The audience coverage of the annual Victoria's Secret shows is much greater than that of any other fashion show. The effect is achieved due to the fact that VS film the entire show themselves and, after several weeks of editing, broadcast it on television and on the Internet. Thus, the show This year, in good quality, viewers will be able to see only on December 2.

Usually the film includes interviews with supermodels like Gigi and , honored angels Candice Swanepoel and Adriana Lima, and sometimes newcomers are not forgotten. Despite the segments' themes changing from year to year, behind the scenes everything remains the same - laughing young slender girls in short pink robes, sequins, feathers and lip gloss.

The brand’s management continues to stubbornly ignore today’s political and social situation in favor of the outdated “thin noughties” trend.

If most brands in the luxury segment have come to realize the desires of their visitors, then at Victoria's Secret they will make you not a confident and independent woman, but literally an angel.

It is surprising that famous models who actively participate in campaigns to combat the objectification of the image of women and the model herself do not want to boycott such an event given its declining popularity. Although it’s probably more fun to live this way - first you play as a fashionable and independent representative of the female gender in closed, oversized clothes, and then, if you’re lucky, you smile happily in a bra with rhinestones for $1 million.

The wardrobe item in question is officially called Fantasy Bra - “Dream Bra”. Every year, the honored “angel” is awarded the strange but high honor of appearing on the podium in his updated version. This year, the brand honored its models of various nationalities from all over the world, and the most expensive item of clothing was given to a blue-eyed Swedish blonde.

Typically priced within the average 15-year-old girl's dreams, the piece is worth around $10 million due to the gemstones, but yesterday apparently only had enough money for a star-studded cast of models.

It turned out that Victoria's Secret's "Dream" has a more democratic analogue from a new collaboration between the mass market brand H&M and the Italian house Moschino for $199.

House with Angels will also launch a budget version of the Fantasy Bra, but it will still cost $50 more.

Before the show, American Vogue journalists spoke with representatives of Victoria's Secret, asking them several questions about the reasons why they are not going to feature plus-size and transgender models on the catwalk in 2018.

The opinion of the brand's chief designers Ed Razek and Monica Mitro about today's trends was revealing:

“If you want to know if we've thought about having a transgender model on the show or if we've considered casting plus-size models, then we've thought about it. We created shows for plus size models at our subsidiary."

The designers went on to say that the last time they wanted to hold a show with custom-sized models—in 2000—there was no demand for them. And now, says Razek, no one is interested in plus-size.

The designers explained the lack of inclusivity by the general concept of the show, according to which everything that happens should look like a fairy tale, a dream. Like, why let such dirty and nasty things into the world of dreams like protecting victims of sexual harassment or fighting for women's rights.

Moreover, Razek and Mitro do not consider this marketing strategy to be outdated or offensive to those whose bodies do not resemble the figure of an “angel” and whose thoughts do not revolve around horoscopes. They answered the question about diversity as if they were taking directions from a caricatured American high school girl from any 90s sitcom - pretentious and with nothing but their own ego, unfounded.

“This is a special 42-minute entertainment show. That's what it is. It's one of a kind and every other fashion brand in the world would take it away in a minute, including our competitors who pick on us."

- explained representatives of the brand. In other words, VS believe that only those who envy them dislike them.

This season, at the end of New York Fashion Week, singer Rihanna presented her lingerie collection for women of all sizes, Savage x Fenty. The main surprise of the show was the heavily pregnant model Slick Woods, who walked off the catwalk straight into an ambulance, which took her to the maternity hospital. Numerous skeptics accused the singer of the fact that a woman with prenatal contractions walked in front of the guests of the show practically naked and in stiletto heels, but Woods herself did not have any complaints against the designer. In addition, numerous fans of inclusivity in the fashion industry only admired the model’s demonstration of true feminine strength.

Victoria's Secret skillfully abstracts itself from everyone who is trying to impose the real state of affairs on them, and continues to stick to its line, because a holiday and a good mood will always win over gray everyday life. After all, they are of absolutely no interest to anyone.

Last year, 9.1 million people watched the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

The show has changed significantly since it first aired. The bright suits and huge wings that have become an integral part of the runways in recent years contrast whimsically with the beige satin bras of twenty years ago.

We invite you to observe in photographs how the Victoria's Secret fashion show changed from 1995 to 2015.

