The world of fashion is no stranger to reinvention, but few comebacks are as scrutinized—or as culturally loaded—as Victoria’s Secret’s attempt to resurrect its iconic fashion show. After years of absence and mounting criticism over outdated ideals, the lingerie giant is betting big on a new formula in 2025, seeking to recapture the dazzling spectacle that once made it a global phenomenon. Yet, the question looms: can Victoria’s Secret truly balance old-world glamour with the modern mandate for inclusivity and authenticity, or is its runway magic a relic of the past?
The Return of a Cultural Juggernaut
Once a fixture of pop culture, the Victoria’s Secret fashion show was more than a parade of lingerie—it was a televised event that drew tens of millions, commanding the attention of celebrities, designers, and audiences worldwide. The show’s extravagant sets, bejeweled “Fantasy Bras,” and superstar musical acts established an escapist fantasy, a vision of beauty that was aspirational yet increasingly exclusive.
But times changed. The brand’s hyper-sexualized image and narrow casting came under fire, especially in the wake of the #MeToo movement and an industry-wide reckoning with diversity. The show was shelved, leaving fans and critics alike to wonder whether it could ever return, and if so, in what form.
Rethinking the Runway: Inclusivity Takes Center Stage
Victoria’s Secret’s new approach signals a seismic shift. Gone are the days when “Angels” were synonymous with a singular body type and a narrow conception of sex appeal. The brand is actively rethinking its casting, introducing a more varied lineup that includes not just models but also professional athletes like Angel Reese—a celebrated basketball star whose presence challenges traditional notions of who belongs on the runway.
This recalibration is more than cosmetic. By inviting legendary Angels back for nostalgia, Victoria’s Secret hopes to honor its history while making space for new icons who reflect the diversity and empowerment demanded by contemporary audiences. The casting is a deliberate nod to inclusivity, a response to years of criticism about beauty standards that excluded too many.
- Broader model diversity: Athletes, models of all backgrounds, and varied body types
- Legacy and nostalgia: Return of famous Angels to bridge past and present
- Rejection of outdated tropes: Moving past “sexiness” as the sole currency of relevance
The Spectacle Dilemma: Can Big Still Mean Relevant?
The original Victoria’s Secret fashion show was defined by its “big” impact—opulent staging, crystal-studded costumes, and a sense of unrestrained glamour that bordered on the theatrical. The brand is eager to recapture that grandeur, heavily promoting the upcoming event in hopes of reigniting public fascination and hitting the viewership heights of its heyday.
Yet, the stakes are higher than ever. Industry observers note a tension at the heart of the revival: how to preserve the high-energy, escapist fantasy that made the show legendary without alienating a generation that values authenticity and meaningful representation. The challenge is not just to be spectacular, but to be relevant—to create a show that is both a visual feast and a reflection of cultural shifts.
The formula is untested: can spectacle and substance coexist on the same stage? Will audiences respond to the blend of nostalgia and progress, or will the attempt feel like a compromise that satisfies neither camp?
Industry Skepticism and the Battle for Cultural Relevance
Victoria’s Secret’s pivot is happening in a fiercely competitive landscape. Rivals—both established and emerging—have seized the opportunity to champion inclusivity and empowerment, reshaping consumer expectations in the process. The pressure is on for the brand to prove that its transformation is more than a marketing strategy.
Critics and fashion experts remain divided. Some see the new approach as overdue, arguing that true relevance comes from a willingness to challenge not just aesthetics but the values underpinning them. Others question whether Victoria’s Secret can authentically embody the diversity it now courts, or whether the brand’s DNA is too closely tied to an era that has irrevocably passed.
For all its attempts to modernize, the upcoming show is a litmus test—an opportunity to demonstrate whether the brand can evolve without losing the “big” impact that once made it culturally significant.
The Formula for Comeback: Balancing Spectacle, Nostalgia, and Progress
At its core, Victoria’s Secret’s gamble is about balance. Can the brand combine the grandeur and escapism of its past with genuine, forward-thinking representation? The formula it seeks is not simply a matter of casting or set design, but of ethos—a show that is as visually arresting as it is culturally resonant.
Key elements of the comeback strategy include:
- Inclusive casting: Models and personalities who reflect the real-world diversity of audiences
- Legacy touchpoints: Celebrated Angels and familiar motifs to evoke nostalgia
- Modern messaging: Narratives of empowerment, confidence, and individuality
- Media spectacle: High production values, musical acts, and elaborate staging to sustain the “big” feel
Every decision is scrutinized. The risk of “performative inclusivity”—where diversity is showcased but not embedded in brand values—remains a concern. The success of the show will depend on whether viewers sense genuine intention behind the changes or view them as surface-level updates to an outdated template.
Looking Ahead: The Stakes and the Opportunity
As the countdown to the revived fashion show continues, Victoria’s Secret faces a crossroads. The event promises to be a spectacle, but its true significance lies in whether it can redefine what a fashion show means in the 2020s. Will it be a symbol of transformation, a blueprint for how legacy brands can adapt? Or will it serve as a cautionary tale, illustrating the limits of reinvention in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape?
If successful, Victoria’s Secret could set a new standard for balancing entertainment and advocacy, nostalgia and progress. If not, the brand risks reinforcing the very criticisms it hopes to leave behind. The world will be watching—not just for the dazzling costumes and star power, but for what the show says about the future of fashion itself.
The formula for “big” is no longer just about scale. It’s about substance, resonance, and the courage to meet the moment. Whether Victoria’s Secret can crack it remains the most intriguing question on the runway.
