Victoria's Secret Fashion Show returns with legendary models like Kate Moss

After a six-year break, the iconic Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has made a noteworthy return with an emphasis on inclusivity, while still featuring legendary supermodels. The event took place Tuesday night in Brooklyn and was marked by a production that ushered in a new era for the brand, focusing on appealing to a wider audience by showcasing a diverse lineup of models and performers.

The event featured performances from female musical artists and a broad spectrum of models, with a notable increase in representation of people of color, plus-sized models, and older models. The show brought back its signature angel wings, this time featuring PETA-approved faux feathers, as reported byCNN. 

Supermodel Kate Moss made her debut alongside her daughter and veteran models like Candice Swanepoel, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Jasmine Tookes. Other popular models included Taylor Hill, Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, and Liu Wen. Supermodel Tyra Banks closed out the show, her last appearance on the Victoria’s Secret runway dating back to 2005, according to US Weekly.

Victoria's Secret has attempted a rebrand by swapping previous star "angels" with "ambassadors." According to CNN, the fresh approach follows a 2019 cancellation of the annual show by L Brands, given the criticisms regarding representation.

Victoria's Secret's executive vice president of marketing, Sarah Sylvester, explained that the new show reflects both the brand's heritage and a modern, inclusive direction. She told CNN, “the parts of our DNA that we love” are combined with a need to “evolve and be more modern and more inclusive.”

Ashley Graham, a plus-size model and body positivity advocate, praised this evolution at her debut in the show. She described to People Magazine that she felt like an "Angel" while wearing a black lace bodysuit with golden wings. 

Another aspect that showed a big change in the fashion show was the all-female musical lineup. Performers included Lisa, Tyla, and Cher. 

This event shows Victoria's Secret's ongoing journey from an arbiter of traditional beauty standards towards a brand that embraces broader representation. Subscribers and fans are left to watch how this rebirth will impact its perceptions and commercial success.