The Legacy of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has long been one of the most talked-about and glamorous events in the fashion industry. Known for its bold designs, dazzling models, and star-studded guest list, it has become synonymous with high fashion, beauty, and extravagance.
However, its journey is as colorful and dramatic as the shows themselves,with a history filled with milestones, controversies, and cultural shifts.
The History of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Origins of Victoria’s Secret
Victoria’s Secret was founded in 1977 by Roy Raymond, who envisioned a store where men could comfortably shop for lingerie for their partners. The brand’s blend of sophisticated yet accessible lingerie quickly gained popularity. By the mid-1990s, under the ownership of L Brands, Victoria’s Secret was a household name in the United States.
The first-ever Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show took place in 1995, a relatively modest event compared to the grandiose spectacle it would eventually become. At the time, it was held in the Plaza Hotel in New York City and lacked the extravagant wings and intricate costumes that would later define the brand’s shows. The event was initially intended as a marketing tool to boost sales, but its success quickly turned it into an annual affair.
Evolution into a Global Spectacle
In 1999, the show was broadcast online, drawing over 1.5 million viewers—an impressive figure for the early days of the internet. From there, it evolved into a global event, with millions of people tuning in every year. By the early 2000s, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show had become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its fusion of high fashion, music performances, and theatrical presentation.
The event was broadcasted annually on television from 2001 to 2018. By 2001, Victoria’s Secret had transformed its show into a grand affair, with themes for each segment, intricate sets, and, of course, the signature “Angel” wings. Models like Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, and Adriana Lima became household names, and walking the Victoria’s Secret runway became a career-defining moment for models worldwide.
The Angel Era
The term “Victoria’s Secret Angels” was coined in the late 1990s when the brand began using a select group of models as the face of its campaigns. These Angels, such as Gisele Bündchen, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Candice Swanepoel, became the central figures of the brand. They were not just models but brand ambassadors who would attend events, shoot commercials, and star in catalogues.
The wings that Angels wore became the symbol of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, evolving from simple designs into the massive, bedazzled creations we associate with the event today. Wearing the wings became a mark of distinction, reserved for the top models.
The Impact of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on the Fashion Industry
A Platform for Models
For many models, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was the ultimate runway gig. It provided immense exposure and could launch a model’s career to supermodel status. Stars like Adriana Lima, Tyra Banks, and Gigi Hadid gained much of their fame through their association with the brand. Lima, one of the most iconic Victoria’s Secret Angels, walked the runway for nearly two decades, and her emotional farewell in 2018 marked the end of an era.
The brand’s commitment to recruiting a diverse range of models, at least initially, also helped to set it apart. The show featured models from different ethnic backgrounds and body types, promoting an image of beauty that was more inclusive than other fashion shows of its time.
Cultural Influence
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows weren’t just about selling lingerie—they also had a significant cultural influence. With famous musicians performing live on the runway (Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Taylor Swift to name a few), the show blended fashion, pop culture, and music, making it an entertainment event as much as a fashion showcase.
Furthermore, the over-the-top nature of the shows helped push fashion boundaries. Costume designers created fantastical lingerie looks, complete with feathers, jewels, and massive wings that turned each model into a walking work of art.
Challenges and Controversies
While the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show gained worldwide fame, it was not without controversy. As societal views on beauty and body image evolved, the show faced backlash for its emphasis on a very specific, and often unrealistic, standard of beauty. Critics argued that the brand promoted an unattainable and narrow ideal of femininity, particularly through its use of super-slim models.
In response to changing societal norms, other brands began promoting body positivity and diversity in their campaigns, which led to a decline in Victoria’s Secret’s appeal. This shift became particularly evident in the late 2010s, as the fashion industry began embracing inclusivity in terms of race, body size, and gender.
Hiatus and Return
In 2019, after years of declining ratings and criticism about its lack of diversity and inclusivity, Victoria’s Secret announced that it would be canceling its annual fashion show. This decision marked the end of an era, but it was also seen as a necessary move in a changing cultural landscape.
