In honour of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, lets talk catwalk. This year, Victoria’s Secret is celebrating their 25 years of runway.

The Fashion show was launched in 1995, in attempt to market the lingerie brand throughout the use of entertainment and glamour. Nonetheless, it was one of the first runways to combine high-fashion lingerie with supermodels, music artists and performances and theatrical runway production, making it a cultural phenomenon. The fashion show also enabled a lot of uprising roles, solidifying their careers as “Victoria Secret Angels”, with models including Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio and many others. It’s cultural impact was a huge media breakthrough, the extravagant wings, fantasy lingerie sets and live performances by top artists; including but not subjected to, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Harry Styles, the Wknd , Justin Timberlake and many more. The show was televised globally, drawing millions of viewers and become a yearly fashion event.

Late 1990s- Early 2000s

This decade marks the rise of the Angels and Theatrical Runways. The show grew in scale, and the Victoria’s Secret Angels concept became formalised. Angels were supermodels contracted as ‘Brand Ambassadors’ becoming household names; featuring models such as Gisele Bundchen ( Worlds only Ubermodel) and Tyra Banks. These models became the face of the brand, gaining a bigger audience and fanbase. Runways became elaborate stages with themes, fairytales, ice queens, tropical paradises; a full spectacle and elaborate sets. The Angel Wings became signature elements, pieces that models would fight over and pieces that the fans adored. They were feathered, glittering, large (as big as 12ft) a symbol of fantasy and glamour. Another symbol of sexuality and glamour was their Fantasy Bra. The Fantasy Bra became an annual highlight, often designed by renowned jewellers and valued at millions of dollars.

Notables Shows:

2000- Show featured musical performances by Destiny’s Child and Ricky Martin

2003: Set in New York; Adriana Lima’s wings were notably large and intricate

2004: Featured performance by Gwen Stefani, a high-profile event

Themes started to feature fantasy elements

Mid-to-Late 2000s

Global Reach and Peak Popularity

The Victoria Secret show expanded globally, held in international cities such as Paris, Los Angeles and London. With this, the Models became cultural icons- Heidi Klum hosted and became synonymous with the show- causing the brand heavily marketed Angels as aspirational figures, Victoria’s Secret merchandise sales soared. In this rise, the Fantasy Bra tradition grew, evident in the $15 million ‘ Red Hot Fantasy Bra” worn by Gisele. Overall, the fashion show sky rocketed in audience, sales and performances, especially after performances by A-list stars ( Beyonce, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake), increasing entertainment value.

Notable Shows:

2001: Adriana Lima wore a Fantasy Bra worth $5 million

2008: Show featured in Miami, integrating beach themes

2009: Included a ‘Star Trek’ themed segment; more theatrical

2010’s

Heightened Spectacle and Criticisms

In this period, runway shows became highly theatrical, following complex choreography and more modern unique segments. Segments such as “Gilded Angels”, “Porcelain Angels” and “Birds of Paradise” showcased extraordinary costume designs. However, the brand started to gain scrutiny over the lack of diversity and outdated beauty standards and ideals. Even though models such as Karlie Kloss, Candice Swaneopoel and Joan smalls diversified the lineup, it just was not enough. Social media also begun to influence public perception, especially criticisms surrounding the Angels body standard became louder.

Notable Shows:

2014:20th anniversary show featured a retrospective theme; Katy perry performance

2015: The show was broadcasted live internationally which created a triumph on spectacle

2016: First Asian model, Sui He

2017: Show faced criticism for not adapting to modern ideals of inclusivity

2018

The final traditional show and decline

2018’s show was held in New York City and was supposed to be the last broadcasted show for the foreseeable future. However, Victoria’s Secret made a turn around and featured iconic angels such as Adriana Lima, who closed the show, and Behati Prinsloo. Despite this, the show still suffered declining TV ratings and consumer interested amid growing cultural shifts favouring body positivity and inclusivity. The brand received severe backlash against Victorias Secrets past statements and lack of diversity increased. Furthermore, the famous Fantasy Bra was absent, which symbolised a shift away from glamour and extravagance

2019-2022

Hiatus and Brand Reassessment

Victoria’s Secret cancelled the annual fashion show, citing changing cultural landscape and a strategic pivot. The brand began repositioning, launching campaigns with plus-size models, transgender models (Valentina Sampaio), to increase inclusive messaging. At this time, the concept of ‘Angels’ was retired to an extent, replaced by a broader and more diverse ambassador lineup. The brand experimented with digital shows and social media, shifting away from their traditional televised runway.

2023

The Return

Victoria’s Secret announced a comeback with a brand new, redesigned, more inclusive show. Runways featured models of varied races, sized, gender identities and backgrounds. The production shifted from fantasy and emphasised empowerment- a more contemporary approach. The brand introduced new musical performers and interactive elements aimed to engage digital audiences; as well as a difference on themes. The themes focused on diversity, strength and authenticity rather than overly sexualised imagery. This was the year the runway integrated a more dynamic approach of staging and an introduction to advanced technology.

Overall, despite its ups and downs, Victoria’s Secret Show reflected and shaped beauty standards but also faced backlash as societies expectations and values evolved. The show pushed boundaries in runway production, integrating music, choreography, fantasy costumes and celebrity culture; making it one of the most well-known fashion shows internationally.

The 2023 reboot holds cultural and fashion impact, where the brand acknowledges past criticisms and adapted to contemporary ideals.

Despite its controversy, the Victoria’s secret Fashion show remains a defining part of fashion history, launching careers and setting modern trends in the fashion industry, as well as the entertainment industry.