After a four-year hiatus, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned in 2024 with a new look and feel. The event, which once defined sexy and glamorous fashion, is now reinventing itself in response to modern calls for inclusivity and body positivity. Gone are the days of the “Angel” image that dominated the runways of the early 2000s. This year’s show clearly stated that Victoria’s Secret is ready for a fresh start.
The 2024 show, broadcast live on October 15, is already making waves for its bolder, more inclusive approach. Let’s explore why the return of this iconic event is so significant and how it’s evolved to reflect today’s more diverse fashion landscape.
Table of Contents
Why the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Was Canceled in 2019
The Importance of the 2024 Return
Models Who Walked the Runway in 2024
Inclusivity and Body Positivity at the Forefront
Musical Performances That Stole the Show
Fashion: The Designs and New Directions
What the Critics Are Saying
How to Watch the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
FAQs
Why the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Was Canceled in 2019
Back in 2019, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was abruptly canceled. Why? A combination of factors came into play.
First, the company was facing intense scrutiny for its outdated portrayal of beauty. While the early 2000s may have embraced the image of ultra-slim models parading down the runway, by the mid-2010s, the fashion world had evolved. Brands like Aerie and Savage x Fenty embraced body diversity, celebrating women of all shapes, sizes, and skin tones.
Victoria’s Secret was criticized for clinging to an unrealistic beauty standard. Ratings for the fashion show plummeted, and the cultural backlash intensified. Add to that allegations against senior management and the company’s failure to evolve quickly enough, and the cancellation of the show was inevitable.
The Importance of the 2024 Return
Fast forward to 2024, and Victoria’s Secret has learned its lesson—or at least it’s trying to. The return of the fashion show is not just about showcasing lingerie; it’s about rebranding. Victoria’s Secret is looking to be seen as an advocate for body positivity and inclusivity, which are key issues in today’s fashion conversation.
This year’s show took place in New York City, and rather than opting for the extravagant overseas locations of the past (like Paris and Shanghai), the brand brought it back home. The message was clear: it’s time to reconnect with the core audience, and there’s no better place than New York to do it.
What’s different this time around?
- More Inclusive Models: The 2024 lineup is a huge shift from previous years. The show featured models of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds.
- First Plus-Sized Model: Paloma Elsesser made history as the first plus-sized model to walk the runway, showing that Victoria’s Secret is serious about embracing body diversity.
- Cultural Representation: The cast of models was more culturally diverse than ever, reflecting a wider range of ethnic backgrounds.
Models Who Walked the Runway in 2024
The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was packed with both legendary supermodels and fresh faces. Many of the industry’s most beloved names returned to the stage, along with some exciting newcomers.
Iconic Supermodels:
- Tyra Banks made a stunning return after more than a decade.
- Candice Swanepoel walked once again, delivering that signature angelic elegance.
- Behati Prinsloo, another fan favorite, also returned.
Newcomers to the Victoria’s Secret Runway:
- Paloma Elsesser, a plus-sized model is making history with her debut.
- Taylor Hill showcases a chic and modern look.
- Imaan Hammam is a model celebrated for her bold runway presence and advocacy for cultural diversity.
These names show that the 2024 show wasn’t just about nostalgia. It was about blending past legends with new icons, creating a more inclusive and modern look.
Inclusivity and Body Positivity at the Forefront
Perhaps the biggest change in the 2024 show is its focus on body positivity. Unlike previous years when the runway was dominated by slim, hourglass-shaped models, this year featured women of all body types.
Here’s how Victoria’s Secret is walking the talk:
Body Diversity: Featuring a range of sizes and shapes, with a strong emphasis on realistic body standards that reflect the average woman.
Empowerment Message: The brand is no longer selling just lingerie, it’s selling empowerment. Each segment of the show had a theme around confidence, self-love, and empowerment.
Diverse Representation: Models of different ethnicities, skin tones, and body sizes took the stage. This is a big leap forward for a brand that was once criticized for its lack of diversity.
Inclusivity was not just a buzzword in 2024, it was woven into the very fabric of the show. Victoria’s Secret’s new direction aims to inspire women to feel confident in their own skin, no matter their size or shape.
Musical Performances That Stole the Show
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is not just about the models; it’s a full-on entertainment spectacle. This year’s performers were carefully selected to reflect the show’s fresh and inclusive vibe.
Performers at the 2024 Show:
- Cher: Yes, you read that right. The legendary Cher performed her iconic hits, proving that age is just a number. Her performance brought a sense of nostalgia while complementing the modern theme of the show.
- Lisa from BLACKPINK: The K-pop star brought her incredible energy and fashion-forward looks to the stage. Her performance was one of the highlights of the evening, capturing the attention of younger audiences.
- Tyla: The rising star from South Africa delivered a captivating performance, cementing her place as one of the music industry’s most promising new talents.
These performers perfectly complemented the show’s blend of old-school glamour and fresh, new energy.
Fashion: The Designs and New Directions
While the models and performances were a big part of the night, the fashion itself was the real star of the show. The designs in 2024 were far more elevated and modern compared to past years.
- Joseph Altuzarra: the newly appointed Atelier Designer in Residence, brought a high-fashion edge to this year’s designs. Altuzarra’s pieces combined sensuality with sophistication, featuring intricate lace, bold cuts, and luxurious fabrics.
- Sustainability: A notable theme this year was sustainability. Many of the outfits featured eco-friendly materials, signaling Victoria’s Secret’s commitment to ethical fashion.
The 2024 show was less about fantasy lingerie and more about real, wearable fashion. This shift toward a more realistic portrayal of women’s lingerie is one of the key ways Victoria’s Secret is trying to stay relevant.
What the Critics Are Saying
As with any major fashion event, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024 has garnered a mix of praise and critique. Here’s a snapshot of what the critics are saying:
Positive Reactions: Many have applauded the brand’s new commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The inclusion of plus-sized models and the shift away from unrealistic beauty standards were met with widespread approval.
Criticism: Some argue that the brand’s shift is too little, too late. While the changes are welcome, critics feel that Victoria’s Secret still has a long way to go in fully addressing past missteps.
How to Watch the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
If you missed the live broadcast, don’t worry! You can catch the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on several platforms:
- Amazon Live
- Prime Video
- Victoria’s Secret official Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok channels
FAQs
What is different about the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?
The biggest changes are the inclusion of plus-sized models, a greater focus on body positivity, and more diverse cultural representation.
Who were the musical guests?
Cher, Lisa from BLACKPINK, and Tyla performed during the show, each adding their unique flavor to the night.
How can I watch the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?
You can stream the show on Amazon Live, Prime Video, and across Victoria’s Secret’s social media channels.
The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show represents a major turning point for the brand. With a renewed focus on inclusivity, body positivity, and wearable fashion, the show is poised to reclaim its place in pop culture while appealing to a broader audience.
