Victoria’s Secret reclaims its spotlight with a stunning mix of nostalgia and modernity, celebrating diversity and redefining what it means to be an angel.
After a six-year hiatus, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its triumphant return, lighting up the runway with iconic looks, diverse models, and a renewed sense of purpose. Held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the 2024 show marked a new era for the brand, which has faced significant changes in both its lineup and its values. The event, which has been reimagined to reflect the brand’s commitment to inclusivity, featured a lineup of supermodels, legends, and fresh faces, signaling a bold move toward a more representative future.
This year’s show was highly anticipated, as it signified not just a return to the runway but a rebranding effort for Victoria’s Secret, which has been under scrutiny in recent years for its lack of diversity and outdated portrayal of women. The brand’s overhaul, which began with last year’s Victoria’s Secret World Tour, has focused on embracing inclusivity, showcasing women of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities, and turning the iconic runway into a celebration of beauty in all its forms.
The night kicked off with a bang when Gigi Hadid opened the show in an ethereal pink playsuit paired with towering angel wings. The crowd roared as Hadid confidently strutted down the runway, setting the tone for an evening that would blend the brand’s signature flair with a fresh, modern twist. Her look, a pastel explosion of feathers and sequins, captured the essence of the Victoria’s Secret angel while embracing a more whimsical, playful aesthetic. As the music boomed and the lights flickered, it was clear: the angels were back, but this time, they were bringing a message of empowerment with them.
Hadid’s return to the runway after several years away was one of the many highlights of the evening, reminding the audience why she remains one of the most sought-after models in the world. Her sister, Bella Hadid, followed shortly after in a sizzling red lingerie set complete with a voluminous feathered bolero. Bella’s sultry look was both fierce and feminine, embodying the bold new direction the brand is taking.
Celebrating Iconic Legends and Rising Stars
The 2024 runway wasn’t just about the Hadid sisters. Victoria’s Secret brought back some of its most iconic angels to celebrate the brand’s history, including Adriana Lima, who made her return in a striking black lace bodysuit adorned with shimmering wings. Lima’s presence on the runway was a nostalgic nod to her long-standing relationship with the brand, having walked in more Victoria’s Secret shows than any other model. Her walk was met with thunderous applause as fans welcomed back one of the most recognizable faces in the show’s history.
Tyra Banks also graced the runway, showing the world she hasn’t lost her touch. The supermodel, who became a household name thanks to her early work with Victoria’s Secret, strutted in a silver ensemble that sparkled under the runway lights. Her fierce walk and radiant energy were a reminder of the powerful influence she has had on both the fashion industry and the brand itself.
Alongside these legends were newer faces making their mark. Paloma Elsesser, a trailblazer for body positivity in fashion, made her Victoria’s Secret debut in a stunning white lace set, showcasing the brand’s commitment to size inclusivity. Lila Moss, daughter of supermodel Kate Moss, also took to the runway, continuing her mother’s legacy while carving out her own path in the fashion world.
A Diverse Cast for a New Era
One of the most significant changes to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2024 was its diverse cast. In the past, the show was often criticized for its lack of representation, but this year, the runway was a testament to the brand’s new direction. Models of all ethnicities and body types were front and center, reflecting the growing demand for inclusivity in fashion.
Anok Yai, a standout of the evening, dazzled in a metallic gold set, her statuesque figure highlighted by the structured wings she wore. Her walk exuded confidence and grace, and her presence on the runway was a powerful reminder that beauty comes in many forms.
Paloma Elsesser’s inclusion in the lineup was a momentous occasion, as she continues to break barriers in the modeling world. Her walk was a celebration of body diversity, and her look, a soft yet striking combination of lace and pearls, emphasized the brand’s shift toward embracing all women.
Music Meets Fashion
As is tradition, the show featured high-energy musical performances that amplified the evening’s excitement. Cher brought the house down with a dynamic set that had the audience on their feet, while Tyla and Lisa from Blackpink also took the stage, adding a dose of pop culture to the already star-studded event. The mix of live music and fashion created a truly immersive experience, reminiscent of the show’s earlier days, but with a fresh, modern twist.
A New Shopping Experience
Another innovation introduced in this year’s show was the ability for viewers to shop the runway looks in real time. Partnering with Amazon Fashion, Victoria’s Secret made it possible for fans to purchase the pieces they saw on the runway as the show streamed live. This fusion of fashion and technology not only added a new layer of engagement for fans but also brought the fantasy of the runway into everyday life.
Looking to the Future
The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show wasn’t just about reclaiming its iconic status—it was about reinvention. The brand’s new focus on inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment was front and center, making it clear that Victoria’s Secret is ready to adapt to the changing landscape of fashion. The mix of nostalgia and modernity, along with the inclusion of both veteran supermodels and rising stars, created a show that paid homage to the past while looking boldly toward the future.
As the final models made their way down the runway and the lights dimmed, it was evident that the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has entered a new chapter—one that is more inclusive, empowering, and in tune with today’s fashion landscape. And with this bold comeback, the angels are soaring higher than ever.