The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is one of the most anticipated and iconic events in the fashion world. After a hiatus, the 2023 show was a highly anticipated return, and the event was nothing short of spectacular. It combined fashion, entertainment, and glamour, drawing in some of the biggest names in the industry, along with A-list celebrities and top models. Here’s a breakdown of all the important details, including the celebrities who attended, the models who graced the runway, the fashion trends showcased, makeup looks, accessories, and everything else that made the show a night to remember.
The Return of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has long been a cultural phenomenon, known for its combination of extravagant lingerie designs, famous musical performances, and a star-studded lineup of models, often referred to as the “Victoria’s Secret Angels.” After taking a break for several years due to controversies and the need to rebrand and evolve, the company promised a new direction with the 2023 show. The event was designed to embrace diversity, body positivity, and a celebration of all women, showcasing different body types, ethnicities, and personalities.
Celebrities Who Attended
As with every Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, the guest list was filled with celebrities from across the entertainment, fashion, and sports industries. This year’s show was no exception, with a star-studded front row filled with actors, musicians, and influencers.
- Taylor Swift, a close friend of many Victoria’s Secret models, made an appearance and was even rumored to perform during the event. She was previously a headline performer at the show in 2014, and her connection to the models, particularly her friendship with Karlie Kloss, made her presence a highlight.
- Zendaya, the fashion-forward actress known for her bold and experimental red carpet looks, was also in attendance. Zendaya has been a fashion icon for several years, and her presence added a touch of modern style to the event.
- Justin and Hailey Bieber were spotted in the front row, with Hailey being a major figure in the fashion world and Justin always supporting his wife at major fashion events.
- Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid, both of whom have walked the Victoria’s Secret runway in previous years, were there to support the models. While neither sister walked this year, their attendance sparked excitement among fans and fashion insiders.
- Rihanna, another major player in the lingerie world with her Savage x Fenty brand, attended the show, perhaps signaling an interest in the new direction Victoria’s Secret is taking with more inclusive and diverse models.
- Kim Kardashian, always at the center of major fashion events, was also present, drawing attention with her bold and sleek outfit. As a prominent figure in the beauty and fashion industries, her appearance added to the show’s star power.
- Other notable attendees included Dua Lipa, Shawn Mendes, Priyanka Chopra, and Nick Jonas, all contributing to the glamorous atmosphere of the event.
The Models: New Faces and Familiar Icons
Victoria’s Secret has historically been known for its “Angels,” a title given to the top models who represented the brand on the runway and in advertising campaigns. This year, however, the brand moved away from the traditional “Angel” concept and embraced a broader, more inclusive lineup of models.
- Paloma Elsesser, a prominent figure in the body-positive movement, walked the runway this year. Her inclusion was a significant step toward embracing diversity, showcasing models of all shapes and sizes.
- Adut Akech, one of the top models in the world, graced the runway with her signature elegance. Known for her work with high-fashion brands, her presence added a level of sophistication to the event.
- Imaan Hammam, a Dutch-Moroccan model, brought her unique beauty and strong walk to the runway. She has been a staple in both high fashion and commercial modeling and was a crowd favorite.
- Winnie Harlow, known for her work in raising awareness about vitiligo, returned to the runway. Her presence is a testament to the brand’s effort to showcase more diversity in terms of skin conditions and differences, a far cry from the traditional, homogenous looks of past shows.
- Candice Swanepoel, one of the classic Victoria’s Secret models, returned to the runway, proving that the show can balance bringing back fan favorites while also embracing new talent. Candice has long been a fan favorite for her ethereal beauty and graceful runway presence.
- Lila Moss, daughter of fashion icon Kate Moss, made her Victoria’s Secret debut, following in her mother’s legendary footsteps. The young model is already making waves in the fashion world, and her inclusion in the show marks her as one of the new faces to watch.
Fashion Trends and Themes
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is known for its larger-than-life themes, and 2023 continued this tradition with a mix of fantasy, elegance, and modern sensibilities.
Fantasy Meets Modernity
One of the standout themes this year was a blend of fantasy-inspired elements with a modern twist. This was reflected in the use of futuristic fabrics and metallics combined with classic lingerie elements like lace and silk. The overall vibe was ethereal but grounded in current fashion trends, making the designs both aspirational and wearable.
- Metallic Hues: Silver, gold, and bronze played a significant role in many of the outfits, with models wearing lingerie that glistened under the runway lights. These metallic touches added a futuristic element, while still maintaining the sensuality that Victoria’s Secret is known for.
