A New Era of Inclusivity: Highlights from the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

by Zaghrah Anthony

A Runway Revolution in New York

Last night, New York City witnessed a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show like no other. Glitz, glamour, and tradition met a new chapter of inclusivity, reminding the world that the iconic brand is redefining what it means to celebrate beauty today.

After its 2019 cancellation, Victoria’s Secret returned last year, and the 2025 edition solidified a confident, bold vision. While fans reveled in the nostalgic wings and exquisite lingerie, the show’s true statement came from its historic firsts and diverse representation.

Breaking Barriers: Jasmine Tookes Opens Pregnant

The show opened with a moment that instantly went viral. Model Jasmine Tookes, nearly nine months pregnant, graced the runway as the first visibly pregnant model to open a Victoria’s Secret show.

 

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Clad in a gold-toned, netted one-piece adorned with intricate ornamental wings, Tookes radiated power and grace, proving that motherhood and high fashion can coexist on the world’s biggest runway. Social media erupted with admiration:

“Jasmine Tookes just shattered every runway rule—pregnancy never looked this iconic!”

Her presence set the tone for a celebration of empowered womanhood.

South African Supermodel Shines: Candice Swanepoel

South Africa’s pride, Candice Swanepoel, proved that supermodel power only grows with time. At 36, the mother of two walked her 11th Victoria’s Secret show, stunning audiences in two striking looks:

  1. A black bra with a lacy bottom and sheer cape.

  2. Copper-toned wings with a jewel-adorned neckpiece and skintone lacey lingerie.

Fans flooded social media, praising her enduring elegance:

“Candice Swanepoel proves you don’t lose star power, you evolve it.”

 

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Fashion Royalty: Gigi and Bella Hadid

The Hadid sisters delivered a monumental moment, walking the runway simultaneously.

  • Gigi Hadid dazzled in all-pink lace with a 3D rose petal cape, later donning dramatic angelic wings in white.

  • Bella Hadid, sporting honey blonde hair, commanded attention in fiery red, exuding the fierce confidence fans have come to expect.

It was a powerful reminder of sisterhood and style, blending past runway grace with modern boldness.

 

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Making History: Angel Reese

Victoria’s Secret made headlines with WNBA champion Angel Reese as the first professional athlete to walk the show. Swapping her Chicago Sky jersey for floral lingerie and a 3D flowered cape, Reese owned the stage, symbolizing that strength and beauty are not mutually exclusive.

“Women can dominate the court and the catwalk,” Reese’s walk declared, earning a standing ovation both online and in the audience.

 

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Inclusivity on Full Display

Diversity was at the heart of the evening. Plus-size and curvy models embraced their moment:

  • Ashley Graham returned in a sultry black feathered ensemble.

  • Precious Lee and Paloma Elsesser impressed, with Paloma dazzling in white lace with pink wings.

Fans praised the inclusive approach:

“Finally, a runway that looks like real women. Victoria’s Secret is evolving beautifully.”

 

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Music That Made the Night

The energy didn’t stop at fashion. Hip-hop legend Missy Elliott ignited the crowd with hits like Work It and Get Ur Freak On. Global sensations Karol G, Madison Beer, and K-pop stars TWICE kept the energy soaring, providing the perfect soundtrack to the night of empowerment, glamour, and celebration.

 

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The Takeaway: Strength, Diversity, and Empowerment

The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was more than lingerie and wings, it was a statement about modern womanhood. From pregnant models to athletes, curvy icons to supermodel veterans, the runway celebrated all forms of beauty, strength, and individuality.

This show reminded the world that iconic fashion is about the women wearing it, not just the clothes, and that inclusivity and glamour can truly walk hand in hand.

Source: IOL

Featured Image: X{@levore_voir}