A new era of inclusivity: Highlights from the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
Candice Swanepoel once again stunned at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
Image: Instagram
Last night's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was a dazzling, high-energy event that proved the brand has successfully returned to its roots of high-octane glamour while embracing a new, vital chapter of inclusivity.
Held in New York City, the show was a vibrant blend of iconic "Angel" history and groundbreaking firsts.
The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show returned to the runway for the first time last year, following its cancellation in 2019.
This year’s production was an even more confident and bolder one that felt both nostalgic for the legendary wings and breathtaking lingerie of the past and firmly focused on a diverse future.
One of the most powerful and beautiful moments of the evening was the opening of the show, which saw model Jasmine Tookes confidently take the runway as the first visibly pregnant model to ever open the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
Radiantly showcasing her growing baby bump, her appearance shattered old norms and set an immediate tone of empowered womanhood.
Tookes looked ethereal in a striking, gold-toned, netted one-piece adorned with elaborate, ornamental gold wings that beautifully framed her figure.
South Africa's very own supermodel, Candice Swanepoel, was a trending sensation the moment she stepped onto the catwalk.
The 36-year-old’s enduring beauty and incredible physique are proof that a supermodel's power only grows with time.
Last night's show marked the mother of two’s 11th walk for the brand, a remarkable number that solidifies her status as an all-time legend.
She stunned in two different ensembles. In the one look, she appeared in a black bra matched with a lacy bottom and a flowing sheer black cape.
For her second look, she wore the iconic copper-toned wings with a bold jewelled neckpiece and skintone lacey bottom with suspenders.
They could have put Swanepoel in just about anything, and she still would have demonstrated that her iconic presence remains unmatched.
The runway was truly star-studded, but all eyes were on the dynamic duo, Gigi and Bella Hadid.
Even though Gigi made her debut back in 2015, this year was monumental: the sisters shared an iconic moment on stage at the same time, radiating the confidence of fashion royalty.
Gigi stunned the crowd in a voluminous, all-pink look that featured a lacey bustier and matching lace boyshorts, topped with a sprawling cape of 3D rose petals.
Of course, she had her winged moment in an all white look with dramatic angelic wings.
Bella Hadid, who showcased her now honey blonde hair, also turned heads in a fiery red ensemble, complete with her signature, fierce strut.
Taking the title of "groundbreaking moment," WNBA champion Angel Reese became the first-ever professional athlete to walk the Victoria's Secret runway as a model.
Swapping her Chicago Sky jersey for heels and wings, Reese absolutely commanded the stage.
She walked in a gorgeous pink floral lingerie set adorned with delicate lace, paired with a dramatic 3D flowered cape.
Her confident walk was a clear message that women can dominate on the court and the catwalk.
In its new, more inclusive era, the show beautifully showcased diverse body types.
Major plus-size models owned the runway, including the captivating Ashley Graham, who made her second appearance in a sultry, dark-angel-inspired black lingerie set with magnificent feathered wings.
Other fan favourites like Precious Lee and Paloma Elsesser also walked, with Paloma showcasing an elegant look in a lacey white one-piece with pink wings, further cementing Victoria's Secret's commitment to celebrating beauty in all its forms.
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch during the musical performances, especially when hip-hop legend Missy Elliott took the stage.
Her set was a non-stop party, with models dancing and the audience on their feet.
She performed a thrilling medley of hits like “Work It” and “Get Ur Freak On”, reminding everyone why she is an incomparable icon.
The incredible music lineup also included powerful performances from global superstars Karol G, Madison Beer, and K-pop phenomenon TWICE, ensuring a segment for every musical taste.
This show was a powerful reminder that the true iconicness of Victoria's Secret isn't just in the lingerie or the wings but in the women wearing them, from supermodel veterans to groundbreaking newcomers, pregnant or athletic, all celebrated for their strength and individual beauty.