Written by: Yessenia Arevalo🇸🇻
Image via Dimitrios Kambouris
2018 marked the year the Victoria’s Secret fashion show stopped its iconic runway show. The fun, vibrant outfits, wings, and performances drew in audiences from across the globe to tune in. Recently, this iconic show has returned, and it has fans talking about it.
Fans have anxiously anticipated this show, prepared to watch their favorite models walk the runway again. Prominent figures amongst the fashion industry strutted once again, including Kate Moss, Tyra Banks, and Candice Swanepoel. However, despite these models' famous return, many had critiques around the show.
Tiktok user, by the name @jusst_news, posted a video discussing expectations of the show, and then later showing the ‘failed’ reality. Fans under the video agreed, and many discussed the key elements that were missing from the show; specifically, why the show failed in comparison to previous ones.
The strongest consensus among the comments was the cheap visuals of the show. A user under the TikTok post commented, “I think the budget for the stage and the exterior was too low - it was their comeback and they tried everything to bring back the OG models and probably needed a big part of the budget already.” Other users under the video appear to agree, adding on that the earrings, wings, and runway looked cheap.
Despite this popular opinion, some users defended the show. Another user commented, “it’s probably because they spent so much money getting the OG models. Models get paid so much more money than people realize. Not to mention VS isn’t as popular as it was in the 2000/2010s.”
Although there was controversy, and mixed opinions of the show, the Victoria's Secret fashion show gave Latina models the opportunity to shine.
Specifically, Brazilian models Isabeli Fontana and Alessandra Ambrioso highlighted their Brazilian heritage, as did Valentina Sampaio, who was among the first transgender models to appear on the Victoria's Secret runway.
Amongst this plethora of beautiful models, one of the most highly anticipated Brazilian models was Adriana Lima. Lima was a long time Victoria's Secret angel before ultimately retiring in 2018. Her return to the 2024 show surprised, shocked, and excited her many fans. After the show's run, many fans agreed upon her stunning and radiant energy on stage. Her presence amongst the modeling industry has paved a way for other Latin American models.
Although the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was not the marvel it may have once been, I believe that with the resources they currently have, they did an excellent job. Iconic models strutted the runway again after years of retirement, and the excitement that many young girls had for these shows were felt once again.
The increase in diversity has been empowering, but there are long ways to go. The primary Latin American representation in the show were Brazilian models. None of the 52 models who strutted the runway were from Central America. Victoria's Secret's goal of diversity and inclusion is heartening, but due to its massive audience, this makes it all the more important to expand this inclusion.
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