Most Famous Moments From the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show began in 1995 and quickly became a holiday staple for so many people. However, it faced a lot of criticism in the past few years, being dubbed elitist, not diverse, and inaccessible. In fact, the company decided to pull the plug on the show in 2018 to “rethink” the brand after its lowest ratings ever. However, 2023 is about to be their comeback year.

After a four-year hiatus, the CFO Tim Johnson revealed they’re bringing back the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for 2023, saying they’re bringing forth a “new version” of the infamous show. “At VS&Co, we are always innovating and ideating in all spheres of the business to continue to put our customer at the center of all we do and reinforce our commitment to championing women’s voices and their unique perspectives,” Johnson said per People. “As we’ve previously shared, our new brand projection and mission will continue to be our guiding principle. This will lead us into new spaces like reclaiming one of our best marketing and entertainment properties to date and turning it on its head to reflect who we are today.”

While the dramatic wings, toned bodies, and over-the-top, barely-there ensembles are spectacular, let’s be real: We watch for the standout moments that will get us through the Twitter week. From the intricate detailing of the clothes to the performances (we’ll never forget Ariana Grande’s meme moment!), we love it all. And we’re excited to see this new version!

In the meantime, prep yourself for all the most memorable moments in the past shows! Check out the most iconic moments from the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show since the beginning.

A version of this article was originally published on Nov 2017.

Adriana Lima’s Final Angel Walk (2018)
A year later in 2018, Adriana Lima also retired from the Angel life and truly captivated everyone in the audience with her final VS catwalk!
Alessandra Ambrosio Flying Goodbye (2017)
After 17 years of rocking the sensational bras and wings, Alessandra Ambrosio retired in 2017 (and of course, she went out with a bang!)
The Bella Hadid Strut-By (2016)
Exes Bella Hadid and The Weeknd shared an awkward runway run-in in 2016.
Kardashian Hits the Runway (2015)
When Kendall Jenner made her debut in 2015, it caused quite a stir with everything watching, both for good and bad.
The Beginning of Gigi (2015)
Gigi Hadid first walked in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2015.
Light Up Wings (2015)
Martha Hunt really lit up the catwalk with these light-up wings! (Sorry, we’ll see ourselves out!)
Maria Borges’ Natural Hair (2015)
Back in 2015, Maria Borges made history when she wore her natural hair on the infamous catwalk!
Two Fantasy Bras (2014)
We got two fantasy bras in 2014, but really it was just the best way to see Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima strut together.
The Most Meme-Worthy Moment (2014)
Elsa Hosk took an accidental swing at Ariana Grande, and thus the most hilarious runway meme ever was born in 2014.
527 Hours for One Bra (2013)
For the 2013 Royal Fantasy Bra, Candice Swanepoel rocked the intricate work of art. This one was decked out in Mouawad jewels bra that took 527 hours to complete. And is anyone else getting Sailor Moon vibes?
Best Friend Goals (2013)
Taylor Swift and Karli Kloss made girl power sexy on the runway in 2013.
22 Pounds of Wings (2012)
We’ve seen a lot of insane wings over the years, but these 22-pound ones Lindsay Ellingson wore in 2012 may be one of the most insane.
Bieber Beaming (2012)
Justin Bieber, then 18, couldn’t believe his luck in 2012 when he performed with the angels on the runway.
Rihanna Stole the Show (2012)
Not only did Rihanna do a killer performance for the 2012 show, but she showed everyone how a catwalk is done!
Cara Delevingne Is Here (2012)
Probably one of the most recognizable looks from the early 2010s fashion shows was this multicolored look Cara Delevingne walked in during her 2012 debut.
Adam Levine Moved Like Jagger (2011)
In the 2011 show, Adam Levine walked with then-girlfriend Anne V. down the runway and planted a wet one on her.
Pretty in Peacock (2010)
While some of the bras and wings are on the more elaborate side, one of the most ostentatious to date is this peacock-feathered one Karolina Kurkova rocked in 2010.
Liu Wen’s Sensational Debut (2009)
Let’s face it, 2009 was the year and Liu Wen’s debut proves that further. (In case you didn’t know, she made history as the first East Asian model to walk in the show in 2009!)
Spice Girls Reunion (2007)
Who could forget when the newly reunited Spice Girls sang “Stop” and “Headlines (Friendship Never Ends)” at the 2007 show?
Bringing Sexy Back (2006)
Justin Timberlake brought sexy back to the 2006 fashion show with his runway performance.
Meet Pink (2006)
Victoria’s Secret debuted its Pink line during the 2006 fashion show.
On-Stage Lovin’ (2005)
Heidi Klum sent a kiss to her then-husband, Seal, on the runway in 2005.
Mini Tour with the Angels (2004)
Fun fact: the 2004 televised program was canceled, so veteran angels Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Adriana Lima, Gisele Bündchen, and Alessandra Ambrosio did a mini tour around the US.
Wings for Days (2003)
In 2003, Heidi Klum wore some of the largest wings on the runway to date.
Destiny’s Child Took the Stage (2002)
In 2002, Destiny’s Child performed during the show, paving the way for great acts to come.
Sexy Protesting (2002)
In 2002, PETA protesters took the stage while Gisele Bündchen strutted her stuff, and she didn’t even flinch.
Flying Angels (2001)
For the 2001 show, creators went all out with models floating from the ceiling as part of the decor.
$15 Million Look (2000)
Gisele Bündchen wore the most expensive fantasy bra to date in 2000. It cost $15 million.
The Beginning of Wings (1998)
Tyra Banks wore one of the very first sets of angel wings in the 1998 show.
The Fantasy Bra (1996)
Claudia Schiffer wore the first fantasy bra in 1996. It cost $1 million and was called the Million-Dollar Miracle Bra.
Humble Beginnings (1995)
The first VS Fashion Show took place at the Plaza Hotel in New York in 1995. It was sexy but simple and elegant.