Most Famous Moments From the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show began in 1995 and quickly became a holiday staple for so many people. However, it faced a lot of criticism in the past, being dubbed elitist, not diverse, and inaccessible. In fact, the company decided to pull the plug on the show in 2018 to “rethink” the brand after its lowest ratings ever.
Then, in 2023, the brand opted for a virtual runway special that had models in skin-bearing outfits as well as designers from all over the world sharing their visions.
Taking it up a notch this year, the live runway officially made a comeback.
“The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will deliver precisely what our customers have been asking for — the glamour, runway, fashion, fun, wings, entertainment — all through a powerful, modern lens reflecting who we are today,” a rep for the lingerie brand told People before the show. “We’re thrilled to share a women-led articulation of this iconic property later this year!”
So, in honor of the 2024 fashion show return on Oct. 15, we’re looking back at some of the runway show’s most iconic moments over the years. From the intricate detailing (and jaw-dropping prices!) of the garments to the performances (we’ll never forget Ariana Grande’s meme moment!), we love it all.
Check out the most iconic moments from the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show since the beginning below!
A version of this article was originally published on Nov 2017.
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Tyra Banks Closes Out the Show (2024)
Before the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show even happened, Tyra Banks was announced as one of the night’s most long-awaited models. And, in fact, she made for quite an unforgettable moment when she closed out the show in this black and silver bedazzled look.
Prior to her appearance, Banks’ last VS show was in 2005, the same year she retired from modeling.
Cher Rocks On (2024)
For the most part, the performers at the VS fashion shows are rising stars and current top Billboard 100 singers. At the 2024 show, however, they invited a true icon instead: Cher!
The legendary singer took over the runway with dozens of backup dancers and sang two of her most memorable songs: “Strong Enough” and “Believe.”
Adriana Lima’s Final Angel Walk (2018)
A year later in 2018, Adriana Lima also retired from the Angel life and truly captivated everyone in the audience with her final VS catwalk!
“Dear Victoria, Thank you for showing me the world, sharing your secrets, and most importantly not just giving me wings but teaching me to fly,” the Brazilian wrote on Instagram at the time. “And all the to the best fans in the [world]! Love, Adriana.”
Alessandra Ambrosio Flying Goodbye (2017)
After 17 years of rocking the sensational bras and wings, Alessandra Ambrosio retired in 2017 (and of course, she went out with a bang!)
“In my wildest dreams, I would have never imagined doing 17 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows,” Ambrosio wrote on Instagram at the time, per Vogue. “Thank you, Ed [Razek], and all my Victoria’s Secret family for making these memories unforgettable. Last night was so emotional to say goodbye to my #angel sisters but we put on the biggest and best show ever. I could not have done this without all the love and support from my fans.”
The Bella Hadid Strut-By (2016)
Exes Bella Hadid and The Weeknd shared an awkward runway run-in in 2016.
Kardashian Hits the Runway (2015)
When Kendall Jenner made her debut in 2015, it caused quite a stir with everything watching, both for good and bad.
The Beginning of Gigi (2015)
Gigi Hadid first walked in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2015.
Light Up Wings (2015)
Martha Hunt really lit up the catwalk with these light-up wings! (Sorry, we’ll see ourselves out!)
Maria Borges’ Natural Hair (2015)
Back in 2015, Maria Borges made history when she wore her natural hair on the infamous catwalk!
“I told my agent I wanted to walk in the Victoria’s Secret show with my natural hair,” Borges told Essence of how the look came to be. “I was nervous, but I had to do it. When they said ‘yes’ I didn’t expect it, but I was so happy!”
Two Fantasy Bras (2014)
We got two fantasy bras in 2014, but really it was just the best way to see Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima strut together.
The Most Meme-Worthy Moment (2014)
Elsa Hosk took an accidental swing at Ariana Grande, and thus the most hilarious runway meme ever was born in 2014.
527 Hours for One Bra (2013)
For the 2013 Royal Fantasy Bra, Candice Swanepoel rocked the intricate work of art. This one was decked out in Mouawad jewels bra that took 527 hours to complete. And is anyone else getting Sailor Moon vibes?
Best Friend Goals (2013)
Taylor Swift and Karli Kloss made girl power sexy on the runway in 2013.
22 Pounds of Wings (2012)
We’ve seen a lot of insane wings over the years, but these 22-pound ones Lindsay Ellingson wore in 2012 may be one of the most insane.
Bieber Beaming (2012)
Justin Bieber, then 18, couldn’t believe his luck in 2012 when he performed with the angels on the runway.
Rihanna Stole the Show (2012)
Not only did Rihanna do a killer performance for the 2012 show, but she showed everyone how a catwalk is done!
Cara Delevingne Is Here (2012)
Probably one of the most recognizable looks from the early 2010s fashion shows was this multicolored look Cara Delevingne walked in during her 2012 debut.
Adam Levine Moved Like Jagger (2011)
In the 2011 show, Adam Levine walked with then-girlfriend Anne V. down the runway and planted a wet one on her.
The pair dated for two years before splitting in April 2012.
Pretty in Peacock (2010)
While some of the bras and wings are on the more elaborate side, one of the most ostentatious to date is this peacock-feathered one Karolina Kurkova rocked in 2010.
Liu Wen’s Sensational Debut (2009)
Let’s face it, 2009 was the year and Liu Wen’s debut proves that further. (In case you didn’t know, she made history as the first East Asian model to walk in the show in 2009!)
Spice Girls Reunion (2007)
Who could forget when the newly reunited Spice Girls sang “Stop” and “Headlines (Friendship Never Ends)” at the 2007 show?
Bringing Sexy Back (2006)
Justin Timberlake brought sexy back to the 2006 fashion show with his runway performance.
Meet Pink (2006)
Victoria’s Secret debuted its Pink line during the 2006 fashion show.
On-Stage Lovin’ (2005)
Heidi Klum sent a kiss to her then-husband, Seal, on the runway in 2005.
Mini Tour with the Angels (2004)
Fun fact: the 2004 televised program was canceled, so veteran angels Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Adriana Lima, Gisele Bündchen, and Alessandra Ambrosio did a mini tour around the US.
Wings for Days (2003)
In 2003, Heidi Klum wore some of the largest wings on the runway to date.
Destiny’s Child Took the Stage (2002)
In 2002, Destiny’s Child performed during the show, paving the way for great acts to come.
Sexy Protesting (2002)
In 2002, PETA protesters took the stage while Gisele Bündchen strutted her stuff, and she didn’t even flinch.
But while Bündchen kept her model face intact the entire time, she eventually ended her contract with fur company Blackgama. “It wasn’t until that shock — it stopped me in my tracks,” the supermodel told The Daily Front Row. “They sent me all these videos. I wasn’t aware of what was happening, and I was devastated. So I said, ‘Listen, I’m not doing fur campaigns.’”
Flying Angels (2001)
For the 2001 show, creators went all out with models floating from the ceiling as part of the decor.
$15 Million Look (2000)
Gisele Bündchen wore the most expensive fantasy bra to date in 2000. It cost $15 million.
The Beginning of Wings (1998)
Tyra Banks wore one of the very first sets of angel wings in the 1998 show.
The First Fantasy Bra (1996)
Claudia Schiffer wore the first fantasy bra in 1996. It cost $1 million and was called the Million-Dollar Miracle Bra.
Humble Beginnings (1995)
The first VS Fashion Show took place at the Plaza Hotel in New York in 1995. It was sexy but simple and elegant.