However, in 2023, Victoria’s Secret made a highly anticipated return with a reimagined version of the show. The brand promised to prioritize diversity and inclusivity while maintaining the glamour and allure that the fashion show had become known for. This new chapter aimed to reconcile the brand’s iconic past with a more socially conscious future.
Participating Brands
While the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show primarily focuses on its own products, the event has featured collaborations with other high-end brands. Designers like Balmain have worked with Victoria’s Secret to create exclusive collections for the runway. The Balmain x Victoria’s Secret collaboration, unveiled in the 2017 show, was one of the most high-profile collaborations, blending edgy rock-chic aesthetics with the brand’s signature sultry lingerie.
The show has also served as a platform for showcasing extravagant pieces, such as the iconic Fantasy Bra. The Fantasy Bra is an annual highlight of the show, typically adorned with precious gems and worth millions of dollars. In 2018, the Fantasy Bra, designed by Atelier Swarovski, featured over 2,100 diamonds and was valued at $1 million.
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024: A New Era Begins
The anticipation for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024 is reaching new heights as the iconic event makes a grand comeback. After a hiatus and significant rebranding efforts, this year’s fashion show promises to deliver a fresh, inclusive, and glamorous take on the beloved spectacle that has long been a staple of the fashion world.
With a modernized approach and a focus on celebrating diversity, body positivity, and individuality, Victoria’s Secret is ready to redefine its legacy in the fashion industry. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024: the venue, schedule, participating models, and the exciting changes that await.
The Return of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show: What to Expect in 2024
After the last official Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2018, the brand took a step back to reassess its place in the evolving fashion landscape. Criticized for promoting narrow beauty standards, the show went on hiatus, as the brand worked to rebuild its image. In 2023, Victoria’s Secret announced that it would be reimagining its iconic fashion show, with a renewed focus on inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment.
2024 will mark the official return of the revamped fashion show, with expectations higher than ever. Fans and fashion enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the event, which promises to combine the show’s signature elements—glamour, stunning models, and high-energy performances—with a more modern and socially conscious approach.
Venue for Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024
The venue for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024 has been carefully chosen to reflect the brand’s return to form as a global fashion event. This year’s show will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York City. Known for hosting major entertainment and sporting events, Barclays Center is a fitting choice for Victoria’s Secret’s triumphant return, offering a grand and contemporary space for a redefined show.
New York City, which has been home to many of the brand’s past shows, is often regarded as the heart of the fashion industry. The city’s vibrant energy, cultural diversity, and cosmopolitan appeal perfectly complement the refreshed image Victoria’s Secret aims to project. The decision to host the 2024 show in Brooklyn—an area known for its artistic spirit and innovation—also signals a modern and dynamic shift in the brand’s approach to fashion.
Date and Schedule
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024 is scheduled to take place on November 15, 2024. While the live event will happen on this date, it will follow the tradition of being pre-recorded and edited to deliver a polished, high-production experience when it airs on television and streaming platforms later in November. The live streaming of its pre shows starting from today.
Pre-Show Events:
In the days leading up to the main event, there will be several pre-show activities in New York City, including fan meet-and-greets with Victoria’s Secret models, pop-up stores, and behind-the-scenes content shared on social media platforms. These events will offer fans an interactive way to engage with the brand and get a glimpse of the excitement building up to the main show.
Runway Show:
The main event on November 15 will follow the format of previous Victoria’s Secret shows but with a modern twist. While it will still feature some of the world’s top models, known as Victoria’s Secret Angels, this year’s show will include models from diverse backgrounds and body types. The runway will showcase a wide variety of collections, including lingerie, athleisure, and even some new sustainable lines that emphasize ethical fashion practices.
Musical Performances:
One of the signature elements of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is its star-studded live performances. While the official lineup of performers for 2024 hasn’t been announced yet, rumors suggest big names like Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, and Doja Cat may be part of the show. These performances are expected to complement the runway looks and add to the overall entertainment value of the event.
