The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made a triumphant return, blending the brand’s iconic legacy with fresh, diverse talent. This year’s event in New York City was a spectacular showcase of glamour, featuring groundbreaking debuts like WNBA star Angel Reese, powerful comebacks from Gigi and Bella Hadid, and electrifying performances from global music sensations, proving the show remains a cultural phenomenon.
The highly anticipated Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, now in its 27th year, once again captivated audiences on October 15, 2025, from New York City. Far more than just a runway presentation, the event transformed into a vibrant cultural spectacle, seamlessly blending high fashion with a dynamic concert experience. This year’s show was particularly notable for its strategic mix of seasoned “Angels” and a new wave of diverse talent, marking a significant evolution for the brand.
The atmosphere backstage was abuzz with activity, a “powder pink glamour” that extended from bespoke pastel pink cosmos to marbled Jell-O shots and macarons emblazoned with the VS logo. Celebrities and internet personalities mingled, creating a buzz even before the main event. Comedian Hannah Berner, alongside social media stars Clarke Peoples and Monet McMichael, added to the star-studded guest list, while “Love Island” reality TV favorites like Iris Kendall, Kaylor Martin, and Tasha Ghouri underscored the show’s broad pop culture appeal.
Historic Debuts and Triumphant Returns Define the 2025 Lineup
This year’s model lineup showcased a powerful blend of legacy and innovation. Among the most talked-about moments was the historic debut of WNBA star Angel Reese, who became the first professional athlete to walk the runway. Reese, preparing for her big moment, shared insights into her unique preparation for the show. “I’m going to eat a lot of food because I definitely changed my diet, not eating as much as I do as an athlete,” Reese told USA TODAY backstage. “As an athlete, you fuel up and for modeling, you fuel down. So I’m ready to eat.” Her rigorous practice with a walking coach undoubtedly paid off, as her confident stride earned raucous applause.
The Hadid sisters, Gigi and Bella, made a dominating return to the runway, with Bella’s appearance being particularly significant after a recent health battle. Gigi opened the show in a stunning pink silk one-piece and oversized wings, even channeling her close friend Taylor Swift’s signature pose, much to the delight of fans. The show also welcomed back veterans like Adriana Lima, the longest-running Angel in the brand’s history, and Behati Prinsloo, alongside Jasmine Tookes, who gracefully walked the runway at nine months pregnant. Newcomers like Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee and social media sensation Quenlin Blackwell rounded out a truly diverse cast.
Backstage Rituals: How Angels Find Their Calm Before the Storm
For many models, the moments before hitting the runway are filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. USA TODAY gathered insights into the pre-show routines of several Angels:
- Barbara Palvin confessed to still getting “very nervous,” finding solace in breathing routines and tight hugs before showtime. Her husband, Dylan Sprouse, was notably in the audience, particularly excited for the TWICE performance.
- Adriana Lima maintained her composure by meditating and using a calming mix of tangerine and lavender essential oils.
- Iris Law, daughter of actors Jude Law and Sadie Frost, opted for music, revealing that Drake’s “Somebody Loves Me” was on repeat, and a mint to feel “fresh and awake.”
- Barbie Ferreira leaned on affirmations from her stage performance background and the support of loved ones, stating, “Making sure that if I’m freaking out, I’m talking to people that I love… They talk me down from my ledge.”
- Joan Smalls focused on simply “having fun backstage with my friends and just laugh” to ease into the show.
A Symphony of Sound: Musical Acts Electrify the Runway
The 2025 show was a feast for the ears as much as the eyes, featuring an impressive lineup of musical talent. Performances from Missy Elliott, Karol G, and Madison Beer provided the live soundtrack. The K-pop girl group TWICE garnered deafening cheers, particularly delighting actor Dylan Sprouse, who proclaimed them his “favorite K-pop band.” Missy Elliott, as the closer, brought the house down with a medley of her hits, solidifying the show’s reputation for high-energy entertainment.
The Evolution of an Icon: From Hiatus to Inclusivity
The return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show after a prolonged hiatus (it was cancelled in 2019 and returned in 2024) reflects the brand’s commitment to evolving with contemporary values. The cancellation in 2019 came amid increasing backlash regarding body positivity, transgender rights, and the #MeToo movement, coupled with controversies surrounding leadership. The company pledged that the updated event would “reflect who we are today, plus everything you know and love — the glamour, runway, wings, musical entertainment, and more!” The 2024 show featured an all-women musical talent lineup including K-pop sensation Lisa, Tyla, and pop legend Cher, who closed the show.
The 2025 show continued this new direction, embracing diversity and inclusion more fully. The introduction of Angel Reese as the first pro athlete, the presence of body activist Ashley Graham (who made her debut in 2024, expressing excitement to represent curvy women), and models like Jasmine Tookes walking while pregnant, all demonstrate a significant shift towards broader representation. This blend of “old meeting new” ensures the show remains relevant and impactful, drawing new fans while honoring its storied past.
As the show concluded with a flurry of pink confetti, Adriana Lima, the enduring presence and longest-running Angel at 44, symbolically guided the newer talents off the stage. Her commanding presence and million-kilowatt smile underscored the generational blend that made the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show a memorable and pivotal event, cementing its place in popular culture for a new era.
