Beyond The Wings: Victoria’s Secret’s Return
By Mia Palacios
For a few moments, the runway becomes more than just lingerie. Every outfit, every pair of wings, and every performance gives audiences something new to discuss.
On Oct.18, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned to Los Angeles, bringing its signature glamour back to the spotlight. But with changing expectations in fashion, and a brand still working to rebuild its image, the question was not just what the models would wear, but what the show would say about Victoria’s Secret today.
Held at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California, the show featured models including Gigi Hadid and Adriana Lima, alongside a musical lineup of Tate McRae, KATSEYE, Megan Moroney, and Megan Thee Stallion.
One of the evening’s most talked-about moments came when Kylie Jenner made her runway debut wearing the returning Fantasy Bra, a jeweled design created in collaboration with Jacob & Co. The combination of fashion and celebrity gave viewers plenty to discuss, both during the show and afterwards.
For sophomore Anyeli Garcia, who has watched previous editions of the show, Kylie Jenner’s appearance was a highlight precisely because it was unexpected.
“I did not know that she would be there. The bra and the outfit were amazing. She was well-deserved. People say she doesn’t deserve it, but I think she does deserve it,” said Anyeli.
She also enjoyed Tate McRae’s performance, particularly the singer’s red outfit and flowing wings.
“Tate McRae was so good; her show and her walk were amazing. Like, red looks good on her,” said Garcia.
Her comment reflects how much of the show’s appeal lies in the details, not only lingerie itself, but also the styling, the struts, the dances, and the way each look comes together on the runway.
As for junior Keisy Arias, who has watched the show for three consecutive years, she had a different favorite. Although she initially mentioned Jenner’s appearance, Keisy later clarified that Megan Thee Stallion’s performance stood out to her the most.
“My absolute favorite part was Megan Thee Stallion’s performance. She looked incredible. She was singing; she was walking; she was strutting down the runway, and it looked amazing,” said Keisy.
Arias also praised the designs’ shine and said the newer models made a strong impression.
“I think all the new models did well. I like the new models there. I think that they had, like, a diverse range of bodies, and it was. It was really beautiful, like they all looked amazing,” said Arias.
Her reaction points to one of the larger conversations surrounding the brand; representation has become an important part of how audiences judge fashion, and the models on a runway can influence how people connect with a collection. Still, not every part of the production worked for Arias.
“I think that the singers should have their own section. If they’re going to be on stage, they should be staying in place because the way they’re moving back and forth low-key stresses me out and is causing issues, as the singers bumped into the models quite a few times,” said Keisy.
Garcia also had a few reservations; however, these regarded the clothing. Although she liked most of the collection, she was less impressed by some of the PINK designs.
“I think the PINK. Like, some of the outfits from PINK weren’t cute, but most of them were good,” said Anyeli.
These mixed reactions come as Victoria’s Secret continues to reshape its public image. The brand built its reputation on glamorous models, dramatic wings, and extravagant runway productions, but it has also faced criticism over the beauty standards associated with its earlier shows.
As discussed in The Business of Fashion’s analysis, “Victoria’s Secret Straddles Past and Present,” the company faces the challenge of holding on to its recognizable identity while responding to a changing market.
For Garcia, the direction appears promising. Reflecting on the brand’s return and its evolving designs.
“Now they’re getting better and, like, everything’s getting better and back, and I think that’s good,” said Garcia
Her view reflects the optimism some viewers feel toward the show’s renewed direction. However, one successful event cannot determine whether a brand has fully regained its cultural relevance. That depends on whether its changes continue beyond the runway. But despite their different critiques, both students expressed reasons to keep watching.
“I watched it this year with my girlfriend, Vicky, and I definitely think I’ll continue watching every year. It’s one of my favorite traditions,” said Arias.
Ultimately, the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show brought together the elements that have long defined it—glamour, elaborate designs, recognizable models, and music performances—while giving audiences new reasons to discuss its direction.
The wings and sparkling outfits may draw viewers in, but the reactions to the models, styling, and production reveal what keeps them engaged. As Victoria’s Secret continues to evolve, its challenge is not simply to recreate the spectacle of its past, but to make that spectacle relevant to the audience watching today.