The first Victoria's Secret Fashion Show took place in 1995 at the Plaza Hotel in New York. Models wore tight slips and shiny bras

By 1996, the catwalk was better covered. Lingerie in the style of Baby dolls was extremely popular

Photo: Mark Cardwell

In 1998, wings appeared on the catwalk for the first time in addition to costumes.

In 1999 the wings became the center of the show

Underwear has gone from a staple to an outfit item

The shows were attended by such bright supermodels as Tyra Banks

In 2000, a screening was organized during the Cannes Film Festival to raise money for the charity project Cinema Against AIDS. Then it was possible to raise 3.5 million dollars

In 2001, the show was held at Bryant Park in New York. Model Molly Sims took to the catwalk with big angel wings

In 2002, the fashion show was held at the Lexington Avenue Armory in New York. Gisele Bündchen was abused by PETA for wearing fur. The model looked unperturbed

In its early years, the brand was recognized by its core group of models, including Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks and Gisele Bündchen. Here they are in 2003

In 2005, the show added even larger wings. Serenades for the models were performed by musician Seal, who was married to Heidi Klum at the time.

The costumes became more and more magnificent

Victoria's Secret Angels pictured in 2005. This was the final show for Tyra Banks, who left to begin a successful television career.

The following year, Victoria's Secret subsidiary brand PINK debuted. The screening took place at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles.

In 2006, the show was once again graced with huge wings. This Victoria's Secret show was the last with the participation of Gisele Bündchen

Here's Heidi Klum walking the runway dressed as a snowflake in 2007

In 2008, the show was held at the Fountainebleu Miami Hotel in Florida. The outfits were even more impressive and seductive

Still in the same 2008, Heidi Klum with a giant bow

In 2009, the show returned to New York City to the Lexington Avenue Armory. PINK models showed off their bright wings

But they couldn't compare to the peacock feather wings that Victoria's Secret Angel wore in 2010.

More props from the show in 2010

In 2011, there was a huge Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Kanye West was the special guest. The whole podium was covered with sequins

In 2012, the show got even bigger

Among the supermodels in 2012: Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio and Candice Swanepoel

More feathers in 2013

Special guests include Taylor Swift

In 2014, marvelous stage decorations were installed that easily changed throughout the show.

Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris

The Victoria's Secret show is one of the most anticipated in the fashion industry, even if it does not set any new trends. The secret of popularity lies in 50 beautiful girls who appear on the catwalk in their underwear and blow kisses to different parts of the planet. In the past year, the show was watched by 800 million people from almost 190 countries, but not all of them know about the interesting details of the show.

Show location

This time, the Victoria’s Secret “angels” landed in France: the capital of world fashion, Paris, became the venue for the 21st show of the lingerie brand. The Grand Palais, familiar to fashion audiences from Chanel's grand shows, was chosen to house a long podium, giant speakers and seating for almost 2,000 guests. The architectural structure is considered one of the largest and most majestic in Europe, which initially set the tone for the entire show and required appropriate preparation from the organizers.

They, together with the main characters of VS, their permanent producer Ed Razek and director Michael Bay (yes, he was the one who led the whole process!) arrived from New York long before the event in order to turn the iron structures into a girl's paradise. The team was faced with a task much more difficult than usual - to return to Paris the former shine of the spotlights, and to the Parisians - the faith in miracles and carelessness that had been lost due to the events the country had experienced over the year.

Participants

In 2016, 52 models took part in the show, including 12 official “angels”: Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Lily Aldridge, Elsa Hosk, Jasmine Tookes, Martha Hunt, Lais Ribeiro, Romee Stride, Stella Maxwell, Sara Sampaio, Taylor Hill and newcomer Josephine Skriver. She received her wings early last year, replacing both Karlie Kloss and Doutzen Kroes in this post. According to Edward Razek, the girls left the ranks of Victoria's Secret models due to the end of their contract and heavy employment in other projects that cannot be combined with their duties as ambassadors of a famous brand. However, their absence was practically unnoticeable: fresh blood and flesh in the person of 18 debutantes gave the show a new sound that deafened even those who are completely far from the world of fashion.

