NEW YORK – If Victoria has any secrets left, it might just be how to throw the most glamorous, star-studded event with a dash of effortless chic — all under the dazzling glow of the pink lights at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
On Wednesday night, the 27th annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show unfolded in New York with an opulent, yet playful atmosphere, showcasing not only lingerie and stunning runway models but also a gathering of celebrities, internet personalities, and an eclectic mix of pop culture icons. The pastel pink carpet was rolled out for the guests, as models, media, and micro-celebrities mingled over decadent drinks and stylish hors d’oeuvres.
The cocktail of the night was a powder pink cosmo, mixed with Kettle One, and served to guests with the kind of extravagance only Victoria’s Secret can pull off. The scene was alive with a mix of fashion-forward personalities and playful moments. Comedian and podcaster Hannah Berner, clad in a sheer black ensemble, couldn’t help but laugh as she found herself matching another attendee’s outfit. There was a visible buzz in the air, with internet influencers like Clarke Peoples and Monet McMichael turning heads with their glitzy, show-stopping outfits, while stars from reality TV like Iris Kendall and Kaylor Martin from Love Island USA were also in attendance, bringing their reality TV charm to the event.
This year’s edition was a visual feast of glamour, both on and off the runway, as pop culture collided with the world of fashion, and the glittering atmosphere was electric from start to finish.
The Show Must Go On: What’s New and What’s Classic at VS
Victoria’s Secret has long held a prominent place in popular culture, and the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show proved once again that it has maintained its allure, even after a prolonged hiatus. Part runway spectacle, part musical concert, the show remains one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year. This year, the performance aspect was as integral as the fashion itself, with powerhouse musicians such as Madison Beer, Missy Elliott, and K-pop supergroup TWICE bringing their star power to the stage.
The show’s format remained largely unchanged from previous years, with Victoria’s Secret Angels strutting down a catwalk in stunning lingerie, adorned with oversized wings. While the show has evolved, the spirit of the fashion show – with its larger-than-life visuals, dreamy lingerie, and high-energy performances – remains timeless. As the models walked the runway in iconic lingerie looks, the audience was treated to an auditory spectacle as well, with musical acts providing a live soundtrack to the dazzling procession.
From Celebrity Couples to ‘Love Island’ Stars: A Who’s Who in the Audience
One of the highlights of the night was the presence of Hollywood’s power couples, adding to the glitz and glamour of the event. Disney Channel star Dylan Sprouse was spotted in the crowd, enthusiastically cheering on his wife, Barbara Palvin, who walked the runway as part of the VS Angels lineup. Palvin’s nerves were palpable backstage as she admitted to still feeling the pressure before the big walk, but her confidence shone through as she graced the runway.
Interestingly, Sprouse was particularly excited for the K-pop performance by TWICE, which had the entire room buzzing. As the girl group took the stage, the crowd roared in approval, and it was clear that Sprouse wasn’t the only fan. The high-energy performance, synchronized dance moves, and catchy tunes sent the crowd into a frenzy, proving that the cross-cultural influence of K-pop has permeated the fashion world.
While many celebrity couples made an appearance, one notable absence from the crowd was actor Bradley Cooper, who was notably absent despite his current girlfriend, Gigi Hadid, walking the runway. Bella Hadid, Gigi’s younger sister, also made her runway debut at the show, reminding everyone of the Hadid sisters’ dominance in the fashion world. Bella, in particular, made a spectacular return after a recent health scare, captivating the audience as she closed the show wearing pristine white angel wings that matched Gigi’s earlier look.
New Faces Meet Old Favorites: A Changing of the Guard
The 2025 edition of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a notable mix of veteran Angels and fresh faces, embodying a perfect blend of old and new. Longtime favorites like Behati Prinsloo, Adriana Lima, and Jasmine Tookes strutted down the catwalk, but the evening also introduced rising stars. The show even welcomed Quenlin Blackwell, a former social media personality, and Angel Reese, a trailblazing WNBA star, marking a significant shift in the diversity of the models chosen to represent the Victoria’s Secret brand.
Reese’s appearance was especially historic as she became the first athlete to ever walk the runway. The crowd erupted in cheers as Reese, who had been training for months with a walking coach, confidently took her turn down the runway. The appreciation from the audience was loud and clear, affirming the idea that the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is now welcoming athletes, influencers, and individuals from all walks of life to join the ranks of their Angels.
The Generational Divide: Adriana Lima’s Last Walk as an Angel
As the show neared its end, the generational shift within the Victoria’s Secret lineup was symbolized perfectly by Adriana Lima, who made her iconic return to the runway. The 44-year-old Brazilian model, who is the longest-serving Angel in the brand’s history, ended the show with an aura of unmatched authority. Her presence on the runway, wearing a black strappy lingerie set, was a poignant reminder of the power of classic Angels in a modernized show.
Lima’s role was more than just walking down the runway; she almost seemed to take on a motherly role, shepherding the younger models along as they posed for photos, ensuring they stayed on track and added to the visual spectacle. As she closed the show with a radiant smile, the audience couldn’t help but appreciate how her legacy intertwined with the Victoria’s Secret brand. Adriana Lima was, and always will be, the quintessential Angel.
The Closing Spectacle: A Legacy of Pink Confetti and Classic Hits
When Missy Elliott took the stage for the grand finale, the energy in the room reached a fever pitch. The iconic rapper performed a medley of her greatest hits, and the crowd was quick to get on their feet, with Matt Rogers, host of the “Last Culturistas” podcast, among the first to jump in excitement. Her performance was the perfect send-off for a night that had already been filled with star power, creativity, and high fashion. As the final models returned to the stage, the room was showered with pink confetti, signaling the close of an event that encapsulated both the history and the future of the Victoria’s Secret brand.
As the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show came to a close, it was clear that the event remains a pivotal moment in both fashion and pop culture, blending the old-school glamour with the new voices of the industry, from K-pop idols to basketball stars.
