Back on the Runway: Victoria’s Secret 2025 Reviewed

VS held their historically famous and glamourised runway show earlier this week on the 15th October. After last year’s underwhelming revival following a six-year hiatus, all eyes were on VS to deliver the glitz, glamour, and girl-power fantasy we grew up obsessing over.

Last year they commited many crimes including the slick backs - and a myriad of other criticisms which included the performances, makeup and even the selection of Angels themselves! They had lots to prove this year, yet again. With the public hopeful they would once and for all listen to their better judgement and give the people what they want! 

Hair & Makeup 

We were given a blow dry. Victoria’s Secret big bouncy classic blowout not seen anywhere! It was a blowout yes, but not much bounce going on. We needed more volume, more drama, and more 90s vibes. The hair fell a bit flat for my liking, it was giving a modernised blowout with less time in rollers - as if they were rushing, which we know cannot be true as the models all arrived 12 hours to the show time.

The hair needs to be humongous because thats where all Victorias Secrets are kept! Duh! And it just wasn’t, however I can't complain because it was 100% better than last year. 

The makeup was incredible, thank god. It was everything, it was soft, glowy and accented each and every model's natural features perfectly. With sparkly eyeshadow, accentuated cheekbones and glowy highlight on all the cheeks. I truly cannot complain about the makeup. It was nothing crazy because the focus is on the models and the show factor of course! 

The Main Event - The Angels 

The Angels this year somehow both disappointed and exceeded expectations - simultaneously?!

Jasmine Tookes opened the show in true icon fashion: fully pregnant, draped in pearls, and sporting the most stunning 3D pearl wings. Insane. My best friend and I were gobsmacked when she turned to the side, because front on, that woman still has ABS. I aspire to glow that much while pregnant.

And plus-sized divas absolutely owned this runway. Paloma Elsesser, Precious Lee, and Ashley Graham, among others, strutted in bejewelled bras and panties with feathered wings, serving confidence and glamour with every step.

The VS Pink half-time show, however, sparked controversy. Influencers like Quen Blackwell and Gabriela Moura were invited to walk, leading to debates about whether Victoria’s Secret is the right platform for influencers. Some fans argued they should stick to their own fields instead of stepping into modeling. Totally understandable.

But honestly? If I had an excessive follower count and got invited to walk for VS, I wouldn’t say no, and neither would you. You can’t blame them for seizing the opportunity.

The nepo baby trend was also out in full force, with Iris Law and Lila Moss on the runway. Again, I get it, because if I were them, I’d jump at the chance. Still, it’s frustrating that opportunities like this often come simply from being related to someone famous.

Their walks were fine, but let’s be real - their main skills seem to revolve around travelling, living the high life, and eating mangoes. Dream life, honestly.

Angelina Kendall also made her VS debut in multiple looks and had some of the most gorgeous wings ever! She had the most amazing monochromatic pink look with petal wings shooting straight from her back. A breathtaking entrance that set the standard for many to follow - she clearly knows how to walk.

Amelia Gray was one to watch. Her first look… let’s just say it looked like her butt cheeks were being forcibly flossed. But her second look? Absolute heat. Bending over at the end of the runway with a cheeky smirk, she gave a moment that online fans are calling iconic. I’m not entirely convinced though - whoever was to her right probably had a little too clear a view.

Barbara Palvin Sprouse, of course, had the love and support of husband Dylan Sprouse cheering her on. Jealous! She looked unreal in an orangey gold dress with a low back, followed by a second outfit of silver, jewelled angel wings. ICONIC. Clearly, a loving man does wonders for your glow.

Bella Hadid had only just emerged from intensive care for Lyme disease a few weeks prior, yet she also delivered two looks: a killer red lingerie set and a sparkling all-white tassel ensemble. The wings weighed over 22kg, and you could see her struggling, quite ruthless considering she just left hospital! Gigi Hadid was equally impressive, serving multiple looks and wing variations with her usual poise.

Irina Shayk slayed in a baby pink lingerie set adorned with bows, paired with a burlesque-inspired headpiece full of feathers, she looked almost bird-like. And yes, there were some wings this year that were pure 3D-printed bird energy, entirely extra and entirely mesmerising.

Adriana Lima brought drama in multiple looks but wisely didn’t overshadow others, letting fellow Angels shine. Her walk wasn't as Adriana as it could have been!

Other notable names strutting the runway included Adut Akech, Alessandra Ambrosio, Alex Consani, Angel Reese, Anok Yai, Barbie Ferreira, Emily Ratajkowski, Joan Smalls, Liu Wen, Suni Li, Yumi Nu, and more. But we'd be here for hours if I listed every detail!

(Alex Consani ate down though)

The Performances…

I did no prior research and blocked the VS socials so I would be fully surprised by the musical lineup… and I was but for the wrong reasons. Where was Tate McCrae? They played a recording of one of her songs, but couldn’t be bothered to book her live? Instead we were left with a rouge 10 minute Missy Elliot concert that didn’t involve any Angels and was so boring. 

Karol G and Madison Beer both sang beautifully but again it was nothing beyond amazing, we needed theatrics, drama and the same vibe as Justin Timerlake for VS 2006.  Don’t even get me started on Twice - K-Pop legends (I’m so out of touch with K-POP, so i assumed they were Black Pink - because they played during the VS Pink half - time show! Makes sense right?) They sounded either really nervous or they usually sang with lots of auto tune. I was not a fan. 

Watch the entire show here -

Overall

Of course it will still be my version of the Superbowl, but mainly because I’m a British Girl and the Superbowl in no way excites me. VS are slowly redeeming themselves, and the collection itself was so cool and very sexy as per. But we all know these shows aren't mainly about the collections, and are instead about the performative dramatics of it all. 

The anticipation, the adrenaline and the community of it all! Girls (mainly) all around the world stay up late, wake up early, etc to be able to watch this event and we are slowly getting closer to the icon levels of prior years! So excited to see what 2026 brings for VS once they take on board this years criticisms. 

With love, 

Mimi x