Collections shown

The show was traditionally divided into several parts dedicated to different Victoria's Secret lines. The first to be shown was lingerie from the “The Road Ahead” collection, inspired by oriental culture and carnival aesthetics. The subtext was expressed in wings embroidered with chic feathers, high patterned boots and flowing robes made using the patchwork technique. The second block of the show – “Mountain Romance” – glorified Scandinavian ethnicity in the form of velvet corsets, translucent blouses and flowers that decorated every part of the intricate image. The sports collection, as always, was presented by the sister brand Pink, and classic models made of lace, silk and corduroy are divided into three segments - “Dark Angel”, “Secret Angel” and “Bright Night Angel” - depending on the degree of openness of the linen.

The most expensive lingerie Fantasy Bra

As part of the latest “Bright Night Angel” block, focused on more delicate and touching looks, “Fantasy Bra” appeared on the catwalk - the most expensive lingerie from the collection, the cost of which is comparable to the price of a luxury car. This bra cannot be washed in a washing machine: it contains 9,000 diamonds, emeralds and other precious stones worth a total of $3 million.

Obviously, not every Victoria's Secret "angel" has the honor of wearing such lingerie - over the twenty-year history of the show, only recognized super-models have worn it: Claudia Schiffer, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Gisele Bundchen, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swapnall and Lily Aldridge. In 2016, their lineup was replenished with model Jasmine Tookes, who admitted that she would never want to shoot “Fantasy Bra”: “When I entered the room to try on underwear, the security guard was watching my every move! Of course, this is one of the most expensive things on the planet, and it’s also intended for women’s breasts.”

Bella Hadid

If Jasmine Tookes was happy to show the world a new diamond bra, then Bella Hadid was happy just to participate in the show. Despite major achievements in her modeling career (this year she starred in campaigns for major brands and closed several shows at High Fashion Week), Bella was casting along with other, lesser-known models. Having received a pass to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which her family adoringly watched on TV a few years ago, Hadid began a series of intense workouts, the results of which she showed off on her Instagram.

The athletic beauty appeared on the show's catwalk twice: first in a silver lace set - to the accompaniment of her ex-boyfriend, Canadian singer The Weeknd, and then - in a translucent top encrusted with blue stones. By the way, many believe that the girl was invited to the star fashion show solely in order to butt heads with Abel. At least, her “either impudent or, on the contrary, tender look” thrown at her ex-boyfriend was discussed on the Internet much more often than the demonstrated lingerie.

Pregnant Irina Shayk

With more enthusiasm than about Bella, they only gossiped about the model Irina Shayk, who appeared at the Grand Palais among 18 debutantes. This time the audience's gaze was focused not on her magnificent breasts, but on her belly, vainly covered with all kinds of capes. Bradley Cooper's fiancée's pregnancy was visible to the naked eye, and, obviously, the Victoria's Secret show was chosen as the platform for her announcement. After all, before the date of the show, Shayk’s pregnancy was considered only an unconfirmed rumor.

In this position, Shayk looked much more appetizing than the skinny models who showed off their toned abs at every walk. The seductive look of the girl, coupled with leather boots, stockings and luxurious lingerie, excited the consciousness of both the male and female parts of the population (concerned about her interesting position), forcing them to turn on the CBS broadcast just for the appearances of our compatriot. By the way, two other Russians performed with her on the show – Valeria Kaufman (Jared Leto’s ex-girlfriend) and Ekaterina Grigorieva, who returned to the pool of Victoria’s Secret models after a long break.

Scandal with Cara Delevingne

Literally a month before the event, information appeared online about Cara Delevingne’s major scandal with representatives of the brand, who allegedly refused to allow the British woman to participate in the show because of her “bloated” figure. According to journalists from the tabloid The Sun, Cara, who showed off at the Victoria's Secret shows in 2012 and 2013, was unable to pass the strict selection process back in 2014 and therefore did not appear on the catwalk with her “winged” friends.

Having seen the publication, the girl was terribly offended and contacted the management of the brand to clarify the situation. It turned out that the cause of the misunderstanding was unscrupulous newspapermen, whose article Ed Razek refuted in a personal letter to Delevingne. The VS producer claimed that the model’s absence from the show was due to her being busy filming in North Carolina, and not at all due to fictitious extra pounds. As for the casting, Kara’s candidacy was one of the first approved, and without any additional stages. At the end of the letter, Razek made a personal apology to the girl and invited Delevingne to become part of the Paris show outside the official selection, because she is “able to make everything she undertakes beautiful.”

