Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Returns: What to Expect from the Comeback
After a four-year break, the iconic Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is set to return on Tuesday, 2024, in New York City. The highly anticipated event will bring back its famous wings, glamorous walks, and top models, with promises of a more inclusive and evolved brand identity.
Why the Show Stopped in 2019
The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was halted in 2019 after it faced plummeting ratings and controversies surrounding the brand’s image. At the heart of the criticism were allegations of a culture of misogyny, as revealed by a 2020 New York Times investigation. The company was also criticized for being non-inclusive, with former L Brands executive Ed Razek sparking outrage in 2018 by stating that he didn’t think “transsexuals” should be included in the runway show. These controversies, along with societal shifts toward body positivity, forced the brand to rethink its approach.
Victoria's Secret’s Revamped Vision
Since separating from its parent company L Brands in 2021, Victoria's Secret has made strides toward becoming more inclusive and relevant. In an effort to reflect “who we are today,” the company rebranded itself with a focus on body positivity and diversity, incorporating a wider range of models in its campaigns. In its brand values statement from August 2023, the company emphasized its commitment to celebrating women in all phases of life, noting that it has moved away from an "exclusionary view of what’s sexy."
The company acknowledges the past criticisms and is working toward making the show a platform that represents women of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. This year’s event promises to embrace inclusivity while still bringing back the glamour and entertainment for which it was known.
What to Expect from the 2024 Show
Victoria’s Secret has been promoting the event heavily, emphasizing that this year’s show will feature all the traditional elements that fans loved—iconic wings, glittering outfits, and musical performances—along with its redefined, more inclusive image.
The event will be held at the brand's flagship store in New York City and will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Live. It will also stream on Victoria’s Secret’s social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The pre-show, hosted by social media star Tefi Pessoa and model Olivia Culpo, will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the main event starting at 7 p.m. ET.
Who’s Walking the Runway?
The 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will feature a mix of beloved "Angels" and fresh faces. Notable returning models include Gigi Hadid, Behati Prinsloo, Adriana Lima, Jasmine Tookes, and Barbara Palvin. Plus-size models such as Ashley Graham, Paloma Elsesser, and Devyn Garcia will also grace the runway, reflecting the brand's renewed focus on body diversity.
One of the biggest surprises is the return of Tyra Banks, who will walk in her first fashion show in 20 years. The legendary model expressed her excitement, saying, "It feels crazy being back on the Victoria’s Secret runway... 'cray cray good.'"
Many models shared their anticipation on social media. Ashley Graham, a mother of three, expressed pride in her curves, saying, "I am in my late 30s, I just had three children and I am feeling so curvy, so sexy and my outfit is fire."
Musical Performances
This year, for the first time, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will feature an all-female musical lineup. The show will be headlined by none other than Cher, with Victoria’s Secret calling her the “mother of fashion herself.” K-pop sensation Lisa and South African singer-songwriter Tyla will also perform, rounding out a diverse and star-studded musical lineup.
A New Era for Victoria’s Secret?
Victoria’s Secret is aiming to move past its controversial history and embrace a new, more inclusive era in fashion. The return of the fashion show symbolizes a major step in that journey, promising the glamour of the past with a modern, body-positive twist. With a star-studded lineup of models and performers, the 2024 show hopes to be a powerful statement of reinvention and celebration of all women.
