Every Kind of Angel: Inside Victoria’s Secret’s 2025 Runway Rebirth

The wings are back! And this time, they come in every shape, shade, and story imaginable. The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City wasn’t just about lingerie and glitter; it was about celebrating all kinds of women and rewriting what it means to shine on a runway.

After the brand’s five-year break and 2024 reboot, this year’s show felt like the confident exhale of a comeback well-earned. The crowd got their fix of nostalgic wings, glossy sets, and supermodel energy, but what really stole the spotlight was the incredible range of representation.

Jasmine Tookes Makes History: Pregnant and Powerful

Opening the show in a gold-toned, netted one-piece with ornate wings, Jasmine Tookes glowed with confidence, literally and figuratively. Nearly nine months pregnant, she became the first visibly pregnant model to open a Victoria’s Secret show. It was a moment that had social media cheering, proving that motherhood and high fashion can walk the same runway. Her calm, radiant energy set the tone for a night that was all about strength, beauty, and authenticity.

Candice Swanepoel: South African Royalty Returns

Representing South Africa with pride, Candice Swanepoel reminded everyone why she’s fashion royalty. The 36-year-old supermodel, now a mum of two, walked her 11th Victoria’s Secret show and somehow managed to look even more breathtaking than ever. Her first look featured a black lace set with a sheer cape that floated like smoke. Later, she stunned in copper-toned wings, a bejewelled neckpiece, and delicate nude lace. Fans couldn’t get enough.

Double Trouble: The Hadid Sisters Rule the Runway

Few things scream “fashion moment” like Gigi and Bella Hadid sharing the same catwalk. The sisters brought a mix of power and playfulness to the stage.

Gigi, dressed in a dreamy pink lace bustier and cape made of 3D rose petals, had a fairytale glow. She later swapped into white lingerie paired with classic angel wings. Bella, now rocking honey-blonde hair, turned up the heat in fiery red. Together, they proved that sisterhood and style can light up any runway.

Angel Reese Scores Big

One of the night’s most talked-about debuts came from WNBA star Angel Reese, who made history as the first professional athlete to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway. She traded her Chicago Sky jersey for floral lingerie and a dramatic 3D flowered cape, and she completely owned it. Her confident walk said it all: strength and femininity aren’t opposites, they’re me re like teammates.

A Celebration of Every Body

Inclusivity wasn’t only another buzzword; it was the heart of the show. Curvy and plus-size models owned their spotlight with undeniable glamour.

Ashley Graham returned in a feathered black lingerie set that screamed confidence. Precious Lee glowed in light pink lace, while Paloma Elsesser stunned in white lace with soft pink wings. Each look just gave us that Victoria’s Secret Angel magic that we missed.

There were trans models, models of colour, older models, and faces we haven’t seen on a Victoria’s Secret runway before, all celebrated equally. The message was clear: beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all, it never was.

Beats, Energy, and Girl Power

The performances were just as inclusive and electric as the runway. Hip-hop icon Missy Elliott had the crowd on their feet with classics like Work It and Get Ur Freak On Karol G brought her Latin fire, Madison Beer delivered smooth pop perfection, and K-pop superstars, TWICE gave a dazzling high-energy set that had everyone cheering. The mix of artists perfectly matched the show’s message: global, diverse, and unstoppable.

The Real Takeaway

This year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show wasn’t only about bringing back the wings it was also about spreading them wider. From Jasmine Tookes’ powerful pregnancy moment to Angel Reese’s athletic debut, from Candice Swanepoel’s timeless grace to the celebration of curvy and trans models, the night reminded everyone that every woman deserves to feel like an Angel.

It wasn’t a return to old Victoria’s Secret unattainable glamour. Instead it was a reimagining of it. Because when all kinds of women walk the runway, it’s a celebration of who we are today.