Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Returns After A Long Hiatus! Here’s Everything That Went Down

After a five-year hiatus, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has made its grand return, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Iconic supermodels like Tyra Banks, Gigi Hadid, and Adriana Lima graced the runway once again, showcasing the brand’s signature lingerie and, of course, the legendary angel wings. The comeback event also featured its first-ever all-women lineup of performers, with Cher, Tyla, and Lisa from Blackpink lighting up the stage.

Before the runway spectacle began, the excitement backstage was palpable. From Barbara Palvin to Taylor Hill and rising stars like Alex Consani, the models shared their pre-show rituals during hair and makeup sessions. The atmosphere was electric as these top models prepared to strut down the runway, embodying the diverse, empowering energy of the show.

Model Mayowa Nicholas summed it up perfectly, highlighting how this year's event is all about celebrating women from different cultures and backgrounds. “The energy feels different,” Nicholas said. “It’s all about unity and empowering women, making this year's show unlike any other." The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2024 is not just a fashion moment—it’s a celebration of diversity, strength, and femininity.

Victoria’s Secret- Origins Of The Brand & The Iconic Fashion Show

Founded in 1977 by Roy Raymond, Victoria’s Secret was born out of a desire to make lingerie shopping a more welcoming experience for men. Raymond, uncomfortable buying intimate apparel for his wife at a local department store, envisioned a space where men and women alike could shop for high-quality, glamorous lingerie in a sophisticated setting. Drawing inspiration from Victorian-era boudoirs, he opened the first Victoria’s Secret store in Palo Alto, California. By 1982, after growing to five locations, Raymond and his wife sold the company to Leslie Wexner, owner of The Limited. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Victoria’s Secret’s meteoric rise, and the introduction of its famous catalog that helped bring the brand’s offerings into homes nationwide.

Victoria’s Secret revolutionized the way lingerie was perceived, transforming it from a purely functional item to a bold fashion statement. The shift began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, influenced by cultural moments like Madonna’s infamous innerwear-as-outerwear looks. By the mid-1990s, the brand had solidified its place at the forefront of the lingerie industry, thanks in large part to the introduction of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. First held in 1995 at New York City’s Plaza Hotel, this groundbreaking event elevated lingerie to a new level, turning it into a high-fashion spectacle. What started as a modest affair quickly grew into a multi-million-dollar production, complete with angel wings, Swarovski-encrusted bras, and A-list musical performances, captivating millions of viewers each year.

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show didn’t just showcase lingerie; it became a platform for models to achieve international stardom. Supermodels like Tyra Banks, Gisele Bündchen, and Heidi Klum became synonymous with the brand’s iconic wings, which were introduced in 1997 as part of the brand’s "Angel" collection. By the early 2000s, the fashion show had evolved into a televised event broadcast to millions, with the debut of the “Fantasy Bra,” a symbol of opulence and luxury, worn by top models and guarded with high security.

However, the show wasn’t immune to controversy. As cultural perceptions around body image began to shift, the brand faced criticism for its narrow standards of beauty, which contributed to its decline in relevance. The show was ultimately canceled in 2019, as Victoria’s Secret struggled to keep up with changing consumer values.

Yet, despite these challenges, Victoria’s Secret remains an enduring symbol of the evolution of lingerie and fashion. The brand’s early vision, paired with its groundbreaking fashion shows, helped shape how intimate apparel is viewed today—not just as a necessity, but as a celebration of beauty, confidence, and empowerment.

Why did the Victoria’s Secret fashion show go on a hiatus?

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show went on a hiatus after 2018 due to a sharp decline in viewership and growing criticism over its representation of beauty standards. Once known for its extravagant performances and glamorous models, the show came under fire for promoting a narrow, unrealistic image of femininity. The brand faced backlash for its lack of inclusivity, as it largely featured tall, slim, and predominantly white models, which no longer resonated with the modern audience that demanded more diversity in body types, ethnicities, and gender representations. As a result, public interest waned, and ratings plummeted, signaling that the show’s once-iconic appeal had faded.

Compounding this, internal controversies within Victoria's Secret further damaged the brand's reputation. Statements from former executives and the company’s ties to problematic figures sparked negative media attention, leading to a broader conversation about outdated views of beauty and women’s empowerment. The brand decided to pause the show in 2019 to reassess its marketing strategies and align with evolving cultural values. The hiatus allowed Victoria’s Secret to rethink its identity, promising a more inclusive and body-positive approach to fashion in the future.

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024- What’s New? 

The highly anticipated return of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2024 marked a new chapter for the iconic event, which had been on a yearslong hiatus following controversies and declining ratings. Livestreamed across social media, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube, the show brought together a star-studded lineup of models and performers. Familiar faces graced the runway once again, including Tyra Banks, Kate Moss, Adriana Lima, and the Hadid sisters, Gigi and Bella. These runway legends strutted down the catwalk in the brand’s signature lingerie and angel wings, while performances by music icons Cher, Tyla, and Lisa from Blackpink set the stage for an unforgettable night.

What made the 2024 show stand out was its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, with Victoria’s Secret aiming to redefine its image. For the first time ever, the event featured an all-female lineup of performers and showcased models who spanned a variety of ages, body types, and ethnic backgrounds. With 50 models representing 25 different countries, the show aimed to celebrate confidence, individuality, and fierceness. As executive producer Janie Schaffer noted before the event, the goal was to “reflect who we are today,” ensuring that women from all walks of life could see themselves represented on the runway. This year’s show was a marked departure from the traditional, one-dimensional image that Victoria’s Secret had been criticized for in the past.

