Out With the New, in With the Old: How the Upcoming Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Pays Homage to the Classics
The Fashion Stock Market here, your one and only source into the hottest style trends and fashion events. I don’t know about you, but I am counting down the minutes until I can sit down in front of my TV, pajamas on and glass of wine in hand, to judge the 2025 Victoria Secret Fashion Show live on Prime Video; especially because of how controversial last year’s show was. As somewhat of a critic myself, I had to agree with some of the hate the show received after its six-year hiatus. People expected big hair, even bigger wings, and the sultry, ultra-feminine aesthetic that is oh-so uniquely Victoria’s Secret. Instead, they were given slick-backs, capes, and whatever Taylor Hill was wearing (how could they do her so dirty?). However, since the trailer was released, fashionistas and fans of the brand have noted that this year may be drawing more inspiration from the traditional VS fashion shows we know and love. As a pre-show treat, I’ll be unpacking the potential differences between this year and last year, and the similarities between the upcoming show and the classic Victoria’s Secret look that has become so iconic in fashion history. So sit back, relax, and enjoy as I recount everything you need to know before the show.
Many began to view the show as a step back for women, as the models were viciously sexualized and reduced to their looks, since all reporters seemed to care about was what their workout routines were and if they ever ate pizza.
Photo: Live Door Blog
To understand the cultural and artistic significance of this fabulous event, one must go back to New York City in 1995. The very first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was held at the Plaza Hotel, long before the diamonds and celebrity performances were brought to the table. Although the show was not broadcasted for all to see, its impact was felt throughout the nation. The brand effectively dominated the lingerie industry, changing the game forever. Lingerie was no longer meant to simply be hidden under clothing–it was meant to be flaunted, to be bold or soft, to be sexy and dreamy all at once. Whatever the wearer desired, lingerie could help them transform and make the statement they wanted to. The bright colors and intricate patterns showcased in the fashion show were further evidence that Victoria’s Secret was taking the industry a step further.
Not giving Adriana Lima her iconic bombshell blowout and putting her in an unsettling, plaid-like pattern was a fashion crime of the highest degree.
Photo: Getty Images
A few years later, the brand revolutionized fashion once again when VS decided to broadcast the show on live TV, so anyone, not just the elite guests in attendance, could watch their favorite models walk the catwalk in their iconic pieces. The VS “Angels” (a concept born after the 1997 “Angel” collection when Tyra Banks wore the first pair of angel wings for the show) became known by nearly everyone throughout the country, especially emerging fashionistas like myself. Think Adriana Lima, Heidi Klum, and Alessandra Ambrosio, to name a few. Along with the show itself, behind-the-scenes footage with the Angels was aired to provide viewers with a better sense of their sweet, flirty personalities (Were they authentic? Probably not, but who cared? It was VS Angel content!).
Instead, they were served slick-backs, capes, and whatever Taylor Hill was wearing.
Photo: Getty Images
Until the late 2010s, the show was watched intensely by millions of people around the world, with a true fascination with the stunning lingerie ensembles, as well as the iconic musical performances, and the elaborate stage-setups. However, viewership began to decline as political and social attitudes shifted in the US. Many began to view the show as a step back for women, as the models were viciously sexualized and reduced to just their looks, since all reporters seemed to care about was their workout routines and if they ever ate pizza. The allure began to fade, resulting in the final VS fashion airing in 2018, after over 20 years of success.
The VS “Angels” (a concept born after the 1997 “Angel” collection when Tyra Banks wore the first pair of angel wings for the show) became known by nearly everyone throughout the country, especially emerging fashionistas like myself.
Photo: Getty Images
Luckily for fans of the brand and the show respectively, Victoria’s Secret brought back the show in 2024, and suffice to say the whole world was watching when the first model made her way down the catwalk on that crisp October evening. However, viewers were left unsatisfied by the show, as key aspects were lacking. Instead of outfits that were loud and proud, everything seemed muted and underwhelming. Not giving Adriana Lima her iconic bombshell blowout and putting her in an unsettling, plaid-like pattern was a fashion crime of the highest degree. Although modern changes were anticipated, the 2024 show seemed like a whole other monster, with some netizens even calling the show cheap and poorly planned. Ouch!
The very first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was held at the Plaza Hotel, long before the diamonds and celebrity performances were brought to the party.
Photo: Getty Images
Not all feedback was negative, though! Many fans enjoyed seeing their favs on the Pink Carpet after many years, with the addition of new models who are changing what it means to be a VS Angel. From trans women to models of different body types, beautiful women with diverse backgrounds and looks were celebrated, marking an important step forward for the brand. This change demonstrates how Victoria’s Secret plans to change the narrative surrounding the show, which used to be heavily centered around models with “perfect” bodies (which meant thin and tall). Now, instead of young women aspiring to be models but feeling discouraged because their bodies don’t match those on screen, they can feel empowered with the possibility that they can be whatever they put their mind to, regardless of society’s views on women’s bodies and features like race and gender identity.
We’ve only been given glimpses into the possibilities, but it's bound to be quite a show!
Photo: Victoria Secret Pressroom
Obviously, when the trailer for the 2025 show hit the internet, everyone wanted to see what we were in for. From what they’ve shown us so far, it seems Victoria’s Secret has taken into consideration the harsh critiques and put together a lineup that more closely resembles the shows we know and love. With performances from Missy Elliott and KAROL G and the return of the angels you know and love, special additions like Angel Reese and Precious Lee are joining the cast for the first time. We’ve only been given glimpses into the possibilities, but it's bound to be quite a show! Mixing the best qualities from the original shows and the positive comments from last year’s, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025 is going to be something worth watching. Fashion lovers agree, with Google searches for the show increasing from 31 last year to 39, a 25.8% increase.
So before you run to social media after watching Wednesday night, keep in mind the show’s roots and the intentional changes that have been made to make the spectacle what it is today. Will the 2025 show pass the test of time, or will we go another year hungry after not being served? Only you can decide, my loyal readers.
XOXO, The Fashion Stock Market
Cover Photos: Faces Magazine
