The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has long been a cultural phenomenon, blending high fashion, pop culture, and spectacle since its first televised debut in 2001. For decades, it set the gold standard for lingerie modeling, launching supermodels into global stardom and becoming a must-watch annual event.

From the iconic wings of Adriana Lima and Tyra Banks to musical performances by pop icons, the VS Show became synonymous with glamour, celebrity, and a uniquely theatrical approach to runway fashion. But in recent years, the brand has faced criticism for its narrow beauty standards and lack of genuine inclusivity – a scrutiny that continues to shadow its annual showcases.

@victoriassecret We're not crying, you're crying. 🪽 ✨ 💖 #VSFS #VictoriasSecret #vsfashionshow ♬ original sound - Victoria’s Secret

This year, the 2025 show returned with a renewed buzz, staged at the Brooklyn Navy Yard (Oct. 15), mixing veteran angels and exciting newcomers. Adriana Lima, Gigi Hadid, Anok Yai, and Paloma Elsesser walked the runway in signature lingerie and angel wings, reminding fans why the show remains an aspirational spectacle. Making their debuts were WNBA star Angel Reese and actor Barbie Ferreira, adding fresh energy and representation to the lineup.

The front row was a celebrity magnet, packed with a mix of Hollywood stars and influencers. Sarah Jessica Parker, Jodie Turner-Smith, Chloë Sevigny, and Patrick Schwarzenegger (who came to support his model wife Abby Champion) joined trendsetters like Karol G and Madison Beer, the latter of whom performed her hit “Bittersweet.”

Fans took to social media making waves about Beer’s set, speculating that her appearance could spark a new wave of musical collaborations with fashion brands. The event clearly illustrated that the VS Show is as much about star power as it is about fashion.

Yet, it wouldn’t be a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show without controversy. While the brand has made efforts to include more diverse body types, many fans remain critical.

@victoriassecret Rewatching this on loop?Obviously, it's Barbara Palvin 🫶 #VSFS #VictoriasSecret #vsfashionshow #barbarapalvin ♬ original sound - Victoria’s Secret

Barbara Sprouse, Dylan Sprouse’s wife, was presented as a “plus-size” model, despite wearing an American size 4 – a far cry from the broader plus-size spectrum celebrated elsewhere in fashion. Fans and critics alike are questioning whether Victoria’s Secret will ever genuinely embrace all body types or if their version of inclusivity remains largely performative. Social media is abuzz with theories that the brand is slowly evolving but still hesitant to fully acknowledge the models who are truly reshaping the industry’s standards.

The 2025 show stands out not just for its runway glamour but for the context surrounding it. After years of internal restructuring, public scrutiny, and a changing cultural conversation around body image, this year’s spectacle felt like a careful balancing act – honoring the show’s storied legacy while tentatively stepping toward a more inclusive future.

@madisonbeer last night 🪽 dream come trueeeee im crying forever . thank you so much @Victoria’s Secret ♬ make you mine edit audio - madibeerfansx

While veteran models reminded audiences of Victoria’s Secret’s iconic history, newcomers brought fresh perspectives, and the front row of celebrities kept the spectacle anchored firmly in pop culture. For fans, the show is still thrilling, but the conversation has shifted.

Many celebrate the glitz, the musical performances, and the star-studded presence, but there’s also a clear call for genuine representation – one that goes beyond token gestures and truly reflects the diversity of beauty in 2025.

Photo Credit: @dylansprouse on Instagram.