Victoria Secret Fashion Show 2024
The return of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2024 marked a vital moment for the brand, which has faced significant observation in recent years. After a six-year break following the 2018 cancellation, the fashion show sought to reinvent itself in an evolving cultural landscape, moving toward greater inclusivity and diversity while still retaining elements of the glamour that once defined the famous lingerie brand. Held in New York City on October 15, 2024, the show drew attention for its combination of familiar faces, fresh talent, and revamped branding efforts.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has been a staple in the fashion industry for over two decades, with its grand displays of lingerie "Angels" becoming a hallmark of the brand’s identity. However, declining viewership and criticism over the show’s representation of beauty standards led to its cancellation after 2018. In the meantime, Victoria's Secret faced calls to modernize its approach, especially as society's conversations about body positivity, inclusivity, and representation became central to discussions about fashion. Recently they have worked towards incorporating more diversity and inclusion within the runway shows.
Historically, the show featured a predominantly slim, tall, and often Eurocentric cast of models, which sparked controversy for promoting a single, idealized body type. However, the brand has shifted to reflect the changing cultural landscape and consumer expectations, highlighting models of various ethnicities, body types, and backgrounds. This evolution underscores a commitment to inclusivity, with the brand now aiming to celebrate diverse representations of beauty. Additionally, Victoria’s Secret has incorporated models who identify across the gender spectrum, aligning with a broader push toward representation and self-acceptance. This move broadens the fashion show’s appeal and allows the brand to connect with a wider audience, recognizing that beauty and confidence come in many forms.
One of the show's highlights was the return of Adriana Lima, a longtime Victoria’s Secret Angel who had retired in 2018. Fans and fellow models alike celebrated Lima’s comeback, as she had been one of the most recognizable faces of the brand for nearly two decades. At 43, Lima took to the runway with her signature wings, reminding the audience of her enduring star power. Her reappearance carried a sense of nostalgia and symbolized continuity, bridging the gap between the brand’s past and its reimagined future. Lima’s return was more than just a fashion statement—it was an emotional moment. In interviews leading up to the show, she expressed excitement and nervousness about her return, calling it a "family reunion" with her fellow models. The emotional resonance of her return was evident as she walked in a bold, punk-inspired ensemble, complete with plaid sleeves and butterfly wings, signaling both the legacy she helped build and the new direction the show was heading.
Yet it wasn’t only about the models—it also featured a star-studded lineup of musical performances that added a dynamic layer to the event. Global sensations like Lisa from the K-pop group BLACKPINK, the latest upcoming singer Tyla, and legendary artist Cher took to the stage, blending the worlds of music and fashion seamlessly. These performances brought fresh energy to the show, offering a broader appeal and catering to a younger, more diverse audience.
The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was both a nostalgic revival and a symbolic reboot for the brand. By bringing back iconic figures like Adriana Lima while also showcasing diverse new talent, Victoria’s Secret signaled its intent to evolve and adapt to modern sensibilities. The challenge ahead will be maintaining this balance between honoring its past and continuing to push forward with a more inclusive, forward-thinking vision for the future of fashion.