The VS Fashion Show 2025 made its highly anticipated return this fall — and with it came a wave of celebrity buzz, drama, and online speculation. Much like Selena Gomez’s wedding weekend, this event instantly dominated trending lists and set the internet ablaze within minutes of the first celebrity sighting. After years of controversy and a long hiatus, the show returned in full force — and with it, a flood of drama, excitement, and debate.
The Comeback: From Hiatus to Headline Event
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was once a major annual TV event watched around the world. In 2019, however, the show was canceled following years of criticism over representation and brand messaging.
In 2024, the company staged a major rebrand and brought the event back with a modernized image. That momentum carried into October 15, 2025, when the newest edition of the show premiered live from New York City on Amazon Prime Video.
This year’s spectacle included major celebrity performances, star-studded appearances, and renewed attempts at inclusivity.
The Big Names on the Runway
2025’s lineup was a blend of veteran faces and fresh talent, proving that the show is still a celebrity magnet.
- Gigi Hadid opened one of the early segments in a sparkling pink look, followed closely by her sister Bella Hadid, who wore an eye-catching red design.
- Former Angels Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel, and Behati Prinsloo made surprise appearances, adding a nostalgic touch for long-time fans.
- Rising stars like Yumi Nu, Iris Law, Barbie Ferreira, and Precious Lee joined the cast, bringing a wider range of personalities and styles to the stage.
One of the most talked-about appearances came from Angel Reese, who became the first professional athlete to walk in the event. Her crossover from the basketball court to the runway earned her praise across sports and entertainment circles. Harper’s Bazaar spotlighted Gigi and Bella Hadid’s return to the runway, calling their looks “an instant fan favorite.”
Another standout moment was Jasmine Tookes opening the show while nine months pregnant — a powerful statement about changing expectations of who can be represented on stage.
Performances That Stole the Spotlight
This year’s event also doubled as a high-energy concert. Karol G, Madison Beer, Missy Elliott, and TWICE performed live during the segments, setting the tone for each themed presentation.
- TWICE’s upbeat choreography became one of the most-shared clips of the night, with fans calling it “the perfect opener.”
- Missy Elliott brought a nostalgic, high-octane performance that got the entire venue on its feet.
- Karol G’s set, meanwhile, became the top trending topic on X (formerly Twitter) for over 24 hours.
The performances didn’t just set the vibe—they were central to the night’s entertainment value, blurring the lines between fashion event and music festival.
Trends, Looks & Creative Themes
The 2025 production focused heavily on glamour, sparkle, and bold designs. Large decorative wings and theatrical accessories made a comeback, but there were also some subtle modern touches:
- Monochrome looks dominated many segments, creating a more cohesive aesthetic than in previous years.
- A backstage favorite was the “lip gloss nails” trend — a simple, glossy manicure that went viral on social media.
- Runway walks were paired with custom music mixes, making the show feel more like a live performance than a traditional fashion presentation.
Not every design moment was met with applause. When Bella Hadid closed one segment, fans noticed she appeared to struggle with an oversized accessory piece. That moment quickly became a viral talking point, with fans expressing concern and sparking conversations about performance expectations behind the scenes.
Fan Reactions to the VS Fashion Show 2025
As always, fans wasted no time sharing their opinions online.
- On X (Twitter): “This is what I’ve been waiting for. Angel Reese ate that runway up,” one fan wrote, echoing thousands of similar posts.
- On Instagram, model Anok Yai posted, “This was the most intense prep I’ve ever done — but it felt amazing to walk with this crew.”
- On TikTok, fan edits of the performances racked up millions of views within hours.
But it wasn’t all praise. Critics pointed out that while the brand has made strides toward inclusivity, old issues haven’t completely disappeared. Some threads highlighted the limited number of plus-size and transgender models featured, raising questions about whether this rebrand is more marketing than meaningful change.
Celebrity Drama & Behind-the-Scenes Buzz
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has a long history of being just as dramatic behind the curtain as it is on stage.
- In 2024, Tyra Banks returned to close the show, symbolizing the bridge between the brand’s legacy and its reboot. This year, she did not appear, reportedly due to scheduling conflicts. Her absence stirred speculation and debates online.
- Bella Hadid’s closing walk caused concern and quickly turned into a trending topic, sparking discussions about the physical demands placed on talent.
- There were whispers of last-minute styling changes backstage and celebrity rivalries, though none were officially confirmed.
For many fans, these moments are part of the reason the show remains a magnet for pop culture attention — it’s not just what happens on stage, but the stories that surround it.
A Complicated Legacy
This event carries years of cultural baggage. The show’s original rise in the early 2000s was tied to a very specific image of beauty, one that has since been widely criticized.
- In 2018, brand executive Ed Razek made dismissive comments about transgender and curvy models. The backlash that followed was a major factor in the show’s cancellation.
- Since the rebrand, the company has been working to rebuild its public image, introducing more diverse casts and broader messaging. But critics say the transformation is still a work in progress.
This tension between the old image and the new direction is part of why the show is so heavily discussed. It’s not just about what’s being presented — it’s about what it says.
Why the VS Fashion Show 2025 Took Over Pop Culture
Even after years of criticism, people still tune in. Here’s why:
- Nostalgia: For many fans, the show is a throwback to a particular pop culture era.
- Star power: Musicians, models, and athletes sharing the same stage is still a big draw.
- Spectacle: The event is built to create memorable, over-the-top visuals.
- Ongoing drama: The conversations around representation, image, and branding keep the show relevant — whether fans love it or hate it.
- Media impact: The show generates millions of online impressions, and its performers and models often trend for days afterward.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Show
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show still faces pressure to evolve. As audiences continue to demand more meaningful representation, the brand can’t rely on visuals alone to maintain its relevance.
- Authenticity will be key — both fans and critics are watching closely to see whether future shows reflect real change.
- More diverse casting is likely, including nontraditional backgrounds and celebrity crossovers.
- Backstage transparency could help shift the narrative away from outdated ideals.
The spotlight is intense, and the expectations are high. If the brand doesn’t continue to adapt, it risks becoming a relic of the past rather than a cultural force.
Final Thoughts: Glamour Meets Controversy
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show isn’t just a fashion event — it’s a cultural spectacle that reflects shifting conversations about image, celebrity, and inclusivity.
The 2025 edition reminded everyone why it’s still one of the most talked-about events in entertainment. Big names, bold looks, and dramatic moments ensured it dominated headlines once again. But at the same time, critics and fans alike continue to hold the brand accountable for its complicated past.
As the VS Fashion Show 2025 continues to spark conversation, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a runway comeback — it’s a full-blown celebrity moment. For more on how pop icons are shaping today’s headlines, check out our deep dive on Taylor Swift’s latest album era
