The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show captivated audiences with its glittering return, but it was the striking appearance of veteran Angel Behati Prinsloo, who left fans questioning her transformation, and the notable absence of runway favorite Kendall Jenner, signaling a shift in her career, that truly dominated conversations.
The highly anticipated Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its return on October 15, 2025, for its second consecutive year since its much-hyped relaunch. Held at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn, New York, the event was a blend of familiar faces and fresh talent, showcasing the brand’s evolved vision of glamour and inclusivity. While iconic Angels like Candice Swanepoel, Gigi and Bella Hadid, and Jasmine Tookes graced the runway, and newcomers such as Adut Akech, Angel Reese, and Emily Ratajkowski made their winged debuts, two models, in particular, captured the spotlight for very different reasons: Behati Prinsloo’s surprising transformation and Kendall Jenner’s notable absence.
Behati Prinsloo’s Striking Comeback and Fan Reactions
Veteran model Behati Prinsloo, 36, made her 11th overall appearance at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, captivating audiences with a daring black velvet slip dress adorned with silver star details and a thigh-high slit. Her edgy ensemble was completed with star-covered strappy heels and a unique pair of Angel wings crafted from mirror-like shards and crystal details. Despite the dark aesthetic, Prinsloo was all smiles, engaging with the crowd as she walked.
However, Prinsloo’s return sparked considerable discussion among fans. Many Instagram users, commenting on a video from Page Six, expressed disbelief, stating they “didn’t recognize her.” Comments ranged from “WHO IS THAT” to “That is NOT Behati. No way,” with some speculating about a “dark tan” or possible cosmetic changes such as an “eyelift” or “Ozempic face.”
Ahead of the show, Prinsloo had been tight-lipped about her runway plans, simply teasing, “we’ll see,” when asked by People. She reflected fondly on her past experiences with the brand, recalling, “Honestly, I always had so much fun at those shows. I have very fond memories of all of it. And the show was such a highlight, I think, for everyone and everyone watching, too. It was so fun.” Her return also followed her participation in a new Victoria’s Secret dream campaign alongside other Angels, including Candice Swanepoel and Taylor Hill.
Adam Levine Scandal Resurfaces
Adding another layer to the discussion, some fans referenced the 2022 cheating allegations against Prinsloo’s husband, Adam Levine. The Maroon 5 frontman had addressed the accusations publicly, stating he “used poor judgment in speaking with anyone other than my wife in ANY kind of flirtatious manner” and that “I did not have an affair, nevertheless, I crossed the line during a regrettable period in my life,” as reported by ABC News. Prinsloo and Levine married in 2014 and share two daughters, Dusty Rose and Gio Grace, and a son born in January 2023. While not directly related to her appearance, the scandal seemingly remained in the public’s mind when evaluating her recent high-profile return.
Kendall Jenner’s Surprising Absence and Shifting Priorities
In stark contrast to Behati Prinsloo’s highly discussed return, one of Victoria’s Secret’s most iconic models, Kendall Jenner, was notably absent from the 2025 runway. The supermodel, who made her debut for the brand in 2015 and last walked in 2018 (or 2019, according to conflicting reports, but consistently absent since then), was a surprising no-show. Jenner has previously fronted Victoria’s Secret campaigns and walked alongside her close friend Gigi Hadid at numerous shows.
Though Kendall hasn’t publicly addressed her absence from the 2025 show, she has spoken about the pressure of fashion shows. In an interview with Elle, she confessed, “I used to get really nervous during fashion shows. I feel like when you’re walking on the runway – I say this from experience – you’re just thinking, ‘Walk straight! Walk straight!’ – and you try to just focus on that. Especially me, because I used to get really nervous when I knew people in the audience. I would try and force myself to zone out.”
Beyond nerves, Jenner appears to be shifting her professional focus. She walked only one show during Paris Fashion Week recently, signaling a broader change in her career trajectory. In a recent interview with Vogue, she expressed a strong desire to explore new passions: “I swear to God, I’m going to stop everything and just design homes,” she said. “I’m not kidding.” This declaration suggests that the world of interior design might be her next significant venture, moving away from the high-pressure environment of the runway.
The Evolving Victoria’s Secret Landscape
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show underscored the brand’s ongoing evolution since its cancellation in 2019 amidst backlash over a lack of inclusivity. Behati Prinsloo herself acknowledged these changes, telling People, “I was so curious to know how they would bring back the show, keep it authentic to VS, but make it fresh and new and different and inclusive and all those things. I think a lot of people want [the runway] back and also want it to be different. They want elements that they miss from previous years, but also keep it 2024.”
The glittering lineup, featuring a diverse array of established icons and fresh faces, reflects this commitment to a modernized image. While models like Adriana Lima, Barbara Palvin, and Irina Shayk returned, alongside new Angels, the show aims to strike a balance between its iconic legacy and a more contemporary, inclusive appeal. The discussions around Behati Prinsloo’s appearance and Kendall Jenner’s absence highlight the dynamic nature of both the models’ careers and the brand itself, as it navigates a new era in fashion and public perception.