- Bold Colors: In addition to the metallics, bold jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red were prominent on the runway. These rich colors added a luxurious feel to the show, making the lingerie pieces feel even more opulent.
- Romantic Lace: Lace has always been a staple in lingerie, and this year was no different. Delicate lace details were featured in many of the designs, adding a touch of romance to the bold and modern looks. Whether it was in the form of bodysuits, bras, or underwear, lace was a constant reminder of the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and detail.
- Sheer Fabrics: Transparency was a recurring theme, with many of the models donning sheer bodysuits, robes, and bras. This trend emphasized the idea of vulnerability and empowerment, showing off the models’ natural beauty while also embracing a more daring, sensual aesthetic.
Body Positivity and Inclusivity
One of the most significant changes in this year’s show was the clear emphasis on body positivity and inclusivity. The lingerie brand, which once faced criticism for promoting unrealistic body standards, showcased a wide range of body types, proving that beauty and confidence come in all shapes and sizes.
- Models with different body types, including plus-size and curvier models, were not only included but celebrated. This was a long-awaited shift that resonated with many of the audience members and viewers at home. The designs were tailored to fit and flatter all body types, breaking the mold of the previously exclusive Victoria’s Secret aesthetic.
- The representation of different ethnicities was also a focal point, with models from various cultural backgrounds walking the runway. This celebration of diversity was a welcome change, making the show feel more relevant and in tune with modern society’s evolving standards of beauty.
Makeup: All About Drama and Elegance
The makeup looks at the 2023 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show were designed to complement the bold, dramatic themes of the runway while also highlighting each model’s natural beauty.
Eyes
The focus for many of the makeup looks was on the eyes. Dramatic, winged eyeliner and smoky eyes were popular choices, emphasizing the models’ gazes and adding a sultry touch to the overall look. Some models sported glittery eyeshadows in metallic shades, tying in with the show’s futuristic and opulent themes.
- Winged Liner: The classic cat-eye was elevated with bold wings that extended beyond the outer corners of the eyes, creating a fierce and dramatic effect.
- Smoky Eyes: Smoky eyes in deep blacks and grays gave the models a mysterious, seductive look. This was balanced with softer, shimmery shades for a more ethereal effect on some models.
Lips
The lips were kept relatively simple, with nude and pink shades dominating the runway. This allowed the focus to remain on the eyes and the outfits while still giving the models a polished, finished look. Some models sported a glossy finish, adding a youthful, fresh vibe to their overall appearance.
- Nude Shades: A range of nude lipsticks was used to enhance the models’ natural lip colors. These shades were soft and understated, ensuring that the bold eye makeup and outfits remained the focus.
- Glossy Finishes: High-shine lip glosses were applied to give the models’ lips a plump, hydrated appearance. This added a touch of glamour to the otherwise minimal lip looks.
Accessories: Over-the-Top Glamour
No Victoria’s Secret show would be complete without the extravagant accessories that elevate each look to the next level. From wings to jewelry, the accessories this year were a mix of fantasy, elegance, and modern chic.
Wings
The iconic Victoria’s Secret wings were back, but this year they were reimagined in new, creative ways. While the traditional angel wings made an appearance, there were also new interpretations, such as metallic, structured wings that gave a futuristic, armor-like appearance.
- Feathered Wings: Classic feathered wings in white, black, and pastel colors were seen on several models, bringing back the nostalgic feel of past shows.
- Metallic Wings: Some models sported wings made of metallic materials, which complemented the show’s emphasis on modernity and luxury.
Jewelry
The jewelry this year was bold, with statement pieces that added to the overall drama of the outfits. Chokers, oversized earrings, and body chains were used to accentuate the models’ looks, adding a touch of opulence.
- Chokers: Thick, jeweled chokers were paired with several of the lingerie looks, giving the outfits a regal, high-fashion feel.
- Body Chains: Delicate gold and silver body chains were draped over the lingerie, adding a sensual and luxurious element to the designs.
A Night to Remember
The 2023 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a triumphant return for the brand, combining the glamour and fantasy that the show is known for with a modern, inclusive twist. The event was a celebration of beauty in all its forms, with a diverse lineup of models, bold fashion choices, and a star-studded guest list.
By embracing a more inclusive and diverse approach to beauty, Victoria’s Secret has successfully evolved with the times, proving that the brand can still be relevant in an ever-changing fashion landscape. From the bold makeup looks to the extravagant accessories and innovative fashion trends, the 2023 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a visual feast and a celebration of individuality, confidence, and empowerment.
