After a five-year break, the Victoria’s Secret (VS) Fashion Show came back in 2024 with big promises of being better and more inclusive. It brought back some famous faces, introduced new ones, and even tried to adjust to a society that’s now more focused on body positivity and diversity. But was it actually enough to win over the students at BCA and the younger generation in general? The reactions were definitely mixed.
The Return of the Angels: Nostalgia or Outdated?
One of the biggest highlights of the night was the return of the “OG Angels”—those famous models who have walked the show for years. BCA students recognized stars such as Adriana Lima, Gisele Bündchen, and Candice Swanepoel, all of whom made their grand return. For older fans of the show, it was clearly a moment of pure nostalgia. But for BCA students, it sparked a debate: are these Angels still relevant in today’s world, one that’s trying to move away from traditional beauty standards?
“I mean, it was cool seeing them again, but at the same time, it felt like they were stuck in the past,” a freshman commented. “They’re bringing back these supermodels when we’re all about body positivity and inclusivity now.”
But not everyone felt the same way. “The Angels are iconic, and there’s something special about them,” said another student.
Lina, a junior, also disagreed: “It’s not just about the models themselves, it’s about the whole show. It’s supposed to be over-the-top.”
New Faces, New Energy
Victoria’s Secret did try to keep things fresh by bringing in new faces like Gigi Hadid and Taylor Hill, both of whom are part of the next generation of models. Gigi, who’s walked for the brand before, brought her cool, relatable, and down-to-earth personality to the show, while Taylor Hill kept things beautiful and glamorous. But for some BCA students, the mix of old and new wasn’t enough to give the show the update it needed.
“I love Gigi, but it still felt like the same old Victoria’s Secret show,” said a freshman. “They’re trying to bring in these newer models, but the vibe didn’t really change.”
Inclusivity and Body Positivity: Did They Go Far Enough?
One of the biggest questions leading up to the 2024 show was whether Victoria’s Secret could embrace the more inclusive world of fashion, especially after such a lengthy hiatus. After all, many American brands like Savage X Fenty, Good American, and American Eagle have changed the game by highlighting models of all body types, genders, and backgrounds. This year, Victoria’s Secret tried to catch up by featuring plus-size models, women from different ethnicities, and even a transgender model, Valentina Sampaio. Being a first for the brand and a pretty big deal in terms of representation, these were just some of the main changes VS made to their lineup this year.
However, one BCA student felt like the inclusivity didn’t go far enough. “Yeah, they had a trans model and more diversity, but it still felt like they were just checking boxes,” one student pointed out. “It’s like they knew they had to be more inclusive, but it didn’t feel natural.”
Another student thought it was a step in the right direction. “They’ve been criticized for so long, so it’s good to see them finally making changes,” said a sophomore. “It wasn’t perfect, but hey, it’s progress.”
Should the Show Have Even Come Back?
The real debate isn’t just about the models or the fashion—it’s whether the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show needed to come back at all. Some at BCA felt like the show’s appeal had passed, especially with the rise of more authentic, inclusive brands.
“I don’t think we need this kind of show anymore,” said Angela, a junior. “It’s 2024, and people care more about seeing real representation. Victoria’s Secret is still selling this fantasy that doesn’t fit today’s world.”
Others disagreed, promoting it on their Instagram stories, or even commenting that the show still has its place.
“There’s room for everything. Not everything has to be so serious,” said Grace, a freshman and fan of the show. “Victoria’s Secret is about fantasy and glamor, and it’s fine to have it in moderation.”
What’s Next for Victoria’s Secret?
The 2024 show could have been an attempt to modernize the brand, but whether it truly succeeded in doing so remains up for debate, at least at BCA. For Gen Z, the future of Victoria’s Secret will simply just depend on whether the brand can make more expansive changes, not just surface-level ones.
“If they really want to stick around, they need to do more than just bring back the Angels and add a couple of diverse models,” said Emily, a sophomore. “They need to show that they’re actually serious about embracing inclusivity and body positivity.”
For now, the brand’s comeback has sparked various conversations about beauty standards, inclusivity, and whether a show like this can survive in today’s world. It’s clear that Victoria’s Secret has a lot of work to do if they want to stay relevant, and whether or not they are keeping up continues to be a topic of conversation at BCA.
