Every year, the Victoria’s Secret show brings its famous bejewelled Angels together for what is consistently a glittery catwalk extravaganza. It’s the most-watched fashion event of the year (800 million tune in annually) with around $12 million (about £9.2 million) spent on putting the spectacle together – a huge figure considering most catwalk shows cost an estimated $1million (about £700,000).
Here’s everything we know about the 2018 show so far:
The Venue
The location of the Victoria’s Secret show changes frequently; it’s previously been held everywhere from London and Paris to Miami, LA and New York. Last year’s took place in Shanghai. The brand has steadily been building presence in mainland China, with a total of 26 stores across the country, so it made commercial sense to take the Angels there. While this year’s location has yet to be announced, it’s likely to be a key market for the lingerie label.
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All the models will then travel to the location together via a VS private jet providing many an Instagram opportunity.
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The Date
A date for this year’s show has yet to be confirmed (and presumably won’t be until the location is announced), but it generally takes place towards the end of November or beginning of December every year. It’s then broadcast on TV and online a few days later.
The Costumes
Often less is more when it comes to the VS show, with models typically showcasing little more than lingerie, heels and a pair of wings. There are always ‘themes’, like ‘sexy sportswear’ or ‘sexy nightwear’ or ‘sexy fairyland nymphs’ – and, despite the theatrical and often playful costumes, the underwear always takes centre stage (of course, let’s not forget the entire point of this is to sell knickers).
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Last year, the brand collaborated with Balmain on some one-off looks for the show, marking the first time that VS had teamed up with a high-fashion brand to produce pieces that will actually be made for retail.
There’s also always one lucky Angel chosen to be the wearer of the ‘Fantasy Bra‘, an ornate piece of underwear covered in eye-wateringly expensive diamonds and gemstones, usually produced by a luxury jewellery house.
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When an Angel is chosen to wear said bra, then it means she’s a big deal – previous names to bestowed with the accolade include Jasmine Tookes, Lily Aldridge, Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio. Last year, Lais Ribeiro was the lucky girl – and was more than a little excited about being chosen.
The Performers
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Every year the models are joined by some of the biggest names in music, who provide the soundtrack to each section of the show. Last year’s acts to hit the catwalk in Shanghai were former One Directioner Harry Styles, Grammy winner Miguel, Hamilton alum Leslie Odom Jr. and Chinese pop sensation Jane Zhang.
Other stars to have performed in previous years include Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, Kanye West and Rihanna.
The Line-up
While those responsible for casting the Victoria’s Secret show probably already have a fairly good idea about who they want to appear on the catwalk, they still go through the theatre of holding castings, as with any other fashion show – which they often release video footage of. This means that several weeks prior to the show, you’ll have a parade of models photographed arriving at the Victoria’s Secret HQ in New York, giving us a pretty good indication of who might be appearing (although it’s not always guaranteed; Hailey Baldwin was spotted turning up for a casting last year but didn’t ever make the final line-up, as was Gigi Hadid who was later forced to pull out). At last year’s casting, they gave each of the models a pair of huge feathered wings to leave with, just to make sure people really noticed them.
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The models will then take to Instagram to express their delight at being selected for this year’s show.
The show generally features a mix of seasoned Angels (Alessandra Ambrosio, Lily Aldridge, Candice Swanepoel); high-profile names (Kendall Jenner, Karlie Kloss, Bella and Gigi Hadid); and a fortunate batch of newcomers or lesser-known faces.
This year you can probably expect regular Angels such as Alessandra Ambrosio, Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Martha Hunt, Stella Maxwell, Lais Ribeiro, Taylor Hill and Cindy Bruna. We might also have the return of Behati Prinsloo, who skipped the last two shows due to pregnancies.
Many of the world’s most successful models have appeared on the Victoria’s Secret catwalk at some point in their career, including Gisele Bündchen, Naomi Campbell, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Helena Christensen and Miranda Kerr.
There will be glitter and lots of it
Whether backstage, on the catwalk or at the after-party, Victoria’s Secret would be nothing without its unimaginable levels of pink and silver glitter. It’s basically a larger-scale version of Paris Hilton’s birthday party.
Expect some form of ‘drama’
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Remember the time Ariana Grande nearly got knocked out by Elsa Hosk’s furry wings? Or the alleged ‘awkwardness’ between then-exes Bella Hadid and The Weeknd? Or when Yolanda Hadid posted that controversial childhood shot of nude Bella and Gigi in angel wings? Or when Jourdan Dunn described the brand as “BS” after she wasn’t recruited for the catwalk? Or when Cara Delevingne dismissed allegations she had been banned from the show because she was “too fat?” Another VS show calls for another round of drama.
Everyone will wear pink dressing gowns
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The mastermind behind this marketing gem is unknown, but one of the most distinguishable markers of the VS show is its pink dressing gowns, worn by the models backstage prior to the event. These satin robes are sold online for around £45.
Everyone will have ‘mermaid hair’
Victoria’s Secret is not one to push boundaries when it comes to its beauty. The favoured look of recent years? Fluttery lashes and long beachy waves. Today, you’d be hard-pushed to find a VS Angel with short cropped hair or any more alternative style.
From: Harper’s BAZAAR UK
