Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show: Glamour or Just Good PR?

“We’ve read comments and heard you.” It’s not the first time a brand has said something similar, but when Victoria’s Secret announced its annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show relaunch with the promise that it would “reflect who we are today, plus everything you know and love,” the expectations were high. “Stay tuned… it only gets more iconic from here,” they teased.

The iconic Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned after a six-year hiatus and took place in a warehouse in Brooklyn. Once synonymous with glamour, the show was a cultural event that captivated global audiences. But in 2024, the brand faced the challenge of pleasing an audience with louder, more insistent calls for inclusivity, diversity, and modern relevance.

The show did appear to embrace inclusivity, featuring models of different ages, body types, and backgrounds. Certainly in comparison to historic years. Curve model Ashley Graham made her Victoria’s Secret debut alongside Alex Consani and Valentina Sampaio—the latter making history as the first transgender woman to walk the VS runway.

However, in today’s age of social media commentary, where everyone has a platform, the question remains: Did the show meet modern demands for both diversity and the glamour that defined its past?

While inclusivity was a central focus, it wasn’t the only thing fans were watching for. Many took to the Victoria’s Secret Instagram page to voice their opinions, from the absence of the iconic Fantasy Bra to debates over who should have opened the show.

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024

Some viewers on TikTok were moved to tears as they saw bodies that mirrored their own on the runway, while others were more critical of the styling and production. Opinions continue to pour in, with some fans saying the returning models deserved more screen time, the walks felt rushed, and the energy was lacking. Still, others expressed excitement at seeing legends like Adriana Lima, Tyra Banks, and Kate Moss alongside the Hadid sisters.

In a world where everyone is quick to share their thoughts through social media, it’s hard to say if this comeback met all expectations. Personally, I was happy to see more curve models and outfits with more coverage—a considerable contrast to past years when such diversity wasn’t embraced. It will be interesting to see where Victoria’s Secret takes things from here.