After months away from the public eye, Bella Hadid turned heads as she strutted back onto the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway on Wednesday.
The iconic lingerie event, now in its second year since a six-year hiatus, has been making a high-profile comeback.
Streaming live on Amazon Prime Video, the show returned to its classic glitzy and sensual roots, signaling a renewed focus on glamour and sales after previous attempts at a more socially conscious rebranding.
Bella’s absence had been tied to treatments for chronic Lyme disease and struggles with her mental health, but her return was nothing short of spectacular.
Joining her on the runway was older sister Gigi Hadid, making the show a memorable sister act.
Show-Stopping Looks on the Catwalk
Bella was a vision in crimson, wearing a fiery bra and lace thong, paired with a red lace garter over her toned abs that held up sheer stockings.
Draped in a red cloak over her forearms, she swapped her usual brunette hair for feathered golden-blond locks and completed the look with metallic ankle-strap heels that elevated her already striking presence.
Gigi Hadid complemented her sister in a bubblegum-pink ensemble, featuring a high-waisted lace bottom and a matching crop top, covered with a sheer robe lined with voluminous pink flowers.
The duo’s return was a highlight in a show that blended legacy stars with fresh faces.
A Star-Studded Roster
Victoria’s Secret welcomed back several former Angels including Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Doutzen Kroes, Candice Swanepoel, Behati Prinsloo, Lily Aldridge, Taylor Hill, Stella Maxwell, Barbara Palvin, and Grace Elizabeth.
Other returning stars included Joan Smalls, Irina Shayk, Ashley Graham, Anok Yai, Alex Consani, Paloma Elsesser, and Yasmin Wijnaldum.
The show also introduced newcomers like WNBA star Angel Reese, influencer Quenlin Blackwell, model Daiane Sodre, actress Barbie Ferreira, plus-size models Yumi Nu and Precious Lee, and “nepobaby” Iris Law, bringing a mix of athleticism, celebrity, and diverse representation to the runway.
Musical Highlights and Memorable Moments
Music played a key role in the show’s spectacle, with performances by Missy Elliott, Karol G, K-Pop sensation TWICE, and Madison Beer.
Jasmine Tookes kicked things off while heavily pregnant, flaunting her baby bump in a golden mesh ensemble with a satiny bra and thong, accented with a pearl-decorated wire-frame clam shell.
Adriana Lima stunned in a sheer, sequin-covered bodysuit with copper metallic wings, while Angel Reese towered over the runway in floral lingerie with a fuzzy pink boa.
Madison Beer not only performed but also walked the catwalk in a sheer pink corset and feathered wings, adding to the evening’s dazzling lineup.
Victoria’s Secret: A Legacy of Glamour
For decades, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was one of fashion’s most anticipated events, launching in 1995 and gaining a massive television audience by 2001.
Millions tuned in yearly to see supermodels and A-list performers combine for unforgettable spectacle.
However, in 2019 the annual show was canceled amid criticism over diversity issues and controversial remarks by then-chief marketing officer Ed Razek regarding trans and plus-size models.
After six years away, the show returned in 2024 with a more diverse lineup including plus-size and transgender models, though initial reactions noted the show lacked the traditional glamour fans remembered.
Reclaiming the Brand’s Identity
Victoria’s Secret CEO Hillary Super, who took the helm in September 2024, has emphasized a return to the brand’s “unapologetically sexy” roots.
After years of cautious rebranding and more coverage-focused designs, the company is shifting back to seductive, glamorous lingerie.
Super admits previous leadership allowed the brand to become “watered down” and that many decisions were made “out of fear” following accusations of misogyny and harassment.
The new direction is meant to restore the allure and confidence that originally defined Victoria’s Secret while still maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and safety.
Balancing Diversity with Glamour
While the 2024 show introduced plus-size and transgender models like Ashley Graham and Valentina Sampaio, critics felt it lacked the bombshell energy the brand was known for.
This year’s show seeks to strike a balance: honoring Victoria’s Secret’s history of glamour while celebrating diversity and fresh talent, proving that the runway can be both stunning and inclusive.
Bella Hadid’s triumphant return, alongside her sister and a roster of legends and newcomers, exemplifies this vision—a show that nods to the brand’s past while boldly embracing its present and future.