Discover the definitive guide to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025, from Barbara Palvin’s courageous runway walk with a broken foot to Angel Reese’s historic debut, and all the dazzling performances and supermodel appearances that defined the night.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its highly anticipated return on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in New York, captivating audiences with a blend of iconic supermodels, groundbreaking new faces, and electrifying musical performances. After a five-year hiatus from 2019 and a comeback in 2024, the 2025 event proved that the show remains a significant fixture in the fashion world, evolving to embrace inclusivity and diverse talent.
Among the many dazzling moments, one story stood out for its sheer display of resilience: supermodel Barbara Palvin bravely strutted down the catwalk with a recovering broken foot. Her determination, coupled with the supportive words of her husband, Dylan Sprouse, became a powerful narrative of courage and dedication that resonated deeply with fans and attendees alike.
Barbara Palvin’s Unwavering Spirit: A Walk of Resilience
Just weeks before the grand event, Barbara Palvin suffered a broken foot, an injury that would sideline most, especially from an event requiring high heels and dynamic movement. However, the 32-year-old Hungarian-born model was determined not to miss the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Her husband, actor Dylan Sprouse, revealed on the pink carpet that Palvin was walking with a foot that was still recovering, just four weeks after the incident. “She broke her foot four weeks ago, so she’s got a foot that’s recovering, which is very funny to me,” Sprouse told E! News, expressing his mixed feelings of nervousness and confidence in her.
Sprouse’s support was unwavering, as he affectionately told the camera, “I love you, baby. Break a leg tonight.” He added, “She actually did break her foot four weeks ago, so she will be walking on a half-healed foot tonight. So I wish you luck. I love you. I know you are going to kill it.” This sentiment captured the admiration felt by many for Palvin’s incredible dedication.
Palvin herself admitted to being “very nervous” about hitting the runway in high heels with her injury. When asked about managing it, she quipped to Us Weekly magazine, “I got my wings, so if anything, I’ll just fly away.” This year, her accessory wings weighed only 1 lb, a significant decrease from the 40 lb wings she wore in 2024, offering some relief to her foot. Beyond the physical challenge, Palvin also shared her commitment to endometriosis awareness, wearing a yellow ribbon pin and revealing she underwent surgery in June after an earlier diagnosis this year.
Dylan Sprouse’s enthusiastic support for his wife has been a heartwarming tradition. In 2018, he famously brought her a Shake Shack meal after the show, and in 2024, he cheered her on with cutouts of their pets. While his exact plan for 2025 remained a mystery to Barbara before the show, his presence was a clear sign of his steadfast encouragement.
The Grand Return: Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025 Highlights
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was livestreamed on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Prime Video in the U.S., making it accessible to a global audience. The event continued its tradition of blending fashion with music and celebrity appearances, delivering a spectacle filled with memorable moments.
History-Making Moments and Notable Debuts
- Angel Reese’s Groundbreaking Walk: Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese made history on the catwalk, becoming the first professional athlete to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Trading her sneakers for stilettos, Reese marked a significant step in the brand’s evolution towards diverse representation.
- Jasmine Tookes’ Radiant Baby Bump: Model Jasmine Tookes radiated as she opened the show, proudly showcasing her baby bump. Sporting sky-high heels and a golden ensemble with embellished angel wings, she took a moment to cradle her bump, a beautiful display of motherhood on the runway.
- Emily Ratajkowski’s Debut: The 34-year-old model Emily Ratajkowski made her debut appearance in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, sporting a lacy pink lingerie set and striking bejeweled gladiator sandals.
- Iris Law’s Sporty Chic Debut: Iris Law also made her first appearance, exuding sporty chic in a cropped tee that read “Naughty-ish,” black boy shorts, and white sneakers. She shared a humorous anecdote about her father, actor Jude Law’s, reaction to her wearing lingerie: “My dad was like, ‘Is that lingerie?’ I was like, ‘But I’m wearing a T-shirt.'”
- Abby Champion’s Post-Wedding Appearance: Just one month after tying the knot with Patrick Schwarzenegger, Abby Champion returned to the runway with a confident attitude, showcasing a unique look featuring a feathered headpiece, light blue embellished pants, and a pink bra.
Iconic Angels and Supermodels
The runway also saw the return of beloved faces and renowned supermodels, each bringing their unique flair to the show:
- Gigi Hadid in Pink: Gigi Hadid was a vision in pink, sporting lacy lingerie paired with a voluminous, textured pink robe. She also presented an all-white ensemble that included a nightgown and oversized angel wings.
- Bella Hadid’s Blond Transformation: Bella Hadid, known for her brunette locks, debuted an ultra-blond look. She brought a fiery vibe to the runway in red lingerie, weeks after sharing images of an unspecified medical treatment.
- Ashley Graham’s Inclusive Return: Following her standout appearance last year, Ashley Graham returned to the runway, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to truly inclusive sizing. She rocked a black underwear and bra set complemented by black wings, celebrating body positivity.
- Behati Prinsloo’s Ethereal Look: Behati Prinsloo graced the runway in a stunning golden ensemble, complete with plenty of bling, showcasing an ethereal and captivating presence.
The show also featured an impressive roster of other supermodels, including Candice Swanepoel, Alessandra Ambrosio, Doutzen Kroes, Lily Aldridge, Amelia Gray, Irina Shayk, Alex Consani, and Yasmin Wijnaldum, contributing to the star-studded spectacle.
Electrifying Musical Performances
No Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is complete without a lineup of top musical acts, and 2025 delivered with powerful performances that energized the runway.
- Missy Elliott’s Grand Finale: Hip-hop icon Missy Elliott closed out the show with an unforgettable medley of her greatest hits, including “Get Ur Freak On,” “Work It,” and “Lose Control.” Dressed in a dazzling bedazzled sweatsuit, she was joined by a large crew of dancers for a larger-than-life performance that had everyone on their feet.
- Karol G’s Fiery Presence: Colombian singer Karol G brought her signature flair to the runway, captivating the audience in a striking red jumpsuit and matching heels as she performed her song “Ivonny Bonita”.
- Madison Beer’s Pink Dream: Madison Beer took the stage sporting pink wings and performing “Make You Mine,” embodying the classic Victoria’s Secret Angel aesthetic with her sweet and sassy all-pink ensemble.
- TWICE’s K-Pop Power: K-pop sensation TWICE delighted their fans with dynamic performances of “This Is For” and “Strategy.” Dressed in stylish pink and black outfits with statement boots, the group perfectly captured the vibrant energy of the show.
The Evolving Legacy of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show demonstrated a continued commitment to reinvention, moving beyond its past controversies to present a more inclusive and diverse vision of beauty. From Barbara Palvin’s incredible show of resilience to Angel Reese’s historic entry and the vibrant musical acts, the event offered a fresh perspective while retaining the glamour and spectacle fans have come to expect.
This year’s show solidifies the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show’s place not just as a fashion event, but as a cultural moment reflecting broader conversations about body image, athlete representation, and the power of perseverance. It’s clear that the show is determined to continue its legacy, redefining what it means to be an “Angel” for a new generation.
