VICTORIA'S SECRET Fashion Show 2024: Long Time No See

It was in November of 2019 when the Chief Financial Executive of L Brands, Victoria's Secret’s parent, made the announcement that their fashion shows were canceled until further notice. The decision was made due to previous shows not having the expected attention, and the brand being involved in many controversies. While it wasn’t an easy choice, it was the best one to soften the company’s reputation decline.

After almost 6 years without their most iconic event, Victoria’s Secret decided to make their comeback on the 15th of October 2024 in the city of New York. The show gave the whole world something to talk about. As many know, controversies had badly tarnished the brand in the past, hence their comeback has given the whole world something to talk about. The first step to rebuild their sustainable success path was to a show everyone what their real purpose is, and it couldn't have been done any other ways than starting again their shows. 

Regarding their show, one of the most critical choices they had to make was the selection of models that were going to wear their lingerie and mostly the wings. The casting left the audience speechless. Iconic VS Angels made their reappearance after many years. Names like Adriana Lima, Tyra Banks, Candice Swanepoel, Taylor Hill, the Hadids and Barbara Palvin, came together to celebrate this new era for Victoria’s Secret.

---

The show’s thoughtful composition 

Every element of the show was perfectly crafted and designed to accomplish a certain purpose.  After analyzing the show, it is clear the amount of hours and dedication the team employed in this event, making it not only fun and pleasant to watch but also very interesting. The show was structured into four different stages, each of them symbolizing something significant to the brand and reflecting their journey.

In the first part of the show, which was opened by Gigi Hadid, pink was the prominent color. It was the perfect choice to make, since pink is the emblematic color of the brand and what most people associate it with. Starting their show with a collection around this color, with delicate styling and very feminine lingerie, demonstrated that VS is back, and as iconic as ever. However, the music selection for this first part was also key. Models walking down to the beat of songs like ‘360’ from Charlie XCX, contrasted to what they were wearing. The meaning behind this selection is that even though Victoria’s Secret remains rooted in its signature, many things have changed. 

The second part followed cohesively the first one, maintaining  the delicate style but with an incorporation of many feathers and color punches like gold, silver and blue. Instead of a  soundtrack, Tyla performed her top hits like ‘Water’ which added a very sensual touch to this part of the show. This section reinforced the core values of the brand: femininity and allure.

The third part broke away from what was going on, with Kate Moss entering to the beat of ‘I love Rock and Roll’ dressed in all black, setting the tone for the most edgy and powerful part of the show. This phase featured bold, leather sets and black lace lingerie showcasing the expansion of the brand to more diverse and bold customers. Models like Ashley graham embodied this part of the show which portrayed confidence and rebellion.

To top it off, the final phase of the show, featuring none less than the incredible Cher, was all about the color red. Considered as the color of passion and sensuality not including it in the show would have been a fatal mistake. Nevertheless, beyond what the color red stands for, it surely symbolizes the huge battle the brand had to fight during this past decade and how well they have not only survived, but thrived in. Moreover, the finale, with Tyra Banks, the first ever black model to become an Angel in 1997, made the closing moment unforgettable.

To sum up, the show has been an incredible success, achieving not only the brand’s goals but more. The public’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, as many now can relate to what the brand shows in a way they couldn’t before.  The inclusion of diversity, the vibrant energy of the event, and an expanded portfolio of products beyond only lingerie have had a very strong, positive impact in both the press and audience. 

---

Did the show match the high expectations many had?

Many people have been talking about the show and sharing their personal opinion. Even though many are pleased with the work, there are some others who feel that their expectations were not met. 

Many people are commenting on how the styling was poor compared to previous collections. Claiming that in the past, the emphasis was on the details of the clothes and the elaborate themes behind them, which was what made the show special. However, It could be discussed that the lack of details, in the runway, extras and styling, may come due to their budget prioritizing mainly the casting of famous faces to draw attention. This might have been a safe decision for their return, but it won't suffice for another year.

Voluminous hair blowouts, exquisite spray tan and sexy attitude of the models were no longer seen; all key features describing what VS embodied in the past. The desire to see bombshell angles having fun on a sparkly elevated stage, while dancing with the guest singer was denied.  

Moreover, the one and only fantasy bra which has always been the most expected moment and the aspiration of every model to be able to wear it  down the runway disappeared. Typically, one model is chosen among the Angels to wear a bejeweled bra dubbed the "Fantasy Bra". It was first advertised in the Victoria's Secret catalog, but since 2001 has been worn in the fashion shows, 2024 being the first year this lacked. In 2001 Giselle Bündchen wore the most expensive Fantasy Bra of all time – the Red Hot Fantasy Bra, valued in $15milion. The last time a fantasy bra was exposed was in their former fashion show in 2018, where Elsa Hosk had the pleasure to wear the $1m masterpiece.

Although the show generated a lot of buzz, not everyone had a positive feedback, but as many say: All publicity is good publicity. While Victoria's Secret has seen a boost in interest, it is still unclear to declare if the boom is sustainable or if it is just another trend driven by the Tik Tok culture that has emerged during the years the brand was off the spotlight.

If you haven't yet seen it, click here to watch the whole show.

---

What is your honest opinion about the show? Did you like it? Were you expecting more of it?

• I loved it and over the years it will become iconic.
• It was lacking something, they could have done better.