Among the most memorable moments was Gigi Hadid opening the show, stunning the audience in a baby pink silk romper and giant feathered wings, and her sister Bella Hadid closing it in a dramatic red lingerie set with a billowing feathered robe. Adriana Lima, one of the most iconic Victoria’s Secret Angels, returned to the runway at age 43, wearing iridescent butterfly wings, a nostalgic nod to her earlier years with the brand. Other familiar faces, including Jasmine Tookes, Behati Prinsloo, Barbara Palvin, and Candice Swanepoel, also made appearances, adding to the excitement. This year's show, much like last year’s more subdued filmed celebration, showcased the brand’s evolution as it moves toward a more inclusive and empowered future.

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024: Artist Line-Up

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024 delivered not only stunning runway moments but also an unforgettable musical lineup, featuring an all-female roster of performers. The evening saw performances from K-pop sensation Lisa, South African singer Tyla, and pop legend Cher, who brought their star power and hit tracks to the stage.

1. Lisa

Kicking off the night, Lisa electrified the runway with a high-energy performance of her hit single "Rockstar." She later returned to the stage, this time donning intricate gold wings, to perform another standout track, "Moonlit Floor."

2. Tyla

Tyla mesmerized the audience with her angelic presence, dressed in feathery white wings as she performed her popular songs "PUSH 2 START" and "Water." Her soulful performance set the perfect backdrop for the models strutting alongside her.

3. Cher

In a dramatic finale, pop icon Cher took the stage with a choir providing a powerful intro. Emerging from a cloud of smoke, she performed her iconic hits "Strong Enough" and "Believe" as the final round of models graced the runway. Cher expressed her excitement about the all-female lineup, emphasizing the importance of women taking control of their own destiny.

This year’s all-women artist lineup reflected the brand’s commitment to empowering women, both on and off the runway, and added an extra layer of significance to the show’s grand return.

The OG Models That Graced The Runway

The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show saw the return of some of the industry’s most iconic supermodels, gracing the runway once again with their undeniable star power. From curvy representations to surprise appearances, the original “Angels” came back to leave a lasting impression.

1. Ashley Graham

Making her Victoria’s Secret debut, Graham wowed the audience in a lace black bodysuit with wings adorned with gold petals. At 36 and after having three children, she proudly represented curvy women, emphasizing her excitement about showcasing diverse body shapes and sizes on the runway.

2. Kate Moss

At 50, Kate Moss made a surprise appearance, strutting to "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" in a sheer lace black gown and puffed black wings. Her return to the runway was one of the night’s standout moments, marking her graceful reentry into the VS spotlight.

3. Tyra Banks

The show closed with Banks leading a group of models down the runway, twirling a flowing metallic cape in a geometric black jumpsuit. After almost 20 years, the former "America’s Next Top Model" host made a grand return, symbolizing the powerful legacy of the original Victoria’s Secret “Angels.”

4. Carla Bruni

At 56, the former French First Lady, singer, and supermodel made her Victoria’s Secret runway debut in a stunning black corset with heart-shaped wings framed by beaded fringe. Bruni's elegance and timeless beauty lit up the runway in a show-stopping moment.

5. Candice Swanepoel

One of the brand's most recognized faces, Swanepoel made her much-anticipated return, radiating confidence and grace in a sparkling lingerie set with feathered wings. Her performance embodied the sultry elegance she's known for.

6. Adriana Lima

A true Victoria’s Secret veteran, Lima made her return at 43, wearing metallic pink butterfly wings. Known for her enduring presence in the fashion show since 2000, Lima's walk was met with nostalgia and applause.

7. Doutzen Kroes

Kroes, another familiar face on the VS runway, returned with her signature charm. Her ethereal look featured elaborate wings and a sultry lingerie set, adding to the magic of the night.

8. Taylor Hill

A more recent favorite of the brand, Hill brought her youthful energy and striking beauty to the runway. She confidently walked in a dazzling outfit, reminding fans why she became a mainstay of the VS lineup.

9. Jasmine Tookes

With her radiant smile and powerful runway presence, Tookes returned in an eye-catching lingerie set with elaborate wings. Her walk was a testament to her elegance and strength as a model.

10. Irina Shayk

Shayk exuded her signature sultry vibe on the runway, captivating the audience in her bold ensemble. Known for her fierce runway presence, she delivered another unforgettable performance.

11. Gigi Hadid

Gigi opened the show in a baby pink silk romper and feathered wings, paying homage to her friend Taylor Swift. Her playful walk set the tone for the evening and showcased her star power.

12. Bella Hadid

Bella closed the show in a fiery red lingerie set paired with a billowing feathered robe. Her confidence and bold look left a lasting impression as she strutted down the runway.

13. Josephine Skriver

Known for her infectious energy and striking looks, Skriver returned to the VS runway with her signature confidence. Her sparkling outfit and dynamic walk added to the show’s high-energy atmosphere.

The comeback of these supermodels highlighted the evolution of the brand, celebrating confidence, inclusivity, and timeless beauty.

See Rest Of The Spectacular Looks From The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024

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Watch the entire runway show here.