Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show an iconic event that has long captivated audiences with its blend of glamour, high fashion, and star-studded performances, is set to make a triumphant return in 2025. After a six-year hiatus and a reimagined comeback in 2024, the lingerie giant announced on July 29, 2025, that its famed runway show will grace the stage once again, promising to deliver the spectacle fans adore while embracing a more inclusive and contemporary vision.
This article delves into the latest developments surrounding the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, exploring its history, recent transformations, and what audiences can expect from this highly anticipated event.
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show A Brief History
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show first debuted in 1995 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, a modest affair compared to the extravagant productions it would become. Founded by Roy Raymond in 1977, Victoria’s Secret evolved from a small lingerie retailer into a global brand synonymous with sensuality and glamour. The fashion show, launched to promote its lingerie and sleepwear, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, blending high fashion with theatrical elements like oversized angel wings, elaborate costumes, and performances by A-list musicians.
At its peak in the early 2000s, the show drew millions of viewers worldwide, with broadcasts on major networks like ABC and CBS. Models such as Tyra Banks, Gisele Bündchen, Heidi Klum, and Adriana Lima became household names as “Angels,” a title reserved for the brand’s top models. The show’s lavish production, featuring performances by artists like Taylor Swift, Destiny’s Child, and Kanye West, cemented its status as a pop culture juggernaut. However, by the late 2010s, the show faced mounting criticism for its lack of diversity, unrealistic beauty standards, and controversial statements from executives, leading to its cancellation in 2019.
The 2019 Cancellation and Brand Transformation
The decision to cancel the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2019 came amid declining viewership and significant public backlash. Viewership had plummeted from 9.7 million in 2013 to 3.3 million in 2018, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences toward inclusivity and authenticity. In 2018, Ed Razek, then chief marketing officer of L Brands (Victoria’s Secret’s former parent company), sparked outrage with comments in a Vogue interview, stating that the show would not feature plus-size or transgender models because it was meant to represent a “fantasy” of slim, traditionally feminine beauty. These remarks, coupled with the #MeToo movement and revelations about L Brands CEO Les Wexner’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, tarnished the brand’s reputation.
In response, Victoria’s Secret embarked on a comprehensive rebranding effort. The company parted ways with Razek in 2019 and separated from L Brands in 2021. In 2023, it released “Victoria’s Secret: The Tour ’23,” a documentary-style special filmed across multiple cities, signaling a shift toward a more inclusive narrative. The 2024 fashion show, held on October 15 at the Duggal Greenhouse in Brooklyn, New York, marked the return of the traditional runway format, featuring a diverse cast of models and an all-female musical lineup, including Cher, Tyla, and Lisa from Blackpink. The event was lauded for its inclusivity, with plus-size models like Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsesser, transgender model Alex Consani, and models with disabilities participating, reflecting the brand’s commitment to evolving with its audience.
The 2025 Announcement: Lights, Camera, Angels
On July 29, 2025, Victoria’s Secret announced the return of its fashion show for 2025 via an Instagram teaser, captioned, “Lights, Camera, Angels: The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025 is returning.” The announcement featured a promotional image of a model in rhinestone-encrusted lingerie and feathery angel wings, alongside a video of models saying, “Lights, Camera, Action” into a vintage microphone. While specific details about the date, location, and model lineup remain under wraps, the brand has promised to deliver “the glamour, runway, fashion, fun, wings, entertainment—all through a powerful, modern lens reflecting who we are today.” This statement echoes the 2024 show’s mission to balance the brand’s signature extravagance with a more inclusive and contemporary approach.
The announcement has generated significant buzz, with fans and critics alike eager to see how Victoria’s Secret will build on its 2024 comeback. The 2024 show was praised for its diverse casting, which included veterans like Tyra Banks, Adriana Lima, and Gigi Hadid, alongside newcomers like Alex Consani and Kate Moss, who made her Victoria’s Secret runway debut at 50. The event also featured PETA-approved faux feather wings and shoppable looks available in real-time on the brand’s website, app, and Amazon store. The 2025 show is expected to continue this trajectory, blending nostalgia with innovation.
What to Expect from the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
While Victoria’s Secret has yet to release a detailed itinerary for the 2025 show, several key elements are anticipated based on recent trends and the brand’s rebranding efforts:
1. Diverse and Star-Studded Model Lineup
The 2024 show set a new standard for inclusivity, featuring models of various body types, ages, and backgrounds. Returning Angels like Tyra Banks, Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, and Behati Prinsloo are likely to make appearances, given their participation in 2024. New faces, such as Alex Consani, Valentina Sampaio, and mother-daughter duo Kate and Lila Moss, brought fresh energy to the runway, and similar casting choices are expected in 2025. The brand may also continue to include models with disabilities, as seen in 2024 with seven models, including wheelchair users and visually impaired participants, reflecting a broader commitment to representation.
