal appeal to walk in the 2025 show. Her request, filled with hope and a desire to represent resilience, was met with a denial, stirring reflections on the true meaning of diversity in the fashion world.
A Model’s Heartfelt Plea Amidst Adversity
Bianca Balti’s journey has been one of immense personal challenge and courage. In October 2024, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a diagnosis that followed a preventative mastectomy in 2022 due to her carrying the BRCA1 gene, a mutation known to significantly increase cancer risk. Despite these formidable health battles, Balti approached Victoria’s Secret with an open letter, expressing her deep desire to participate in the 2025 fashion show.
Her message was powerful and profound. Balti emphasized that her intention was not merely personal ambition but a mission to ignite “hope” for women “living with hardship.” She eloquently stated in her self-published essay that she wanted to demonstrate that “life goes on in the face of adversity. You are not less of a woman. You are whole. You are sexy. You are unstoppable.” Her wish was to represent millions of women who have faced or will face cancer, to show that a diagnosis does not diminish beauty, confidence, or sensuality, and that “scars don’t erase who we are.”
Victoria’s Secret: A Journey of Transformation
The Golden Era and Its Challenges
For decades, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a global phenomenon, renowned for its dazzling spectacles and a coveted lineup of “Angels” such as Behati Prinsloo, Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldridge, and Karlie Kloss. These models became household names, embodying a specific ideal of glamour and allure. However, as cultural conversations evolved, the brand faced increasing criticism regarding its lack of representation and a perceived outdated image. This culminated in the indefinite cancellation of the fashion show in 2019, a move that reflected mounting controversies surrounding inclusivity and body diversity, as reported by The New York Times.
Embracing a New Vision of Inclusivity
In the wake of its hiatus, Victoria’s Secret embarked on a significant rebranding effort, signaling a “beautiful transformation” and a renewed “commitment to diversity and inclusion.” The brand revived its fashion show in 2024, aiming to showcase a broader spectrum of beauty. The 2024 show notably featured a diverse cast, including two trans women, plus-size powerhouses like Ashley Graham, Paloma Elsesser, and Devyn Garcia, and an impressive age range from 22-year-old Lila Moss to 56-year-old Carla Bruni. This marked a clear departure from its previous homogenous image, aiming to reflect a more inclusive and modern ethos.
The 2025 Fashion Show and Its Cast
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show continued this push for diversity, featuring a variety of notable figures. The runway welcomed WNBA player Angel Reese, model Jasmine Tookes (who proudly displayed her baby bump), Olympic gymnast Suni Lee, and supermodels Ashley Graham and Gigi Hadid. This lineup showcased the brand’s ongoing effort to include athletes, pregnant models, and a range of body types, further cementing its intention to move beyond its historical image.
Reflecting on the Denial: Inclusivity’s Deeper Meaning
Despite Victoria’s Secret’s visible strides toward inclusivity, Bianca Balti’s request was ultimately denied. The brand, in its “kind” refusal, cited that the show had already been fully cast. This decision, though likely procedural, raises important questions for a brand striving for authentic representation. Balti’s powerful message about life after cancer, embracing scars, and redefining sensuality, resonated deeply with many, particularly within the fan community who value genuine stories of strength.
Her inclusion would have transcended traditional beauty standards, offering a profound symbol of courage and a testament to the brand’s stated mission to uplift all women. The denial, therefore, prompts a deeper examination: does inclusivity extend to representing the lived experiences of women facing severe health challenges, or is it primarily focused on visible diversity markers? For many fans, seeing a former Angel return to the runway after such a personal battle would have been an incredibly powerful and inspiring statement, solidifying the idea that beauty and strength are truly boundless.
A Legacy of Strength and Hope
Though her request was denied, Bianca Balti’s brave step speaks volumes. Her determination to challenge perceptions and advocate for representation, particularly for those facing severe health challenges, embodies the very spirit of resilience. As she herself articulated, “Cancer taught me that life is too short not to try and that trying never kills you.” Her story, as detailed by People, serves as an inspiration far beyond the confines of any runway.
The conversation surrounding Victoria’s Secret’s evolving identity and its commitment to inclusivity is ongoing. While the brand has made significant strides, Balti’s experience highlights the continuous journey towards truly comprehensive representation. Her courage ensures that the dialogue about beauty, strength, and hope after hardship remains central, reminding us all that true inspiration often comes from the most personal and profound journeys.
