The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has long stood as a cultural touchstone within the global fashion industry, producing memorable moments and launching the careers of supermodels worldwide. Though often associated with glamour, beauty, and elaborate wings, the fashion show and its star-studded after-party reveal a more nuanced story, marked by personal ambition, resilience, renewed purpose, and significant shifts in the industry’s approach to diversity and inclusion.
Gigi Hadid’s Journey: Persistence and Success
Gigi Hadid—a name synonymous with contemporary modeling excellence—first auditioned for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show multiple times before finally earning her spot in the 2015 edition at the age of 20. Her experience echoed the reality faced by many aspiring models, showing that persistence is often the key to breaking through. Reflecting on her debut, Gigi described the emotional intensity and fulfillment of achieving her goal: “Oh my God, my heart’s racing [thinking about it]. I’m just so happy for her, like she just wanted it so bad,” she reminisced for the brand in 2025.
For Gigi, and for many of her peers, participation in the show went beyond the display of lingerie; it signified personal victory, growth, and contribution to an evolving industry. She highlighted in her recent interviews that “It’s not what people think. It’s not just about lingerie and looking hot.” Such perspectives underline the multidimensional role of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, inspiring future generations of models and fans.
As the brand undergoes purposeful image rehabilitation, Gigi, now 31, is preparing to walk the pink carpet yet again for the sixth time at the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, scheduled for October 18 at L.A.’s Sony Pictures Studios. The anticipation is palpable as both seasoned and new faces join the lineup.
Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, and the New Era of Supermodels
Bella Hadid, another prominent figure and Gigi’s sister, joins a star-studded roster of returning supermodels, including Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Irina Shayk, Candice Swanepoel, Ashley Graham, Kate Moss and her daughter Lila Moss, and even former French First Lady Carla Bruni. The 2024 show signaled a rebirth under new leadership, offering a more inclusive representation while maintaining the glamour and spectacle the event is famous for.
The return of iconic features such as the Fantasy Bra—hand-crafted in collaboration with Jacob & Co.—is entwined with suspense, as the model chosen to wear this celebrated piece remains a secret. This renewed emphasis on signature elements adds excitement and tradition to the evolving show.
The Making of Victoria’s Secret Angels: Transformational Journeys
Tyra Banks: Breaking Barriers
Tyra Banks’ first appearance in the mid-’90s forever shaped the brand and the industry’s perspective on diversity. As she wrote in 2021, “First is lonely. But first is necessary… Within a 10 year span starting in 1995, I was the first Black Victoria’s Secret contract model ever. The first Black Victoria’s Secret Cover model. The first Black VS model to do so many other groundbreaking things with the brand—as well as other brands.”
Banks’ advocacy for greater inclusion and change within the industry laid the groundwork for subsequent generations. After retiring in 2005, she expanded into acting, television hosting (‘America’s Next Top Model’, ‘The Tyra Banks Show’, ‘Dancing With the Stars’), and entrepreneurship, notably launching her own ice cream brand. Her return to the VS stage in 2024 symbolized both nostalgia and progress.
Gisele Bündchen: Calculated Risks and Reward
Signing a five-year contract with Victoria’s Secret in 2000, Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen reflected on the uncertainty of joining a brand that was not yet dominant. “I’ve been in the business since I was 14. I saw so many girls that were working and the next day you never saw them again. So I was like, ‘You know what? They’re paying me great… but I have to take the risk.’” This risk led to immense career growth.
As Gisele matured professionally and personally, she diversified her activities, writing memoirs, focusing on her children, and later welcoming a baby with boyfriend Joaquim Valente in 2025. Her story illustrates the evolving nature of a modeling career and the enduring impact of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on global icons.
Heidi Klum: Household Recognition
Heidi Klum first appeared in the Victoria’s Secret runway in 1997, and her involvement helped make her a household name. “It changed my career a lot… People all over the place all of a sudden would know who I am, and it made me kind of a household name,” Klum said in a 2008 CBS interview.
After bidding farewell to her Angel wings in 2010, Klum continued modeling, hosting TV shows and making headlines for her creative Halloween costumes. She also passionately supported the brand’s recent inclusivity efforts, saying, “Looking at this now, I’m like, ‘About time, good.’ Because things do need to change and they have been changing and it’s been taking too long.”
