In the early 2000’s, Victoria’s Secret was known for its high-budget all-out runway shows. The show occurred annually from 1996 to 2018 but the show was canceled on account of their viewership dropping dramatically. However, due to popular demand, the show had a reprise this year and so many people have been anticipating the watch. The show aired a little over a week ago on Tuesday, October 15th on Prime Video where viewers could watch it live. The show was about 45 minutes with 4 different sections of the show including different color schemes and behind-the-scenes peeks filmed with a retro camera. This stylistic choice was likely an attempt to restore the 90’s and early 2000’s vibe usually associated with the Victoria’s Secret show. The concept of this was certainly one trying to be creative and authentic, however it might not have been received exactly how the brand intended. Many complaints have arisen regarding the possible “low budget” of this show and unfortunately this choice may have only perpetuated this idea. In fact, the same can be said about the whole show. While the ultimate goal of the show as an entirety was to restore the brand’s previous glamorous status, the result was quite the opposite.

The number one complaint among viewers online was the show’s low budget. The runways in previous years were lavishly decorated with the biggest stars performing. However, this year the catwalk was barely decorated, if at all, and featured B-tier performers singing for about 5 minutes. One video circulating online is of a model getting her heel caught in the lift portion of the stage: a prime example of the lack of effort put into ensuring the show ran perfectly. Many other negative comments are regarding the lack of inclusivity with the models walking. One of the main reasons for the show being initially canceled was because of their inability to progress with the body positivity movement. While there were some plus-sized models in this year’s show, a common trend was that they were covered up wearing shawls, leggings, sports bras, or one-piece lingerie. Viewers were upset by this because the smaller models were seen wearing matching underwear sets that Victoria’s Secret is known for, creating a new division between different body types where the curvier women were censored. Due to this favoritism of the stereotypical Victoria’s Secret Angel, I wouldn’t be surprised if the show falls to the same fate as it did before.

Complaints aside, the show was still exciting to watch simply because of the Victoria’s Secret name. Many notable Angels returned from years past or simply famous models made their debut on the VS runway. Some big names include Kate Moss and her daughter, Lila Moss, making the sweetest duo, Adriana Lima, Alex Consani, Alessandra Ambrosio, sister duo Gigi and Bella Hadid, and Tyra Banks. Gigi Hadid opened the show in a stunning pink pajama set with huge wings (a signature look of the Angels). This being her first appearance on the VS stage since the show’s cancellation in 2018, she definitely brought an infectious energy. The show concludes with her sister, Bella Hadid, walking out in a red and black robe of feathers. The idea of the show being bookended by two sisters is poetic as it symbolizes the sisterhood the brand aims to create. The light-hearted, girlish look brought by Gigi in contrast to the dark and powerful demeanor of Bella has been equated to a white and black swan allusion. Adriana Lima had an extremely special appearance as she was the main face of Victoria’s Secret for so many years and in fact walked as an Angel in the original set of shows from 1999 until the show’s suspension in 2018. Adriana’s name has been highly discussed online in recent years simply because of her iconic name and career. Her coming out of retirement to walk this show was a surprise and definitely added to the exclusive, traditional Angel ideas they were likely trying to restore. Tyra Banks’s appearance at the finale of the show was a subject of great discussion. Much controversy is surrounding her at the moment regarding her bullying other models in the beginning stages of her career. In fact, regarding the Victoria’s Secret shows in particular, she has been rumored to have been body-shaming other models and sparking eating disorders among her fellow Angels. With that, the fact that Banks walked as a plus-sized model in this show was highly discussed. The controversy surrounding the models is possibly another reason that the show might not be reprised, but regardless seeing the beautiful women walk was certainly a sight to see.

Musical artists performing on the runway has always been a staple of the renowned show. This year we saw sets from Lisa (one of the singers from Blackpink), R&B singer Tyla, and a special appearance from Cher. The ladies came out in the different sections and had their own Angel outfit to remain on-theme. Cher even had an entourage of models on a platform behind her to create a Burlesque vibe.  The aspect of having live performances at a fashion show is especially lavish and certainly aligns with what comes to mind when thinking about a Victoria’s Secret catwalk.

The idea of a Victoria’s Secret fashion show is certainly a spectacle evoking images of glamor, status, and the exciting thought of what it means to be an Angel. Regardless of the  complaints surrounding this year’s show, it was inarguably a historical event that will be referenced for years to come, especially if the brand decides to make it an annual event once again. The prestigious name associated with being a Victoria’s Secret Angel is one that will be remembered forever. Hopefully as the brand gets back into the groove of hosting such a recognizable event, they will be able to increase the budget and return the show to its previous glory. I’m sure skeptics and fans alike will anticipate the potential return of the show next year.