While Diversity Still Lacked, the Revamped Victoria's Secret 2024 Fashion Show Made a Stand Against Ageism
by Nkem Emefiele
The long awaited Victoria Secret Show included a variety of surprises from original Y2K angels and 90s icons to the biggest names of the moment. And, for the first time ever, the show consisted of only female performers - including Tyla and Cher.
So, did the 2024 revival really have it all?
Returning after 6 years, the show began with a sassy start from Thai rapper LISA, who is also a member of South Korean girl group Blackpink, adhering to the energetic opening viewers were hoping for.
Immediately with 78 year old Cher and 27 year old LISA taking the stage in the musical department, it was a clear win for diversity in the ages of the next era of Victoria’s Secret women.
Expectations were further fulfilled by the fashion show being opened by the one and only Gigi Hadid. Hadid was styled head to toe in a soft shade of pink, heightened by not only her dazzling, spiral, clasped heels, but her huge, colour coordinated, electronic wings. The first round of walks from the models seemed to mirror the colour scheme of Gigi's garment, with differences achieved through a range of silhouettes and wing designs.
Sticking to their tradition of having a musical performer alongside the models, a standout was 39 year old Orianthi's guitar solo of ‘I love Rock ‘N Roll’ by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, offering a cool rock and roll approach to the walks. And who better than “a rockstar trapped in a supermodel body” - Kate Moss. She made her VS debut wearing a fittingly edgy Lace sheer garment, finished with voluminous puffy black wings, heightening her presence in the room.
This moment was highly regarded by fans, describing her reveal as “honestly saving the show” via social media. The moment also went viral as her 22 year old daughter, Lila Moss, had just walked down the runway wearing unique wings that spelled out ‘Lila VS’.
Not only is Kate Moss a legend in the runway scene, but her presence, alongside others, highlighted a move away from ageism when it comes to the industry and whats considered sexy.
In fact, Moss was not the only model to take to the catwalk at the age of 50. Tyra Banks returned to her wings as the model closing the show. For the finale, she rocked punky studded heels, a huge cape attached to a black bolero, and a bustiere.
Continuing, 43-year-old Adriana Lima also took to the runway, although her outfit caused marmite reactions. Putting aside her funky plaid design, the main talk of her show was about how “she looked like a teenager” and how “she’s still in her prime.”
These positive views of Adriana Lima lead to negative statements surrounding Gigis opening of the show, stating that Adriana should have opened the show instead of Gigi and fans were displeased that her wings weren’t as loud and glamourous as Gigis.
Another standout was 35 year old Candice Swanepoel. The South African model returned in not one but two looks - first a nude bra embellished with silver crystals and matching thong, then followed by a red hot version.
Marking a balance between 90s icons and original angels, Bella Hadid’s appearance was highly regarded. She took to the runway in a traditionally wild red lace underwear set, bearing all confidently with an oversized, matching red fur jacket in place traditional angel wings after taking a hiatus from the modelling industry to focus on her health.
Although Victoria Secret ticked a variety of boxes and received less backlash than that of what accumulated last year, there were still some additional areas that did not leave fans impressed.
Mainly in the hair and makeup department; with Adriana Lima and Candice Swanepoel’s sent out in slick back hairstyles instead of the authentic ‘blowouts’ 2000s Victoria Secret fans adored.
Dutch model Doutzen Kroes also made an appearance aged 39. Sporting a simple pink bra and knicker duo, with a sheer lace ‘midi skirt’ style covering, matching pink shoes covered in bows, and silver wings.
However, many viewers believed the set was “cheap” due to Kroes having a shoe malfunction during her walk where her heel got stuck in the plastic-looking slats of the catwalk. Although this is no discredit to Kroes who handled the incident like a pro - with a squatted one leg balance in stilettos!
Ultimately, the show lacked the fierceness and craziness fans desired. While it also took on few changes in body diversity, it was a win for the representation of women looking hot at various ages.
Edited by and additional text from Emily Duff