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On October 18th, 2026, designer shoes clicked down an LA stage. Iconic wings of veteran and novice models alike were accompanied by powerhouse performances including Megan Thee Stallion, Katseye, Megan Moroney, and Tate McRae. The vividness of each season and the lull between was carefully communicated through every piece of skin and fabric that touched the spotlight. Yet, there was more beneath the surface. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has always been riddled in controversy, from the surface of its models and their glittering clothes down to the themes it tries to convey. What did 2026 have in store?

Victoria’s Secret’s Secret (History)

History often defines legacies. For Victoria’s Secret, its humble beginnings originated in the mind of Roy Raymond in 1977. He wanted to create a woman’s lingerie shop that shied away from the taboo, and welcomed ladies and gentlemen alike. Despite the unique approach and seeming success, the business struggled to stay afloat, and was eventually devoured by the tycoon Leslie Wexner. His name is tied to many brands today: Bath and Body Works, Abrecrombie and Fitch, Express, and of course, Victoria’s Secret. Naturally, as a more money-oriented man, he shifted the target demographic to women. Moreso, the products became marketed as something “exclusive” and “special,” and were advertised through a more sensual lens. By 1995, the brand had germinated into a multi-million dollar industry. It became the fashion phenomena known today complete with the angels and their annual walks and stores in each mall.

However, the climb to the top is never smooth. For decades, fashion companies faced sharp criticism for how they defined beauty standards. Especially in the beginning, the models’ jobs were to sell the idea of a “perfect woman.” In the eyes of the beholder (Wexner among others) that included the following: thin (less than or equal to 120 lbs), tall (around 5 ‘9), and without any blemishes (this ranged from freckles to body hair to beauty spots). This impossible archetype of woman suddenly became the beauty norm.

Another statement that is undebatable is the fact that television, magazines, and media in general contain influence to shape the youth’s minds. Up until recently, the “model body” was unnaturally thin and tall, going hand in hand with the down-sized products they sold. Several studies showed the impact this had on the minds of the youth, increasing self-consciousness and eating disorders. A fashion company had the power to control the livelihood of women. Only after facing intense backlash did the brand begin casting more diverse models to project a message of body positivity. Recently though, new dissensions have arisen, as well as praise.

Spring Awakening and Vintage Victoria

The 2026 show started with a mesh of viral audios. Infectious songs of all different genres served as the beat for the models’ strut. One of their more on-the-nose themes, the show started off with a Spring Awakening, with Gigi Hadid herself wearing a beautiful wing of delicate flowers. The color scheme seemed to be a combination of pinks and vivid greens.

The bright spring florals slowly transitioned into more elegant pastels accompanied by country star Megan Moroney. Classic satin, lingerie-esque outfits flowed down the runway, with M0roney’s southern twang singing “6 Months Later”, “Wish I didn’t” and “Sorry…I meant tonight.”

Tate McRae Brings Back Summer

As Cleo Sandals clicked off the stage, the dulcet, sleekness of the vintage era gave to the sultry summery heat. Glinting in a gorgeous rouge set, Tate McRae stole the show with her debut single “Housewife,” “Dear God,” and of course, her iconic “Sport’s Car.” The models preened their wings emboldened by their sequined, beach attires. Confetti rained in an inferno around McRae as she sang the final note, ending the first half of the show.

A Very Pink Half-Time

Global phenomenon Katseye led the Pink Half-time Show, with the most obvious first song, “Pinky Up,” followed by “Animal.” A mix of both summer and spring, hot pinks and blacks striped the apparel. The outfits all had a distinct 2000s-2010s feel, arguably the pinnacle for the brand Victoria’s Secret. During this time, the name transformed from a lingerie shop to a televised spectacle. Additionally, the Y2K-streetwear inspiration brought a modern nostalgic feel that nicely wrapped up the first half while leaving the audience eager for what was next.

Autumn Changes

A storm of lights revealed a bronze sun in the shape of Vittoria Ceretti: Autumn was here. The palette was noticeably a lot more muted, but no less generous in the sparkles and sequins. The gold and black highlighted a “black-cat” femininity. Ending with the most impressive set of wings was Elsa Hosk.

Megan Thee Stallion in the Winter Frost

Suddenly, the stage grew wispy, freezing over. With the cinematic entrance of a Hollywood star, the models came streaming in with crystal-covered costumes. Despite their revealing clothes, there was a coziness in the fluff motif.

Wrapping up winter, came rap star Megan Thee Stallion. Her chrome wings served as her own disco ball as she performed “Her”

and “Body,” appropriately accentuating the models in their black-sparkly concoctions.

The Fantasy Bra

Now, up until this moment, there were outfits, models, and outfits on models of fair critique. However, this segment would be the one that would have the internet divided. The capital-letters on headlines that would rise moments after the show ended. The attention Victoria’s Secret was secretly hoping for. Something to get people talking, and have them distracted from previous controversies or ongoing ones. Ladies and gentlemen, they brought back the Fantasy Bra.

Not just the Fantasy Bra, but the Fantasy Bra on Kylie Jenner.

A piece of inner-wear clad in precisely 4010 diamonds, amounting to 1,373.39 carats. Once a tradition for the models, it had crumbled with the brand. The last time it was worn was in 2018. The question that plagued viewers and perhaps models alike was: Why Kylie?

The answer lies in clicks, hearts, and people talking about it. Kylie Jenner is a pop-culture sensation, with her own controversies tailing behind her. To put a contentious piece of clothing on a contentious person is the perfect equation to mass-media frenzy. Perhaps, the board should have chosen a veteran model, or someone more equipped, to carry the delicate and multi-million dollar torch, but the purpose was attention, and attention is what they got.

As the last segment went on, shifting from black sparkles to sparkle-sparkles, the Victoria’s Secret 2026 Fashion show ended on a particularly glittery note, with the longest running model Adriana Lima, now 45 years old.

2026 Victoria’s Secret Highlights

Additionally, some highlights include the following: There were several runway debuts such as Trinity Rodman, Natalia Bryant (daughter of Kobe Bryant), and Bam Leasure, Jordan Leftwich, Ayen Agany, Malika El Maslouhi, Rosalieke Fuchs, among many others. Furthermore, Barbara Palvin made her return to the stage after recovering from post-partum. Lastly, the show concluded with Spice Girls blasting in the air as commemorating the unification of the new generation with the original Victoria’s Secret models.

Conclusion

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has never been just a fashion show. It is an event millions tune into that have carved the standards of women and how young girls view themselves. Yet, it is also a display of many people’s hard work, despite the critiques that follow. The outfits were both dramatic and chic, and the runaway was expertly coordinated and cinematic. One thing the 2026 show did well was that it did not shy away from its themes. Every season embraced itself wholly, every song clearly stating its purpose in the set. Moreso, it was enjoyable watching the models do what they have been waiting for all year; the smiles on their faces were clear and nearly infectious. With brands like Victoria’s Secret, it’s important to not forget its cultural significance in both the good and the bad, and it’s even more important to recognize the human work that goes into each product, store, and show. 2026 brought iconic looks from novice and veteran models alike and made harmony with the ultimate themes and music. Now we can only ask what next year has in store.