Gigi Hadid stuns opening Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024 after six-year hiatus

Gigi Hadid stuns opening Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2024 after six-year hiatus

As a woman who has struggled with body image issues all my life, I find myself deeply divided on the topic of Victoria’s Secret’s return to the runway. On one hand, I remember the glamour and excitement of those shows growing up, the sense of empowerment they provided to young girls like me. The angels were not just beautiful, they were strong, confident, and unapologetically feminine.


At the comeback of the renowned Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Tuesday evening, Gigi Hadid strutted down the runway with angelic wings, serving as the opening act.

Live on Amazon Prime Video, the legendary fashion event took place at Victoria’s Secret’s main store in New York City following a six-year break.

2024’s event featured the comeback of long-time models Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima, alongside emerging stars such as Taylor Hill and Barbara Palvin from the new generation.

On this special occasion, Cher, former member of Blackpink (Lisa), and up-and-coming sensation Tyla shared the stage as headliners – a historic first for the event by featuring an all-female musical lineup.

It comes three years after the lingerie brand’s controversial ‘woke’ body-positive rebrand in 2021.

Victoria’s Secret switched out their well-known Angels for ‘ambassadors’, such as soccer star Megan Rapinoe, and dismissed their longtime CEO due to declining sales and a revealing report that criticized the company for allegations of misogyny, sexual harassment, and bullying.

Gigi Hadid stuns opening Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2024 after six-year hiatus

Gigi Hadid stuns opening Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2024 after six-year hiatus

As a devoted fan, I couldn’t help but be thrilled when Lisa opened the spectacle with a fiery rendition of her chart-topping track, Rockstar. She made a captivating entrance, roaring into the venue on a motorcycle, while the models behind the scenes buzzed with excitement.

Amidst a group of dancers wearing leather outfits, the 27-year-old singer exposed her well-defined midriff in a black vinyl bra resembling angel wings.

It was styled with a chainmail shrug and micro shorts.

Lisa’s delivered elaborate choreography under pink stage lights on the massive catwalk. 

Gigi Hadid kicked off the iconic event that debuted in 1995, adorned in soft pink feathered wings and a shimmering pink attire.

As a devoted admirer, I confidently showcased my style to a lively fusion of Chappell Roan’s hit “Femininomenon” and the popular tune “360” by Charli XCX.

Stepping back into the spotlight after a six-year hiatus, I proudly walked down the runway once more last night, much to the delight of many. (First person, dedicated follower perspective)

Gigi Hadid stuns opening Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2024 after six-year hiatus
Gigi Hadid stuns opening Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2024 after six-year hiatus

Strutting rhythmically to the pulsating beats of Chappell Roan’s Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl, I couldn’t help but feel captivated by the mesmerizing Brazilian vision in her dazzling pink and plaid bodysuit, adorned with shimmering glitter and holographic wings that seemed to have magically sprouted from her back. The sight left me utterly spellbound.

Just prior to strutting down the runway in 2024, cameras were given access behind the scenes, capturing the moment where hairstylists and makeup artists turned the models from natural beauties into glamorous seductresses.

The iconic ’90s show announced it was returning in May after a four-year hiatus.

2019 saw the cancellation of the fashion show following a series of poor ratings and numerous contentious issues. Since then, it’s been working diligently to foster a more welcoming and inclusive environment.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I am thrilled to share that Victoria’s Secret has unveiled an exciting transformation for their 2024 fashion show. The upcoming event will embody our current identity, blending the allure, catwalk, angelic wings, and musical performances you’ve come to cherish.

In 2023, the mall brand from the early 2000s that had made a comeback with an updated version of its Victoria’s Secret World Tour Prime show, faced criticism for being dull by many viewers.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’ve noticed a growing clamor from viewers at home, yearning for the return of some iconic faces who once graced the Victoria’s Secret runway – ladies like Gisele Bündchen, Heidi Klum, Molly Sims, Tyra Banks, Adriana Lima, and many more. The nostalgia is palpable!

In recent times, the brand, Victoria’s Secret, has faced several controversies, and that problem was merely one of many they have had to address.

In 2020, an explosive article published by The New York Times alleged that Les Wexner, the proprietor of Victoria’s Secret, had ridiculed the retail sector’s endeavors to celebrate women with diverse body shapes.

Investigative reporting by The Times uncovered a culture rife with sexual harassment after interviewing over 30 executives, staff members, contractors, and models, as well as examining relevant court documents.

Workers claimed that Wexner made fun of the retail sector’s attempt to cater to diverse body types by reportedly stating something like, “No one visits a weight loss clinic and asks for extra pounds.

It’s reported that Wexner occasionally criticized his employees regarding their weight, even going as far as making derogatory comments about one employee who went back for seconds at a buffet.

Following a wave of criticism, the lingerie brand decided to revamp its image with the intention of attracting Generation Z consumers. As part of this rebranding effort, they selected high-profile figures such as soccer star Megan Rapinoe and transgender model Valentina Sampaio to serve as their new brand representatives.

Prior to the 2024 event, fans eagerly appealed to Victoria’s Secret, asking them to revisit their grand and glamorous origins.

Despite claims that this year’s Victoria’s Secret show would encapsulate their current identity and familiar elements, a social media uproar was ignited when a woman tweeted her anticipation for the return of an older style, characterized by femininity, glamour, sparkle, and female empowerment. She expressed disinterest in any politically-charged or progressive content.

Many people agreed, and the tweet on X (formerly Twitter) received more than 4,200 retweets.

‘And girl power! None of that woke stuff,’ someone else wrote.

However, some called her out in the comments, with one writing, ‘Y’all just want the skinny back LMAO,’ and others saying, ‘God I wish I could be this willfully ignorant LIKE.’

Gigi Hadid stuns opening Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2024 after six-year hiatus
Gigi Hadid stuns opening Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2024 after six-year hiatus
Gigi Hadid stuns opening Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2024 after six-year hiatus
Gigi Hadid stuns opening Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2024 after six-year hiatus

It has been suggested that VS, or Victoria’s Secret, has not maintained its previous status following Rihanna’s launch of Savage x Fenty lingerie and her highly praised, more inclusive runway show featuring A-list models.

Another critic tweeted, ‘tomorrow is Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show! It was canceled in 2019 for woke reasons, now they’re back. Always loved to watch it, as it shows what is possible. Nature is healing.’

As a devoted fashions enthusiast, I found myself expressing concern on Reddit about the possibility of established Victoria’s Secret Angels being ousted by individuals who have risen to fame through family connections or social media influence (nepo babies and influencers).

One Reddit user boldly stated, ‘I anticipate them to be a group of individuals who are part of the nepotism system, casually moving about in their undergarments.’

In that very Reddit post, someone commented, ” frankly speaking, I don’t find the purpose; their work has significantly dropped in quality compared to what it once was. I can only hope there won’t be any influencers associated with them.

The first person said, “This is being supported by Ozempic,” and the second one agreed, suggesting that the show took a break until the fashion for plus-size models ended, and now it’s back again.

Read More

2024-10-16 02:36

Previous post American Horror Stories: Clone delivers a darkly humorous twist ending
Next post Ashley Graham reveals crazy Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show beauty prep routine