Victoria’s Secret rises like a phoenix from the ashes of its ‘woke’ rebrand
From the woke grave to runway rebirth - Victoria’s Secret is back.
Following last year’s comeback after a six-year hiatus, Victoria’s Secret kept the flame burning bright with its 2025 lingerie extravaganza - a dazzling declaration that the brand is officially back in business, reclaiming its crown as the world’s sexiest fashion show.
After a turbulent fall from grace marked by controversy and criticism, this return to the runway was equal parts redemption and reinvention. The brand’s earlier attempt at a “woke” rebranding had fallen flat, widely dismissed as boring and lacklustre. But on Wednesday night (15.10.25) Victoria’s Secret proved it is truly back, serving up Angels' wings, glitter, and unapologetic sex appeal like never before.
The 2025 show was a full-throttle celebration of fantasy, femininity, and bold revival. Casting off the constraints that had dimmed its signature daring, the brand leaned into its iconic DNA while reimagining itself for a new generation.
Staged in Brooklyn, New York, and glowing under hot pink lights, the runway unfolded like a fever dream. It featured a heavenly line-up of legendary Angels, headline-making moments, an all-female line-up of pop artists, and otherworldly looks that reminded us why VS once ruled the fashion world.
Opening the show was nine-month-pregnant Jasmine Tookes, proudly cradling her baby bump in a sensual golden mesh ensemble.
From there, the parade of icons and new forces began. Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Behati Prinsloo, Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldridge and Doutzen Kroes all returned in full bombshell glory to the sound of Donna Summer’s I Feel Love, delivering future nostalgia in motion.
But models weren't the only stars. Madison Beer wove her hypnotic spell, opening with Make You Mine, dressed in angelic white. Madison closed with the world premiere of her sultry soundtrack Bittersweet. Her performance was wrapped in pure seduction and had the audience hanging on every note.
New generations made their mark too. Lila Moss, daughter of Kate Moss, returned for a second year, while Iris Law, daughter of Jude Law, made her VS debut in sporty-chic fashion, backed live by K‑pop powerhouse TWICE.
Emily Ratajkowski - long considered one of fashion’s most in-demand models - finally had her moment. Draped in delicate orchid-pink lingerie, the Gone Girl star bloomed on the runway, her debut earning instant fan-favourite status.
But it wasn’t just legacy and lineage. Euphoria’s Barbie Ferreira injected star power into the line-up, owning the runway in a figure-hugging number that proved she was in her main-character era.
Bella Hadid made her triumphant return after her public health battle with Lyme disease, blonde, blazing, and wrapped in molten red. Behind her, Columbian superstar Karol G matched the heat with a fiery live performance donned in a smoke-show scarlet ensemble.
For the first time in Victoria’s Secret history, professional athletes joined the Angel ranks and strode the runway with strength and confidence. WNBA star Angel Reese became the show’s first pro athlete to walk, making her debut in floral pink lingerie and dramatic wings. Meanwhile, Olympic gymnast Suni Lee also made her VS runway debut, sporting a sporty PINK look of crop top, shorts, and diaphanous wings during TWICE’s performance.
Closing it all off, Missy Elliott stormed the stage with an explosive finale performance. The hip-hop legend delivered an electrifying medley of her biggest hits including Work It, Lose Control, and Get Ur Freak On.
Victoria’s Secret’s spectacular resurrection is a recalibration. Rooted in its iconic legacy, the brand has found a new rhythm, bolder, fiercer, and unapologetically sexy, all while keeping the fantasy intact. The secret’s out: Victoria’s Secret knows exactly what it is, and this time, it’s not holding back.
CLICK HERE to see every incredible moment from the Victoria's Secret Show 2025.
