Victoria's Secret Fashion Show returns with help from Cher, Kate Moss and OG 'Angels'
October 16, 2024, 3:03 AM UTC
The "angels" of Victoria's Secret took to the runway on Tuesday for the lingerie brand's Fashion Show, celebrating the comeback of this once-popular event that had been on a lengthy pause due to previous controversies.
The event was broadcast live on social media platforms, as well as on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. It showcased several well-known personalities, such as Tyra Banks, Kate Moss, the Hadid sisters, and Adriana Lima. Dressed in different styles of the brand's iconic wings, the models strutted down the runway to live music by Cher, Tyla, and Lisa.
The hour-long event retained a familiar format consistent with previous years. However, it featured an exciting first: an entirely female lineup of performers. The 50 models, hailing from 25 different countries, showcased a diverse array of ages, body types, and backgrounds.
After calling off the show in 2019 due to falling viewership and various controversies, Victoria's Secret announced that this year's event is intended to showcase "who we are today" as a brand. In its latest statement on values, the company expresses its commitment to representing “all women.”
During a livestream on the pink carpet prior to the event, executive producer Janie Schaffer expressed, “This year’s show embraces diversity and is open to all. We chose our cast based on their self-assurance and boldness, and I truly believe that’s what will stand out.”
A large number of celebrities attended the event, which followed a more low-key celebration from the previous year. That earlier event featured a reworked, partially restaged filmed version that was available for streaming on Prime Video.
Here are some key takeaways from the 2024 event.
Cher Leads All-Female Performer Lineup
K-pop sensation Lisa, South African artist Tyla, and pop icon Cher lit up the stage all night, performing many of their greatest hits.
Lisa kicked off the show as the first performer, taking the stage with a group of backup dancers for an electrifying version of her popular song “Rockstar.” She made a later appearance on stage, adorned with elaborate gold wings, to deliver a captivating performance of “Moonlit Floor.”
Tyla, donning delicate white wings, graced the stage with her performances of “PUSH 2 START” and “Water,” while models strutted alongside her.
In a thrilling conclusion, a choir kicked off the opening vocals for Cher, with her name lighting up the backdrop on the runway. As she appeared from a haze of white smoke, she delivered her iconic songs “Strong Enough” and “Believe” while the last group of models made their way down the runway.
Before the event began, Cher mentioned on the pink carpet that she was "most thrilled" about the lineup of all-female performers.
"I'm really proud that women are starting to have the opportunity, in various respects — though not in every aspect — to carve out their own paths."
Hadid Sisters And Adriana Lima Flaunt Their Wings Again
Following Lisa's opening act, Gigi Hadid was the first model to hit the runway, showcasing a soft pink color palette. She playfully blew a kiss to the crowd while wearing a silky romper and oversized feathered angel wings.
Numerous people on the internet observed that Gigi seemed to pay tribute to her close friend Taylor Swift by waving to the crowd in the same manner Swift did during each show of the Eras Tour.
In the meantime, Bella Hadid, Gigi's sister, sent a playful kiss to the crowd while wrapping up the show. She looked stunning in a bright red outfit, featuring a flowing feathered robe paired with coordinating lingerie.
The Hadid sisters have been loved by fans at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows ever since they started appearing regularly on the runway in the mid-2010s.
Lima, one of the most famous Angels in the history of Victoria's Secret, made a comeback on the runway at the age of 43, after stepping away following the brand's final fashion show in 2018. Having joined the ranks of VS Angels back in 2000, she donned stunning iridescent butterfly wings in shimmering pink hues.
Other past Angels who made a comeback on Tuesday included Jasmine Tookes, Behati Prinsloo, Barbara Palvin, Taylor Hill, and Candice Swanepoel.
Iconic Supermodels Make A Comeback
International supermodel Ashley Graham, 36, made her first appearance in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show this year. She wore a lace black bodysuit and wings decorated with shimmering gold petals. In a video posted this week, she expressed that she accepted the invitation with the intention of ensuring everyone feels recognized and represented during the show.
"I'm absolutely thrilled! In my late 30s, having just welcomed three kids, I'm feeling wonderfully curvy and confident, and my outfit looks stunning," Graham expressed. She also shared, "What really excites me is being able to represent countless curvy women of all shapes and sizes on the runway."
Kate Moss, who is 50 years old, unexpectedly stole the spotlight by walking onto the stage while the song "I Love Rock ’n’ Roll" played. She wore a delicate black lace gown and dramatic black wings, adding to her striking entrance.
Claudia Schiffer, who made her debut at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 1997, made a comeback this year, gracing the stage in a transparent black outfit. Now 54 years old, she was the first model to wear the brand's dazzling diamond-studded Fantasy Bra back in 1996.
Veteran model Carla Bruni, who is also a singer and was once the first lady of France, made her debut at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show this year at the age of 56. She confidently walked the runway wearing a black corset adorned with heart-shaped wings embellished with beaded fringe.
The event wrapped up with Banks, who guided a group of models down the runway while pink confetti showered the stage. Wearing a striking geometric black jumpsuit and gracefully spinning in her shimmering metallic cape, Banks, the former host of “America’s Next Top Model,” made her comeback to the fashion runway after almost two decades.
Angela Yang covers culture and trends for NBC News.
