After a six-year hiatus, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has returned to the spotlight, garnering excitement and anticipation. However, the event was marked by the absence of some notable figures, including Gisele Bündchen, a former longtime face of the brand.
Gisele Bündchen, renowned for her captivating runway presence and striking features, opted out of the revived Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Despite being a centerpiece in the modeling world, Bündchen decided against returning to the runway, having hung up her wings in favor of other endeavors. Her decline to Victoria’s Secret’s invitation to make a comeback underscores her commitment to retirement, announced back in 2020.
During her extensive tenure with Victoria’s Secret from 1996 to 2006, Bündchen became a defining image of the brand, enchanting audiences with each appearance. Since stepping away from runway modeling, she has redirected her focus to new projects and passions.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show itself has an enduring history, launching in 1995 and quickly becoming a major event in the fashion calendar. Despite its reputation, the show was not without controversy, facing criticism for issues related to body diversity and inclusivity, leading to its cancellation in 2019.
However, in a move toward reinvention, Victoria’s Secret introduced a new format for their 2023 show called “Victoria’s World Tour.” Models such as Gigi Hadid and Candice Swanepoel graced the runway, and performances from artists like Doja Cat added to the festivities. The show, which aired on Amazon Prime Video, embraced a broadened approach to diversity and inclusion.
The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, set for October 15 in New York City, promises to be a grand affair with a lineup that includes familiar names like Tyra Banks and Gigi Hadid, integrating entertainment with fashion in a multi-platform broadcast that includes Amazon Live, Prime Video, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Gigi Hadid mesmerized attendees by opening the show in a striking ensemble, marking a memorable return to the Victoria’s Secret runway. Meanwhile, Ashley Graham made her first appearance as an Angel, bringing a new dimension to the event by advocating for size inclusivity, which convinced her to participate.
The resurgence of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show symbolizes more than just a nod to its glamorous past; it signifies the brand’s forward-looking stance embracing public feedback and striving for inclusivity. This pivot in strategy is evident as the event adapours to the evolving demands and expectations of the fashion audience.
In essence, Gisele Bündchen’s decision to sit out the revamped Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show reflects broader shifts within the fashion industry, spotlighting the ongoing evolution towards greater diversity and inclusion. The relaunch of the event marks a significant moment, representing both a tribute to its storied history and a step forward in transforming the future of fashion shows.
