Stealing the spotlight on the pink carpet, 23-year-old Isan Elba captivated attendees at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025, showcasing a bold, lingerie-inspired ensemble that signals a new era for both the brand and the rising star.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025 in New York City was not just a return to the catwalk for many beloved Angels; it was a bold declaration of a brand reclaiming its heritage. Amidst the flurry of glamour and strategic rebrands, Idris Elba’s eldest daughter, Isan Elba, made an undeniable statement. Her daring, lingerie-inspired corset mini-dress perfectly encapsulated the show’s new direction: “unapologetically sexy” glamour.
The “Unapologetically Sexy” Revival of Victoria’s Secret
For decades, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a pinnacle of runway events, attracting immense buzz since its inception in 1995. However, following criticisms over a lack of diversity, eyebrow-raising comments from former chief marketing officer Ed Razek, and reports of a problematic work environment, the annual show was canceled in 2019.
After a six-year hiatus, the Angels returned to the catwalk in 2024 with a more diverse roster, including plus-size and transgender models. Yet, for the 2025 event, the brand’s new CEO, Hillary Super, announced a decisive shift: a return to its “unapologetically sexy” branding, moving away from its previous “woke rebrand.” This strategic pivot marks a new chapter, embracing the bombshell roots for which the brand was once known.
Isan Elba’s Striking Pink Carpet Ensemble
Stepping onto the pink carpet on Wednesday, October 15, Isan Elba, 23, effortlessly embodied this rejuvenated brand ethos. The actress and DJ showcased a strapless, structured mini-dress that featured intricate mesh panels set against elegant satin material. The corset detailing throughout the piece further cinched her silhouette, creating a daring and perfectly themed look for the lingerie giant’s biggest night.
Isan allowed her dress to take center stage, opting for minimal accessories that included only a pair of sparkling silver earrings. Her makeup was a study in natural glam, featuring a bronzed, glowy finish that enhanced her features. Completing her aesthetic, her hair was styled in classic Old Hollywood waves, parted on the side, with loose curls cascading over her bare shoulders. Black peep-toe heels added a final touch of sophistication to her ensemble, as reported by People.
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Isan Elba at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
A New Generation of Star Power
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a star-studded affair, with a mix of familiar faces and rising talents gracing the pink carpet and runway. Beyond Isan Elba, other notable celebrities in attendance included:
- Madison Beer, who kicked off the event in a sultry sheer black dress.
- Jodie Turner-Smith, stunning in a plunging frilly white mini dress.
- Rainey Qualley, showcasing her legs in a white lace mini.
- Industry veterans like Sarah Jessica Parker and Whitney Port.
- Returning Victoria’s Secret Angels such as Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Gigi Hadid, and Ashley Graham.
- Exciting newcomers to the runway, including WNBA star Angel Reese, influencer Quenlin Blackwell, “nepo baby” Iris Law, and plus-size models Yumi Nu and Precious Lee.
This blend of established icons and fresh faces, particularly those like Isan Elba and Iris Law who bring the “nepo baby” narrative, underscored the show’s attempt to bridge its glamorous past with a relevant future, all while embracing its redefined “sexy” image.
The Elba Legacy: Family, Film, and Forgiveness
Isan Elba’s burgeoning career in entertainment, both as an actress and DJ, is undoubtedly influenced by her famous father, Idris Elba. The acclaimed actor, who was named PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2018 by People, shares a close yet candid relationship with his daughter.
A memorable family anecdote involves Isan’s audition for her father’s 2022 film, Beast. Despite her talent, she ultimately didn’t get the part due to a perceived lack of on-screen chemistry with her dad. This decision, though delivered by producer Will Packer, led to Isan not speaking to her father for several weeks, as Idris Elba revealed on iHeart Radio’s The Breakfast Club. Thankfully, the father-daughter duo reconciled, with Isan later accompanying him to the Beast premiere, showcasing their enduring bond.
Idris Elba, also a father to 10-year-old son Winston, has often credited his children as his primary motivation. He shared with People in 2017, “They are the reason I get up and do it. When it’s a hard day and I think about bringing them up, I go, ‘Thank you for existing so I have a purpose.’”
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty
Idris Elba and Isan Elba, ‘A House Of Dynamite’ carpet, 63rd New York Film Festival
Beyond the Runway: The Future of Victoria’s Secret and Isan Elba
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show signifies a pivotal moment for the brand, as it navigates the complexities of modern consumer expectations while returning to its core identity. Under CEO Hillary Super’s leadership, the move back to an “unapologetically sexy” image is a calculated risk, seeking to recapture the glamor and excitement that once defined it.
For Isan Elba, her prominent appearance at such a high-profile event solidifies her status as a rising force in the entertainment and fashion worlds. Her bold style choice not only made headlines but also positioned her as an embodiment of the new Victoria’s Secret aesthetic. As she continues to forge her own path as an actress and DJ, her presence at events like these showcases her growing influence and ability to make a memorable impact, much to the delight of fans tracking her journey.
