The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is back – but what exactly has changed?

The redemption runway we’ll all be watching

• In this article

• Why the runway show has been on hiatus since 2019

• What to expect with this year’s Victoria’s Secret comeback

• How to watch the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Australia

After a slew of controversies and dwindling viewer ratings, Victoria’s Secret hung up its angel wings for good in 2019 – or so we thought. Here’s what to excerpt from the brand’s ‘redemption runway’. 

Whether you were a fan of the larger-than-life pageantry and 10-foot-tall wings, the top-tier musical performers, or the unforgettable Angels themselves, it’s likely you’ve sat down and watched a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show before. 

Simply put, the global lingerie brand’s annual showcase was like no other – first gracing the runway in 1995 until alleged ‘poor ratings’ (and a slew of controversies) saw the annual broadcast cancelled indefinitely in 2019. 

Now, almost 6 years later, the brand’s signature flare is set to return this week, bringing some of the runway’s (and stage’s) biggest names with it. 

But has Victoria’s Secret truly learned from its past lack of diversity and inclusion? Or are we set to watch yet another hour of glamorous size zeros flaunt million-dollar lingerie down a sparkling runway?  

If like me, you grew up tuning in to the Victoria’s Secret runway show every year, news of its return after a 6-year hiatus has likely piqued your interest. 

First announced back in May, fans have been eagerly awaiting details of the brand's comeback since, with their official Instagram account more recently dropping details about the musical guests, model cast list and efforts to rebrand their reputation for exclusivity. 

Unlike most high-fashion runways, Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was always defined by its line-up of smiling beautiful women – each adorned with long bouncy curls and warm, ‘barely there’ makeup looks. 

Ditching the neutral composure of high fashion (glares and no-nonsense walks) VS models spiced up their moment on the runway with waves, twirls, winks and dancing, as they strutted past the many high-profile musical guests performing live alongside them. 

But behind the glitz and glamour, despite being the springboard of countless modelling careers and one of the most widely watched runway events in the industry, by 2019 the brand was heavily steeped in controversy. 

Angels Candice Swanepoel and Behati Prinsloo have confirmed their involvement in this year's show. Image: Instagram/@victoriassecret

Why has the runway show been on hiatus since 2019?

Bad viewer ratings and slower sales were not the only factors leading up to the brand’s decision to cease their shows in 2019. Much like other high-profile fashion brands, Victoria’s Secret was long been heavily criticised for their lack of diversity and inclusion, a stance only strengthened by former CMO Edward Razek’s controversial comments. 

In 2019 prior to the runway show’s announced hiatus, Razek publicly rejected the idea in including trans models in the show in an interview with Vogue Runway, “I don’t think we should. Well, why not? Because the show is a fantasy. It’s a 42-minute entertainment special. That’s what it is,” he says. 

His comments also referenced the suggested inclusion of plus-sized models on the runway. Facing intense backlash for his tonedeaf and exclusive stance, Razek stepped down from his role that August. 

Additionally, a 2020 New York Times article levelled accusations at both Razek and the wider company of fostering a ‘culture of misogyny, bullying, and harassment’. Oh, and let’s not forget about the the brand’s former CEO, Les Wexner’s, close ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. 

What to expect with this year’s Victoria’s Secret comeback

With so much scandal and controversy to its name, Victoria’s Secret’s announced comeback has unsurprisingly raised a few eyebrows. But, according to the now female-led operation, such as Sarah Sylvester, EVP of Marketing and Janie Schaffer, Chief Design Officer, this year’s show will reflect the brand’s growth over the last 6 years. 

"It will be bigger and better than everyone has seen before," Schaffer tells Women's Wear Daily, adding that the new show is designed to be a "celebration of how amazing the fashion show was … but through the lens of Victoria's Secret today, rather than the lens of Victoria's Secret of old."

In addition to shaking up the model cast list, the 2024 runway show is also addressing concerns of animal and environmental activists, announcing the wings worn by this year’s angels will not be made using real feathers. 

“The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will deliver precisely what our customers have been asking for – the glamour, runway, fashion, fun, wings, entertainment – all through a powerful, modern lens reflecting who we are today,” shares the brand in a statement  to People. “We’re thrilled to share a women-led articulation of this iconic property later this year!”

Fan favourite Taylor Hill is also set to return. Image: Instagram/@taylorhill

Who will be walking the Victoria’s Secret runway this year?

During the brand's most lucrative years, to be cast in the globally renowned fashion show was the pinnacle of a young model’s career. To be branded a Victoria’s Secret Angel – arguably the highest honour in the modelling world – was a surefire way to secure one’s supermodel status for all eternity. 

From Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum and Adriana Lima to Candice Swanepoel and Miranda Kerr, almost every supermodel to emerge since the mid-nineties has walked the famed VS runway at some point. This year, many favourites are set to return, such as Behati Prinsloo, Gigi Hadid, Lais Ribeiro and Taylor Hill. 

Joining the cast of Veteran Angels is body positivity advocate and model Ashley Graham, a clear breakaway from the brand’s historical casting and a hopeful indication of how the show has evolved throughout its hiatus. 

Who is performing at the Victoria’s Secret show?

Like previous runway shows, Victoria’s Secret is set to make room on the runway for some of the hottest names in music right now, announcing both South African singer Tyla and K-pop star Lisa from Blackpink. 

The name on everyone’s lips, however, is no up-and-comer performer. Global superstar Cher is set to perform her hits alongside the 2024 Angels cementing the all-female musical lineup. 

How to watch the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Australia

Like many live US events, tuning in to watch the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show here in Australia requires a quick calculation and understanding of time zones. 

Airing October 15th in The United States, Aussie viewers will be able to tune in live from 10 AM AEDT (that’s 7 AM for any Perth-based readers) on Wednesday October 16. 

Calculations aside, the show will be broadcast largely for free across a varietgy of platforms, such as Youtube, Instagram and TikTok. 

Originally published as The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is back – but what exactly has changed?