Train like an angel, or motivation from angels

In addition to high-profile scandals, this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was preceded by thematic videos that allowed the viewer to better get to know the models nominated to participate and see the backstage of the show itself. We are talking, firstly, about a series of interviews called “Train like an angel” (“Train like an angel”), in which the girls shared effective exercises and talked about how they prepare their bodies for the show. Also released was an 11-minute “workout” by Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima, where 35-year-old Brazilians gave training on pumping up the most “important” parts of the body.

Secondly, these are the “Road to the Runaway” videos, which tell the story of each of the 12 “angels” and their beautiful, but difficult path up. For the most part, they were made to give a “face” to the Victoria's Secret sportswear line, which receives very little attention on the show. It is here that models squat, stretch, and even box, delivering motivational remarks behind the scenes about how being a brand ambassador is a daily effort.

In addition, eight short films were shot, revealing all stages of preparation for the Paris show: creating collections, making wings, numerous castings, fittings, rehearsals and, finally, “showtime!” Having watched all the episodes, you can see how sketches on paper turn into a magnificent show, striking in its scale and intriguing in its beauty. They can be found on the brand’s official website: the videos are not deleted until preparations begin for the new show, which promises to be even more impressive.

Musical accompaniment and crystals by Lady Gaga

Together with the aforementioned The Weeknd, who performed the single from his new album “Starboy” at the Grand Palais, Bruno Mars and, who became a direct participant in the show, were responsible for the musical accompaniment. The singer spent all the time before it in the dressing room of the “angels,” taking selfies with them in a Victoria’s Secret branded robe, and on the podium she even tried on snow-white wings. Gaga's images that evening were no less impressive than those of the models, and caused a lot of discussion in the press. Critics recognized the translucent lace dress with bright scarlet flowers as one of the best outfits in the artist’s arsenal, but for some reason they kept silent about the hat made of 45 thousand Swarovski crystals. Its price, by the way, was close to the cost of the “Fantasy Bra” presented at the show: Lady Gaga paid about $1 million for the accessory from milliner Gladys Tamez.

Emotions at the Victoria Secret show

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2016, if it does not go down in fashion history as the most ambitious event in the industry, will certainly become one of the most touching. Laughter, tears, hugs and loud confessions created the atmosphere of the evening no less than the scenery used, showing the show team not only as professionals united for a common cause, but also as a real family.

Her “heart” this past year was the Hadid sisters, who fulfilled a childhood dream and took part in the show together. They sweetly encouraged each other throughout the evening, and at the photo call they kissed their mother on both cheeks. Josephine Skriver, who almost burst into tears during the fashion show, also added to the emotionality of the show. The girl obviously had difficulty holding back tears of joy when she walked on the catwalk for the first time as an official ambassador of the brand. On her Instagram, she repeatedly thanked Ed Razek for giving her the opportunity to turn an ordinary model into a major star.

Razek also never ceased to admire his “angels,” leaving an enthusiastic post for each one. Adriana Lima, who performed in the show for the 17th time, received the warmest words from her patron. “Brazilian, 35 years old, mother of two daughters, the second highest-earning model in the world and also the most charming of them all. I am amazed every time I watch the video from her release, and I cannot describe the power of this woman. She’s a real queen!” Edward wrote under one of the reports from the show. We can say with confidence that all of Razek’s “angels” were absolutely beautiful, once again proving that ideal girls do exist.

Don't miss interesting news in photos:

Every year, the Victoria's Secret fashion show brings together its “angels” and puts on a real show. Each time the show presents new models of underwear, including one set (the most expensive), encrusted with precious stones. A real extravaganza takes place on the catwalk, which is watched not only by fashion critics, but also by millions of fashionistas around the world.

Perhaps the Victoria's Secret show is the most popular event of every year. More than 800 million viewers watch it annually. Each show costs $1 million. And 2018 will be no exception.

What is known about the Victoria's Secret show in 2018?

• Location

Photo: Victoria Secret show (Paris, 2016)

Victoria Sickert fashion shows are held in many fashion capitals around the world. Thus, the show has already been held in London, Paris, Miami, Los Angeles and New York. In 2017, the fashion show was held for the first time in Shanghai, as the brand is increasingly gaining momentum and popularity in Asian countries, thereby expanding its sales market. There are currently about 26 Victoria's Secret lingerie stores operating successfully in China. While the location for the 2018 show has not been announced, it is expected to once again be one of the fashion capitals of the world in Europe.

