Oh, the drama and dazzle of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show – it's back in 2025, and this edition in Brooklyn is sparking buzz like never before, blending empowerment with a touch of controversy that has everyone talking! If you've been following the brand's evolution, you know they've been reinventing themselves, and this year's event promises to be a game-changer. But here's where it gets intriguing: could this be the moment Victoria’s Secret truly leaves its past behind, or is it still clinging to some outdated ideas? Stick around to dive into the highlights, and I bet you'll see why opinions are divided. As a night blogger who's covered everything from political shake-ups to celebrity spotlights, I'm excited to break it all down for you in a way that's easy to follow, even if you're new to the fashion world. Let's unpack the magic from this year's show, with plenty of fresh insights and a few thought-provoking twists along the way.
First off, the Angels have swooped back into the Big Apple, landing their spectacular Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Brooklyn for the second straight year. The runway was alive with a mix of familiar faces and fresh talents, including seasoned models like Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Jasmine Tookes, alongside debutantes such as Angel Reese, Iris Law, and Suni Lee. And get this – the stage was lit up with electrifying performances from Madison Beer, Karol G, the K-pop sensation TWICE, and the legendary Missy Elliott. Can you imagine? It all wrapped up in under an hour, proving that less can indeed be more when it comes to high-energy entertainment.
Earlier in the week, executive creative director Adam Selman dropped some tantalizing hints on the 'The Run-Through With Vogue' podcast. He described this year's show as powerful, playful, and deeply rooted in storytelling – think narratives that unfold from dawn to dusk, capturing the essence of a full day in the life of these iconic figures. It's a clever way to structure the event, making each segment feel like a chapter in an unfolding tale. For beginners wondering what this means, imagine a fashion show that doesn't just showcase outfits but tells a story, like a visual novel where the clothes and performances build suspense and emotion.
And this is the part most people miss – the surprises that make you question everything. Jasmine Tookes kicked things off as the first Angel strutting down the catwalk, proudly displaying her visibly pregnant belly beneath a sheer mesh knitted dress. Selman explained to Vogue that the show's theme kicks off at 'morning and ends with black tie,' positioning this look as a bold 5 a.m. wake-up call. It's a refreshing nod to real-life experiences, celebrating motherhood in a way that's both vulnerable and empowering. But here's where it gets controversial: in a world where body image is hotly debated, is this inclusion progressive, or does it risk objectifying women in ways that some critics argue the brand hasn't fully shed? Food for thought as we explore more.
The runway was a whirlwind of talent, with four standout performances keeping the energy sky-high. Madison Beer took the stage first, kicking off with her hit 'Make You Mine' – a sultry track that set a seductive tone. Following her, the K-pop group TWICE burst onto the scene, launching their set with 'This Is For' while grooving in adorable fuzzy pink boots that added a playful, whimsical flair. Karol G, the global superstar, dazzled sans backup dancers but with an unexpected drum player joining her mid-performance, creating an intimate yet explosive vibe. And closing the entertainment was the one and only Missy Elliott, delivering a medley of her classics like 'Get Ur Freak On' and 'Work It,' backed by a lively troupe of dancers. Picture this: each act was a mini-concert, blending music with fashion in a seamless spectacle.
Now, for a highlight that's breaking barriers and sparking conversations – WNBA star Angel Reese and Olympic gymnast Suni Lee graced the catwalk, becoming two of the very first professional athletes to officially join the ranks of Victoria’s Secret Angels. This move signals a shift toward celebrating strength and athleticism beyond traditional modeling, inspiring fans to see these women as role models in every sense. If you're new to sports icons in fashion, think of it like how Serena Williams revolutionized tennis – these athletes bring a new level of power and grace to the runway.
A parade of new Angels made their memorable Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debuts this evening, including Barbie Ferreira, Quen Blackwell, Iris Law, Amelia Gray, Precious Lee, and Emily Ratajkowski. Each brought their unique flair, diversifying the lineup and reflecting a broader spectrum of beauty and style.
Bella Hadid turned heads with her striking honey-colored hair during the vibrant red segment of the show, sharing the spotlight with her sister, Gigi Hadid, who made her own Victoria’s Secret runway debut exactly a decade ago. It's a family affair that highlights the brand's legacy while embracing fresh looks – for those unfamiliar, Gigi's return underscores how the Hadid sisters have become synonymous with modern glamour.
Adriana Lima, a veteran Angel, finally broke free from her signature gelled-down ponytail. Just two weeks prior, Victoria’s Secret vowed on an Instagram Reel to ditch the slicked-back styles for good, and true to their word, they delivered bouncy, voluminous blowouts across the runway. While they're sleeker than before, there's not a single slicked-back hair in sight – a small but symbolic change that champions natural, free-flowing beauty over rigid perfection.
In the front row, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Dylan Sprouse cheered on their wives, with Abby Champion making her debut and Barbara Palvin returning to the spotlight. It's those personal touches that make the event feel intimate, like a celebration of real relationships amidst the glamour.
A couple of beloved new staples also returned to Brooklyn, including Alex Consani and Paloma Elsesser, proving that some favorites are here to stay and evolve with the brand.
And here's a fun twist that might surprise you – two pairs of jeans graced the PINK section of the show. Is this a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show first? Absolutely, it seems so! For context, PINK is the brand's more casual, youthful line, so incorporating everyday denim feels like a nod to comfort and accessibility, making high fashion feel a bit more relatable for everyday wear.
Missy Elliott brought the house down to close the runway, performing a medley of her hits with a full troupe of dancers. Who knows? She might even extend the party to the after-event festivities.
Whew, what a whirlwind of empowerment, innovation, and yes, a dash of debate! From celebrating pregnancy and athletic prowess to ditching old hairdos and introducing jeans on the runway, this year's Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is pushing boundaries. But is it truly inclusive, or are there still elements that echo the brand's controversial past? Do you think featuring pregnant models empowers women, or does it invite unwanted judgment? And with athletes like Angel Reese joining, is this the dawn of a more diverse era, or just a publicity stunt? I'd love to hear your thoughts – agree, disagree, or share your own takes in the comments below. Let's keep the conversation going!