2. High-Profile Musical Performances
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has a history of featuring top-tier musical talent, and 2025 is expected to be no exception. The 2024 show’s all-female lineup of Cher, Tyla, and Lisa set a precedent for women-led performances, and speculation is rife about potential 2025 performers. Names like Sabrina Carpenter, who has worn custom Victoria’s Secret pieces on tour, as well as chart-toppers like Doechii, Chappell Roan, and Gracie Abrams, have been floated as possible headliners. The musical performances are likely to be a focal point, enhancing the show’s entertainment value and drawing a global audience.
3. Innovative Fashion and Shoppable Looks
The 2024 show introduced a more practical yet glamorous approach to lingerie, with pieces like leggings and sheer coverups alongside traditional bras and panties. Designer-in-residence Joseph Altuzarra, who joined Victoria’s Secret in 2024, is expected to continue his collaboration, designing not only lingerie but also apparel that reflects the brand’s evolving aesthetic. The 2025 show will likely feature instantly shoppable looks, available on the brand’s website, app, select stores, and Amazon, continuing the real-time retail strategy that proved successful in 2024.
4. Global Accessibility
The 2024 show was widely accessible, streaming live on Amazon Live, Prime Video, and Victoria’s Secret’s Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok channels. This multi-platform approach made the event free to watch for many viewers, a trend expected to continue in 2025. The show is likely to be broadcast from New York City, possibly at a new venue, following the 2024 event at the Duggal Greenhouse. The pink carpet pre-show, which began at 6:30 p.m. ET in 2024, may return to build anticipation.
5. Addressing Fan Feedback
The 2024 show responded to fan demands for the return of classic elements like glitter, dramatic wings, and bold makeup reminiscent of the 2008 show. However, some fans expressed a desire for even more of the “old glamour” on social media, as noted in a Business of Fashion report. The 2025 show is expected to strike a balance between nostalgic extravagance and modern inclusivity, ensuring it resonates with both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.
Challenges and Opportunities
The return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show comes with both opportunities and challenges. The brand’s efforts to embrace diversity and inclusivity have been well-received, but it must continue to navigate the expectations of a consumer base that values authenticity and representation. Critics, such as those on platforms like Reddit, have expressed mixed feelings, with some viewing the show’s past as emblematic of body shaming and unrealistic standards. Former models like Erin Heatherton and Gisele Bündchen have spoken about the intense pressure to maintain a certain physique, highlighting the need for Victoria’s Secret to maintain its commitment to inclusivity.
The brand also faces competition from rivals like Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty, which has gained market share with its inclusive sizing and diverse campaigns. To remain relevant, Victoria’s Secret must continue to innovate while honoring the elements that made its fashion show a global phenomenon. The involvement of high-profile designers like Joseph Altuzarra and the potential for major musical acts could help the brand maintain its cultural relevance.
Table: Key Details of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Announcement Date | July 29, 2025, via Instagram teaser |
| Event Date | To be announced, likely in Fall 2025 following fashion month |
| Location | Expected to be in New York City, venue TBD |
| Model Lineup | Likely to include returning Angels (e.g., Tyra Banks, Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel) and new faces (e.g., Alex Consani, Kate Moss) |
| Musical Performers | TBD, potential names include Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Chappell Roan |
| Streaming Platforms | Expected on Amazon Live, Prime Video, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok |
| Designer | Joseph Altuzarra (designer-in-residence) |
| Key Features | Glamour, wings, inclusivity, shoppable looks in real-time |
| Notable 2024 Models | Tyra Banks, Adriana Lima, Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Kate Moss, Ashley Graham |
| 2024 Performers | Cher, Tyla, Lisa (Blackpink) |
| Inclusivity Efforts | Plus-size, transgender, and models with disabilities; PETA-approved wings |
The Road Ahead
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025 promises to be a pivotal moment for the brand as it continues to redefine its identity in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. By blending the glamour and spectacle that defined its golden era with a modern commitment to diversity and inclusivity, Victoria’s Secret aims to recapture its status as a must-watch event. The 2024 show’s success, marked by its diverse casting, all-female musical lineup, and real-time shopping capabilities, sets a strong foundation for 2025. As the brand prepares to unveil more details in the coming months, anticipation is building for another dazzling display of fashion, music, and empowerment.
For fans eager to stay updated, Victoria’s Secret is likely to release information about the 2025 show in stages, as it did in 2024, with announcements about models, performers, and the exact date expected closer to the event. Whether you’re a longtime fan nostalgic for the iconic wings or a newcomer drawn to the brand’s evolving ethos, the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is poised to deliver a spectacle that celebrates beauty in all its forms.