• "Angels" of the No. 1 lingerie brand in the world

Photo: Victoria's Secret Angels (London, 2014)

It is known that the models involved in each show travel to the country where the Victoria's Secret fashion show is held on a private jet. All girls travel together and carefully prepare for the ceremony, including changes in diet and physical activity specially designed for them.

• Date of the Victoria's Secret lingerie show in 2018

The exact date of the show has not yet been announced, since the venue is unknown. All this is kept strictly confidential by the organizers. Typically, the Victoria's Secret show takes place in late November or early December. It will be exactly the same this year 2018. A few weeks before the show everything will be known. For those who cannot come and see the angels in their underwear in person, there will be a live broadcast online, albeit several days later.

• Victoria's Secret lingerie models

Every year, new lingerie models are presented at the Victoria's Secret fashion show. At the same time, it’s not for nothing that they are called angels, since each fashion model comes out with wings. Each model has its own “angel” style. Shoes also deserve special attention. Depending on the type of underwear (sexy, home or sports), the appropriate pair of shoes is selected.

• jewelry lingerie

Photo: Allesandra Ambrossio and Adriana Lima in "fantasy" Victoria's Secret jewelry lingerie models

Every year, one model is selected, the key one, who is honored to demonstrate the “fantasy” and most expensive set of underwear from Victoria's Secret. It is traditionally decorated with many precious stones in collaboration with a jewelry house. Another feature of the kit is that it is completely handmade. In the past, Jasmine Tookes, Lily Aldridge, Adriana Lima, Allesandra Ambrosio and Lais Ribeiro have shown off the "fantasy" lingerie set. The most expensive kit was once demonstrated by Gisele Bundham. Who will present the model of precious stones this year is still unknown.

• show program Victoria's Secret

Photo: Taylor Swift and Kylie Kloss (2014)

Every year, which will not be an exception in 2018, world celebrities join the Victoria's Secret lingerie fashion show. Some of them perform live soundtracks for fashion shows. Stars are sure to perform at the show. Such world-famous singers as Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Kanye West have already been seen at the show. Who will perform their song in 2018? Also not yet known.

• composition of models

Photo: Victoria's Secret model casting before the show

Every year, not only the range of underwear and the venue, but also the composition of the models who will take part in the show are carefully thought out. They necessarily undergo castings at the Victoria's Secret head office, located in New York. The models always walk with wings along the main streets, and the creators of the show then decide which of them coped with the task better. Later, each of the girls shares their impressions from casting on Instagram, which gives fans of the brand the opportunity to learn at least a little about the composition of the “angels” at the fashion show.

The show usually features both models who have appeared in Victoria's Secret shows in the past, as well as new faces. In 2018, we can also expect such famous faces and real veterans of the brand as Allesandra Ambrosio, Andriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Lais Ribeiro, Cindy Bruna to appear on the catwalk. Perhaps Behati Prinsloo, who missed the last two shows due to pregnancy, will even return to the catwalk.

Many then-beginning models are grateful to Victoria's Secret for once revealing their names to the whole world. Among them are Gisele Bundchen, Naomi Campbell, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Heidi Klum and Miranda Kerr. Any aspiring fashion model simply dreams of going to the Victoria's Secret fashion show, because after that a lot of opportunities and global catwalks of famous brands open up for her.

• awkward moments on the Victoria's Secret show

Photo: Ariana Grande and Elsa Hosk (2014)

There are awkward moments at almost every Victoria's Secret show, both backstage and on the runway. For example, in 2014, the model almost hit singer Ariana Grande with her huge wings, who was just performing her track on the catwalk. This awkward moment was unnoticed by many; the paparazzi nevertheless caught an interesting incident.

• what happens behind the scenes?

Photo: behind the scenes of the Victoria's Secret show

Behind the scenes, according to eyewitnesses, there is some chaos going on. Here, in addition to the angels, there are a bunch of assistants, including stylists and makeup artists who conjure beauty. You can also notice that all the models backstage are wearing pink. By the way, Paris Hilton's favorite color. Of course, angels do not walk around in their underwear outside the catwalk, but carefully cover themselves with satin pink capes. All as one in the same outfit.

• image of Victoria's Secret angels

Almost all Victoria's Secret models have long or medium-length hair. There are practically no short-haired “angels” here. It is at this length of hair that light waves look great, which gives the overall look femininity, sexuality and magnetism. What else do you need to represent women's underwear?

Highlights from the Victoria's Secret show in Shanghai on video (2017)