In the glittering pantheon of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, where spectacle is the currency and fantasy the product, a true moment of resonant, human triumph is rare. Yet, at the 2025 extravaganza, staged within the industrial chic confines of New York's Steiner Studios, Bella Hadid delivered just that. This was not merely a walk; it was a declaration. Returning to the runway that helped define her career, she carried not only a pair of magnificent, 50-pound angel wings but also the invisible weight of a profound personal journey, making her appearance the undisputed, beating heart of the entire event.
Just one month after a debilitating hospitalization for Lyme disease, a condition she has battled for years, Hadid’s presence was a testament to sheer resilience. For an audience streaming worldwide across Amazon Live and Prime Video, her return transcended fashion. It became a powerful narrative of strength, vulnerability, and the quiet fortitude required to step back into the brightest of spotlights after a period of immense personal challenge.
A Runway Return For The Ages
Bella Hadid’s command of the runway was absolute, presented through two distinct, breathtaking looks that showcased her versatility and undeniable star power. The first was a vision of pure drama: a fiery red lingerie set, its minimalist form serving as a canvas for a magnificent, floor-sweeping cape that billowed behind her, a fluid interpretation of the classic angel wings. It was a statement of power, passion, and unapologetic presence.
Her second look offered a softer, more ethereal counterpoint. A delicate silver lingerie ensemble was paired with a set of traditional wings, intricately crafted and adorned with a cascade of white flowers. Here, she was the quintessential angel, but one imbued with a newfound depth. In both appearances, her famously toned abs were on full display, a physical testament to the discipline and strength required for such a high-profile comeback.
The emotional significance of the moment was not lost on her sister, Gigi Hadid, who also graced the runway in a stunning pink caped look. In a heartfelt reflection shared with Victoria's Secret, Gigi captured the magic of the shared experience. "I can look over at my sister and she's just like shiny and hot and wearing angel wings," she gushed. "That's a dream come true." For the Hadid sisters, and for the millions watching, it was a poignant celebration of both professional success and familial love.
The Unseen Weight: A Battle Beyond the Spotlight
The true power of Bella's walk lies in the context that preceded it. The 50-pound weight of her floral wings is a staggering physical feat for any model, but for someone just weeks removed from a serious health crisis, it borders on Herculean. Her recent hospitalization for Lyme disease underscores the immense physical and mental resolve it took to not only appear but to command the stage with such authority.
This physical battle runs parallel to an emotional one she has bravely chosen to share with the world. On World Mental Health Day, Hadid took to Instagram, peeling back the veneer of supermodel perfection to reveal a deeply human struggle with anxiety and depression. Her words were a raw and honest portrayal of an often-invisible fight.
"Something I've carried for many years is the weight of anxiety and depression," she wrote. "It can sometimes feel all-consuming, paralyzing, and invisible to the outside world, leaving you in tears before starting your day, wondering why your mind feels so heavy when life around you seems so bright."
By using her platform to advocate for mental health and support for UNICEF, Bella redefines the role of a modern supermodel. Her Victoria's Secret walk was not an escape from this reality but an integration of it. It was a performance fueled by her entire story—the glamour and the grit, the pain and the perseverance. She wasn't just wearing wings; she was embodying the strength it takes to fly despite the weight you carry.
A New Era for the Angels
While Bella’s return was the headline act, the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show signaled a broader, intentional evolution for the brand. The celebrated return of the "Angel" tradition and its spectacular wings felt like a confident nod to its heritage, but the cast of characters wearing them was refreshingly contemporary.
The show was opened by veteran Angel Jasmine Tookes, who made a powerful statement by walking the runway while pregnant, her baby bump beautifully showcased beneath a delicate fishnet dress. It was a celebration of femininity in all its phases. The roster of newcomers who earned their wings was equally indicative of a new, more inclusive vision:
- Emily Ratajkowski, a model and author known for her outspoken views.
- Euphoria star Barbie Ferreira, a champion for body diversity in Hollywood.
- Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee, representing the pinnacle of athletic achievement.
- WNBA star Angel Reese, making history as the first professional athlete to walk the VS runway.
The runway also saw the return of fashion's next generation, with Iris Law (daughter of Jude Law), Amelia Gray Hamlin (daughter of Lisa Rinna), and Lila Moss continuing to carve out their own legacies.
From Cowgirl Chic to Runway Grace
A supermodel's narrative is written as much on the street as it is on the runway, and Bella's pre-show style offered a fascinating glimpse into her fashion psyche. She arrived at Steiner Studios not in expected athleisure, but in a meticulously curated, head-to-toe designer cowgirl ensemble. A sleeveless brown turtleneck was paired with bold, tan leather Dolce & Gabbana trousers expertly styled as chaps, finished with pointy, embroidered cowboy boots. The look was confident, unexpected, and utterly chic—a perfect prelude to the transformative glamour that awaited inside.
The front row, too, told a story of support and substance. Partners like Patrick Schwarzenegger were in attendance, but it was Dylan Sprouse who made a particularly poignant statement. He wore a prominent endometriosis awareness pin on his lapel, a quiet but powerful gesture of solidarity with his wife, model Barbara Palvin, who had recently undergone surgery for the condition. It was a small detail that spoke volumes, adding another layer of genuine human connection to the star-studded event.
Ultimately, the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will be remembered for one thing above all else: the triumphant return of Bella Hadid. She did more than model lingerie; she modeled resilience. In carrying those 50-pound wings, she showed the world that true strength isn't about the absence of struggle, but the grace and courage with which you rise to meet it. She proved that the most beautiful wings are the ones you earn through fire.
