Some Thoughts On The 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

I almost didn't want to talk about it, but actually, I do.

As a big Victoria's Secret fan, I was really looking forward to this year's show. I had some hope that it would be even better than last year's show, because last year actually was an improvement from the comeback VS fashion show in 2024. However, I was left disappointed.

I don't know why I had hope. Maybe because of all of the social media teasing? Bringing back so many original angels, the fantasy bra, and glitter for the runway (which they ended up not even putting ON the runway, just underneath it, not the same!). I was not particularly excited about the musical guests, but I did think that Megan Thee Stallion and Tate McRae would fit the show very well.

I did spend a few hours before the show watching old Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows, which of course only helped set me up to be even more disappointed by the 2026 show. I already knew that this year's show, like the previous two, would not be the same as it was in the 2000s and 2010s. I knew it would not have the same theatrics, costumes, creative segment themes, energy, or production. Plus, I knew there would be influencers.

The show began, and basically, the only parts I enjoyed were whenever one of the OG angels were on the runway. I loved seeing Candice, Alessandra, Adriana, Behati, and Doutzen again, and Rosie's return to the VS runway after 16 years.

                 

               

                

I also enjoyed seeing newer models like Anok Yai and Alex Consani. I did not like the Pink look they put Summer Dirx in, but since I loved her in the recent 7 For All Mankind shows, I was happy to see her anyway.

                                                      

The angel I was most excited to see walk the runway? My favorite, Barbara Palvin! I was assuming for a while that she would not be back this year since she just gave birth at the beginning of September, but when Victoria's Secret confirmed that she'd be walking, I was hyped. It was also very cute to see her husband Dylan Sprouse cheering her on in the crowd.

Unfortunately, that's basically it for what I enjoyed about this year's show. I found myself feeling bored for most of it. I understand that Victoria's Secret does not have the same massive budget it used to have, but could they not have given us a bit more? Because it's always live now, we don't get the great editing and fun extra content the old shows had. I wish we could see the backstage chaos again, the models running around and quickly getting their wings put on before strutting out on to the runway.

I didn't like the Pink Halftime Show at all. There were some cute pieces, but I thought the styling of a lot of the outfits was awful.

I also thought there was way too much emphasis on the musical guests. Too many dancers taking up all the space on the runway. I will say though, Tate McRae walked a lot better than a lot of the models.

And the most controversial moment of the night:

Kylie Jenner in the fantasy bra. I'm not even hating on Kylie herself, I thought she was cute and honestly, even as a non-model, has always been a more interesting model than her sister. But to not only have her walk in the show as a non-model, but also put her in the fantasy bra instead of any of the other models who have worked so hard for years to make it in the industry? Not a good decision.

Anyway, that's my rant! I know that none of this is that serious, but I and a lot of other viewers were let down. Next year, I will not let all of the hype get my hopes up again.