Adriana Lima: From the Shy Girl to Icon
Adriana Lima’s story is remarkable in its transformation from a shy Catholic school student aspiring to be a nun, to a central figure in the Victoria’s Secret universe from 1999 to 2018. “So I went through the teenager years, to the younger woman, to now I’m a mom. Throughout all of these changes in my life, I feel celebrated and I’m so happy to be here. As a mother and a woman, to see that you have that space in fashion for me, it’s quite supporting and uplifting.”
Lima returned to the Victoria’s Secret stage in 2024 and is set to appear again in 2025, underscoring the supportive environment and enduring legacy the show provides for its participants.
Alessandra Ambrosio: Pink Line to Angel Status
Alessandra Ambrosio debuted in 2000, quickly establishing herself with Victoria’s Secret’s Pink line before receiving her Angel contract. “We started shooting for Pink, and we shot for three years in a row…That’s when they recruited me to be an Angel.” Ambrosio continued to participate in every show until retiring in 2017, returning in 2024 with plans to appear for the 19th time in 2025.
Miranda Kerr: Evolution, Family, and Business
Miranda Kerr became the first Australian Angel in 2007, stepping away from VS in 2013 to focus on her son Flynn and other business opportunities, notably her skincare brand, Kora Organics. “This is a natural evolution… after I became a mother, I realized I needed to prioritize my time.” By 2024, Kerr, a mother of four, reflected on her fond memories but embraced her new direction, highlighting the changing nature of modeling post-VS.
Lily Aldridge: Return After Nine Years
Lily Aldridge’s entry in 2009 marked a milestone in her career. “I remember saying to people my legs felt like Jell-O and cement at the same time. I’m not sure how I made it down the runway, but I did! And it’s the best feeling.” Aldridge received her Angel wings in 2010, continuing until 2016, and in 2025 announced her return after a nine-year break, blending motherhood, music family ties, and modeling.
Industry Evolution: From Critique to Renewal
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was canceled in 2019 following criticism that the event had not adapted to contemporary sensibilities regarding body positivity, inclusivity, and representation. The brand responded with reforms under new leadership, introducing a greater diversity of models, including Ashley Graham, and embracing talent from broader backgrounds.
Gigi Hadid and Heidi Klum emphasized that the brand’s reinvention is not merely cosmetic; it reflects real shifts in the industry, opening doors for new faces and fostering an environment of acceptance and empowerment. “Things do need to change and they have been changing and it’s been taking too long,” Klum said in support of Victoria’s Secret’s new direction.
Cultural Impact and International Reactions
The global reach of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has shaped perceptions of beauty and fashion, inspiring industry standards and influencing pop culture. International reactions to its reforms have been mixed, with some viewing the changes as overdue and others applauding the company for meaningful steps toward inclusivity and relevance.
As the 2026 show approaches, anticipation remains high. The participation of veteran supermodels and new faces reflects growing international interest and the wider societal aspiration for representation and celebration of individuality. The event’s after-parties, with their relatable vibe and camaraderie among models, continue to reinforce a sense of community and collective achievement.
Expert Views: Redefining Fashion’s Aspirations
Fashion critics and industry experts note that the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and after-party now serve as benchmarks not only for trends but for progress within the industry. The show’s transformation illustrates the increasing importance of authenticity, diverse representation, and support networks for models. By leveraging its platform, Victoria’s Secret signals to audiences and participants that ambition, perseverance, and individuality are to be celebrated.
Looking Forward: Legacy and Continuing Influence
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and its after-party, especially as experienced by Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, and their contemporaries, represent evolving industry dynamics, personal journeys, and the celebration of both tradition and innovation. As the event continues to adapt and inspire, it demonstrates the power of collective voices in shaping the future of fashion—a future that embraces change, encourages ambition, and recognizes the profound impact of inclusivity.
Sources
- Reuters
- BBC
- The Guardian
- E! Online
- Al Jazeera
Disclaimer: This content is intended for entertainment purposes only and is not based on real events.