Victoria’s Secret Show Returns—With Athletes, Angels, and a New Identity
After years of reinvention attempts, brand reckonings, and cultural whiplash, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its much-hyped 2025 comeback—not in a grand arena, but at Brooklyn’s Steiner Studios. And this time, it wasn’t just about lingerie. It was about legacy, sparkle, and surprising new faces: WNBA star Angel Reese and Olympic gymnast Sunisa “Suni” Lee strutted the runway alongside legacy Angels like Adriana Lima and the Hadid sisters, signaling a bold, if nostalgic, pivot for the iconic brand.
A Showgirl Revival, Not a Reboot
Under the creative direction of Adam Selman—formerly of Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty and designer of the infamous CFDA nude crystal gown—Victoria’s Secret leaned into its roots as a showgirl spectacle, not a feminist manifesto. Gone were the heavy-handed empowerment slogans. In their place: billowing robes, chrome bodysuits, gilded faux feathers, and wings that shimmered under ruby lights.
“VS isn’t fashion,” noted New York Times chief fashion critic Vanessa Friedman. “It’s part of a tradition that stretches back through Florenz Ziegfeld… It’s showgirl culture, the consumer version.”
Athletes Take Center Stage
The most talked-about moment? The debut of two elite athletes on the VS runway:
- Angel Reese, the breakout WNBA star known for her confidence and court presence, walked in a crystal-embellished set that matched her bold persona.
- Sunisa Lee, Olympic gold medalist and NCAA champion, brought grace and poise to a delicate, pearl-accented look.
Their inclusion reflects Victoria’s Secret’s latest strategy: tapping into the cultural capital of athletic excellence rather than chasing fleeting internet fame. It’s a move that feels both timely and grounded—especially as women’s sports enjoy unprecedented visibility.
Legacy Meets New Energy
The show balanced nostalgia with novelty. Adriana Lima returned with wings trailing silver fringe. Gigi and Bella Hadid reprised their Angel roles. Irina Shayk wore a crown of pink ferns like a modern-day fantasy queen. Even Karol G joined the fun—performing in a red lace bodysuit before taking a victory lap down the runway in full VS wings.
Not every moment landed: K-pop group Twice appeared visibly disengaged, barely lip-syncing during their segment. But overall, the mood was celebratory, self-aware, and refreshingly unapologetic.
Table: Victoria’s Secret 2025 Show Highlights
| Category | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Runway Debut | Angel Reese, Sunisa Lee |
| Creative Director | Adam Selman |
| Musical Performers | Madison Beer, Karol G, Missy Elliott |
| Signature Look | Pearl-festooned net worn by pregnant model Jasmine Tookes |
| Tone | Nostalgic, glamorous, self-aware |
Is This the Real Comeback?
Victoria’s Secret has tried—and failed—multiple times to rebrand itself as “inclusive” or “empowering.” This show didn’t pretend to be either. Instead, it embraced what it’s always been: a fantasy. A glittering, over-the-top performance rooted in entertainment, not activism.
And in today’s uncertain cultural climate, that might just work. As Friedman observed, “The past can take on a rosy glow… especially when bathed in ruby light.”
Whether this translates to sales remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Victoria’s Secret isn’t trying to be woke. It’s trying to be wow.
