The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marked a monumental return to the runway, showcasing a transformative vision with an all-female musical lineup headlined by iconic artists Missy Elliott and K-pop sensation TWICE. This year’s spectacle, held in New York City, celebrated global sounds, diverse beauty, and trailblazing representation, redefining the brand’s identity for a new era.
After a six-year hiatus and a 2024 relaunch, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its highly anticipated comeback on October 15, 2025, from New York City. This year’s event, directed by new creative director Adam Selman, was not merely a return but a powerful statement of reinvention, emphasizing inclusivity, female artistry, and diverse representation on a global stage.
The runway spectacular blended the brand’s iconic glamour with a fresh, modern sensibility, streaming live across major platforms including Prime Video, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Fans worldwide had a front-row seat to a show that aimed to transcend its past, moving beyond the “angel” era to embrace a broader definition of beauty and power.
An All-Female Musical Powerhouse
The 2025 show proudly showcased an all-female musical lineup, echoing the brand’s commitment to spotlighting women in music and fashion. Headliners included hip-hop legend Missy Elliott, K-pop global phenomenon TWICE, Colombian superstar Karol G, and pop sensation Madison Beer. This dynamic quartet delivered unforgettable performances, captivating audiences with their unique styles and sounds.
Missy Elliott: A Supa Dupa Fly Performance
Missy Elliott, at 54, proved her reign is far from over, delivering a jaw-dropping medley of her greatest hits. Dressed in an embellished set complete with a bedazzled belt, platform boots, and stylish sunglasses, she electrified the stage. Her performance included fan favorites like “Minute Man,” “Get Ur Freak On,” “Work It,” and “Lose Control,” culminating in a show-closing spectacle that resonated with her signature high-concept fashion and precision choreography. Missy’s influence as a musical genius, fashion trendsetter, and visual architect was undeniable, embodying the confidence and individuality central to Victoria’s Secret’s new vision.
Victoria’s Secret/YouTube
Missy Elliott performs at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Her inclusion in the lineup was another major milestone in her trailblazing career. Missy Elliott holds the record for most platinum albums by a woman rapper and was the first female rapper inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023. She also earned an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music and the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award in 2019. Reflecting on her journey, Elliott shared on X (formerly Twitter), “I am HUMBLY GRATEFUL! Crying Tears of JOY! Thinking of the days I wasn’t so strong but through FAITH & PRAYER I kept going.” Her performance at the show preceded her slated appearance at the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in November, as reported by People.
TWICE: K-Pop’s Star Power Ignites the Runway
K-pop supergroup TWICE brought their immense global appeal to the Victoria’s Secret stage. Members Nayeon, Jihyo, Tzuyu, and Momo introduced the “Class of Pink 2025” segment with energetic performances of their hit songs “This Is For” and “Strategy.” The foursome coordinated in vibrant baby pink knee-high fur boots and micro miniskirts, perfectly matching the aesthetic of the Pink collection models. Since their 2015 debut, TWICE has sold over 20 million albums and broken several Billboard records, including becoming the first girl group to reach number one on the Top Album Sales chart with an EP.
Speaking on the synergy between fashion and performance, member Mina shared in a 2020 interview with Harper’s Bazaar US, “The costumes and makeup are like our armor; we become more confident and powerful in them onstage. We feel like we can face anything!” This sentiment perfectly captured the empowering spirit of their Victoria’s Secret performance.
A Diverse Cast Redefining Beauty
The runway featured a compelling blend of legendary supermodels and new-generation stars, collectively redefining contemporary beauty and power. Icons like Adriana Lima, Lily Aldridge, Irina Shayk, and Joan Smalls walked alongside newer faces such as Anok Yai, Yumi Nu, and Alex Consani. The show’s commitment to diversity was particularly highlighted by the inclusion of WNBA star Angel Reese.
Reese made history as the first professional athlete to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway, a significant moment for both the brand and the world of sports. Her groundbreaking appearance, as confirmed by People, underscores the show’s evolution towards a more inclusive and representative platform, championing women from all fields.
Victoria’s Secret/YouTube
Missy Elliott performs at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Fashion Moments: Hits and Missteps
While the 2025 show was largely praised for its star-studded performances and model lineup, the red carpet and runway also had their share of daring—and sometimes questionable—fashion choices. Celebrities and models showcased a mix of glamorous gowns and bold statement pieces, though not every look was a crowd-pleaser.
Notable fashion moments included:
- Emira D’Spain, whose look was critiqued as over-the-top and chaotic.
- Hannah Godwin, who had an awkward moment in a sheer purple gown with a matching feather boa, attempting to cover up without a bra.
- Ayan Broomfield, similarly opting for a see-through black mini dress with no undergarments, relying on a chain for coverage.
- Jordyn Woods, who turned heads in a neon yellow leopard-print jacket.
- Eva Gutowski, whose white crop top with strange cut-outs and an unusual headpiece left many puzzled.
These instances, while generating buzz, underscored the fine line between bold self-expression and fashion faux pas, reminding viewers that even in high-fashion events, not every risk pays off. However, these discussions also fueled fan engagement, contributing to the show’s overall cultural impact.
The Evolving Legacy of Victoria’s Secret
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show solidified the brand’s commitment to its “reinvention era.” Moving from its former “angel” concept, the show now embraces a more inclusive and creative vision, led by women, for women. This shift reflects a broader cultural dialogue about representation and empowerment, ensuring the brand remains relevant and impactful for a new generation of consumers and fans.
From the energetic performances of TWICE and Missy Elliott to the groundbreaking inclusion of diverse models like Angel Reese, the 2025 show was more than just a fashion event; it was a statement. It marked a significant step forward in the brand’s journey, proving that while glamour remains, the definition of beauty and confidence is continuously evolving.
