Pink stripes and glitter may be a staple for this brand, but when it comes to fashion shows, they’re the true champions of “bombshell.” This last fashion show, which took place on October 15, 2024, had many people questioning if the Victoria’s Secret fashion show was really back and better than ever.
The angels made their return this autumn in arguably one of their most anticipated events of the year, following the brand’s runway hiatus. Jammed-packed with some of the biggest models in the world and music performances by legends like Cher and many new stars, the event seemed like the usual spectacle. With the return of the fashion show, however, a lot of criticism has been raised. Many complaints have to do with the clothing and models, but most criticism was targeted toward the shimmering show itself.
For a lot of young people, myself included, the Victoria’s Secret fashion show is supposed to have the same feeling as playing dress up as a kid. It’s meant to be entertaining, exciting, and fun. That’s why when the show didn’t have the same flare that it usually does, people noticed. What struck me was the number of my classmates who were talking the next day in class, at gym, and in the lunchroom about how disappointing the show’s comeback was.
“It just didn’t seem as meaningful as it used to be,” said junior Alyse Boan.
Some have blamed the show’s loss of praise on possibly having a lower production value then past years. Many people criticized the sloppy staging, watching models trip on flaps while others had to pick up their broken high heels off the ground out of fear of falling.
“If you’re going to put a budget on something, don’t put a budget on something that could risk safety,” Boan said.
Many were also extremely unhappy when a certain former Victoria Secret angel, Adriana Lima, came out in a slick back ponytail instead of her usual blowout look, while others are saying that the slick back is more current to today’s fashion standards.
It’s pretty obvious to say that we are no longer in the golden age of supermodels. That didn’t seem to stop Victoria’s Secret from upping the stakes on how many famous models they could gather on one runway. Models like Kate Moss walked the VS runway for the first time alongside returning VS angel of 20 years, Tyra Banks. Included to the list of fashion icons were more current models, such as Bella and Gigi Hadid all coming out at the end of the show, looking like one long legacy of prettiness. With the music performances by Lisa, Tyla, and newly rock and roll hall of famer, Cher, the show was star studded.
Some anticipating a usual dazzling Victoria Secret show found it to be less nostalgic and more old-fashioned, and that even with the biggest list of famous models, it didn’t have the same feeling.
“The advertising was a total misguide,” said junior Grace Fallon. “I was extremely excited to see a VS comeback, but this year just wasn’t it.”
The diversity of the fashion show was what struck me as the most valuable part. Victoria’s Secret has a strong legacy that people want to remember as a brand that has made quite the name for itself in the industry. It reminds us that fashion doesn’t always have to be about the glitz and glamor. It can be expressive, exciting, and still good fun. Most importantly it can fill that place in your heart that is still playing dress up.
