Victoria’s Secret 2024: A Bold New Chapter in the Iconic Runway Show
The return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has finally arrived, marking a pivotal moment in the brand's legacy and redefining its place in the world of high fashion. After a six-year hiatus, Victoria’s Secret came back with a spectacle that embraced both its storied past and a new, more inclusive approach. From its iconic winged Angels to fresh faces and powerful performances, the show was a celebration of beauty in all its diversity, staged with the high-wattage glamour that only Victoria’s Secret could pull off.
On October 15th, New York City’s Brooklyn Navy Yard played host to this grand reintroduction. Guests were ferried to the venue on a Victoria’s Secret-branded boat, arriving at golden hour to find an evening that glittered with excitement. As celebrities, influencers, and long-time fans sipped champagne, the energy was electric. This year’s show was more than just a return—it was a reimagining of what the Victoria’s Secret name could mean in today’s fashion landscape.
A Shift Towards Inclusivity
The Victoria’s Secret of the past is remembered for its iconic supermodels and glamorized version of femininity. But in 2024, the brand has taken strides to offer a broader vision of what "sexy" can be. From the moment the first model stepped onto the runway, it was clear: this was not just a revival but a reinvention. The night saw legends like Tyra Banks, now 50, and Kate Moss, making her Victoria’s Secret debut at 50, alongside newer faces like Paloma Elsesser and Alex Consani, marking a powerful step forward in size, age, and gender diversity on the runway.
This year’s casting was a testament to the brand's evolving perspective. Models of varying backgrounds and body types walked the runway, each bringing their own unique charisma and confidence. Paloma Elsesser, one of the night’s standout curve models, expressed backstage, “It feels like a true celebration of different women, who are in different stages of their lives, with different bodies.” It’s a sentiment that resonated deeply with the audience and reflected the new, inclusive direction Victoria’s Secret has embraced.
Stars, Sequins, and a Hint of Nostalgia
While the show featured a modernized, inclusive cast, it still stayed true to the over-the-top glamour that Victoria’s Secret is known for. Performances by Lisa from BLACKPINK, Tyla, and Cher brought an added layer of spectacle to the night. Lisa made a dramatic entrance atop a motorcycle, setting the stage for an unforgettable opening, and Cher’s performance closed the night with a rendition that brought the house down, reminding the world why she remains an icon.
In one of the show’s most dazzling moments, Gigi Hadid took to the runway in a pink satin teddy adorned with towering, mechanically operated pink wings. Gigi’s playful wink and blown kiss to the crowd captured the spirit of a show that’s always blended high fashion with fantasy. Long-time fans got a touch of nostalgia as the runway filled with sequined lingerie, angel wings, and extravagant heels that stayed true to Victoria’s Secret’s signature aesthetic.
The mix of new and classic elements reached its pinnacle when Adriana Lima, one of the original Victoria’s Secret Angels, stepped into a New York City taxi and declared, “I’m going home.” It was a touching nod to the legacy of the Angels and a fitting reminder of how the brand has, for decades, been synonymous with supermodel glamour.
Celebrating New Definitions of Sexy
The 2024 show wasn't just about showcasing lingerie; it was about rethinking what sexy means in the modern world. “We wanted to reflect the change we see around us,” said Sarah Sylvester, the brand’s Executive Vice President of Marketing, emphasizing that the comeback was centered around customer demand. “Our customers told us loud and clear that they missed the fashion show,” she added. And in bringing the show back, Victoria’s Secret recognized that beauty is as diverse as its audience.
In place of its former narrow vision of sexiness, the brand now celebrates individuality and confidence in all forms. The show wasn’t without a few signature Victoria’s Secret flourishes—the dramatic wings, high-energy soundtrack, and confetti-strewn catwalk—but the focus on inclusivity and self-expression created a powerful juxtaposition. It was a reminder that fashion is not just about aesthetics; it’s a celebration of identity, personal empowerment, and the joy of self-expression.
A New Era, Same Spectacle
While Victoria’s Secret has redefined its image, it’s clear that some things remain timeless. The 2024 runway retained the theatrics and sparkle that first put the brand on the map. But beyond the glittering costumes and charismatic performances, the message of this show was simple: sexy is evolving, and so is Victoria’s Secret. With a cast as varied as its audience, a commitment to embracing individuality, and a new chapter in its iconic fashion show, Victoria’s Secret has proven that it’s ready to celebrate every facet of femininity in a fresh and exciting way.
As the night closed with fireworks over New York City, it was clear that this wasn’t just a comeback; it was a renaissance. Victoria’s Secret is back on the runway, and it’s here to stay—glitter, wings, inclusivity, and all.