The New Vision of Victoria’s Secret
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024 is about much more than glamorous lingerie and jaw-dropping performances. It represents a pivotal moment for the brand, which has spent the last few years reevaluating its role in the modern fashion landscape.
In response to public demand for greater inclusivity, the 2024 show will feature models who represent a wide range of body types, skin tones, and backgrounds. This is a significant departure from the previous shows, which were often criticized for showcasing a narrow ideal of beauty centered on extremely thin models.
Victoria’s Secret has been actively working to include more diverse representations of beauty, including plus-size models, models of different ethnicities, and transgender models. For example, in 2024, the runway will be graced by models like Paloma Elsesser, a body positivity advocate, as well as Valentina Sampaio, Victoria’s Secret’s first openly transgender model. This commitment to inclusivity is not just a reflection of cultural changes but also an attempt to redefine the Victoria’s Secret image for a new generation of consumers.
Participating Models
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has long been a platform for launching the careers of supermodels, and 2024 is no different. This year, a mix of veteran Angels and fresh faces will walk the runway.
Adriana Lima: Making a surprise return to the runway, Adriana Lima, one of the brand’s most iconic models, will be part of the 2024 show. After announcing her retirement from Victoria’s Secret in 2018, her comeback is expected to be one of the event’s major highlights.
Gigi and Bella Hadid: The Hadid sisters, who have previously walked for Victoria’s Secret, are also expected to make a return in 2024. Known for their striking beauty and immense social media following, Gigi and Bella will bring their signature runway presence to the event.
Naomi Campbell: Another supermodel who needs no introduction, Naomi Campbell is rumored to participate in the show as part of a special segment celebrating timeless beauty and fashion history.
New Faces: In addition to familiar names, 2024 will feature a new generation of models, including Grace Elizabeth, Adut Akech, and Jill Kortleve, all of whom represent the brand’s evolving standards of beauty.
Sustainability and Ethical Fashion
One of the key changes in this year’s show is Victoria’s Secret’s new commitment to sustainability and ethical fashion practices. In response to consumer demand for more responsible fashion, the brand has introduced collections made from environmentally friendly materials. During the 2024 show, a special segment will be dedicated to the brand’s sustainable lingerie line, featuring pieces crafted from organic cotton, recycled materials, and low-impact dyes.
Additionally, the 2024 show will highlight Victoria’s Secret’s partnerships with organizations focused on ethical manufacturing practices. By prioritizing sustainability, the brand hopes to show its commitment to reducing its environmental impact and promoting a more responsible approach to fashion.
Behind-the-Scenes Content
Victoria’s Secret has also promised more behind-the-scenes content than ever before. Fans will have the opportunity to watch rehearsals, model interviews, and sneak peeks of the show’s extravagant costumes and set designs. This content will be shared across social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, allowing fans to engage with the show in real-time and feel more connected to the process.
Live Streaming :
The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will be streamed live on Amazon Prime and Amazon Live. You can also catch the show on the official Victoria’s Secret Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok accounts.
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Conclusion :
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show remains one of the most iconic events in the fashion industry. From its humble beginnings in the mid-1990s to its meteoric rise as a global spectacle, the show has left an indelible mark on fashion, culture, and entertainment. While the brand has faced its share of challenges, its return in 2024 signals a new chapter in its storied history. Only time will tell if the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show can continue to captivate audiences and remain relevant in the ever-changing world of fashion.
Disclaimer :
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, while a cultural and fashion landmark, has faced significant scrutiny over the years. Critics have argued that the show has promoted unrealistic body standards and an overly narrow definition of beauty. It is important to recognize that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and the fashion industry has a responsibility to embrace diversity and inclusivity.
This blog aims to provide an informative and balanced perspective on the history and cultural significance of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Any opinions expressed are not intended to endorse or criticize the brand but rather to reflect on the evolution of fashion and societal norms. Readers are encouraged to form their own views and consider the broader implications of beauty standards in media and advertising.
Video and image credit : To Youtube and Victoria Secret Fashion Page.
