Iconic Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Looks From the '90s and 2000s
When Victoria's Secret introduced its now-legendary fashion show in 1995, it was a relatively low-key event showcasing lingerie in a simple, yet luxurious setting. But over the years, the runway transformed into a global spectacle, mixing high fashion with over-the-top performances.
By the early 2000s, the show featured powerhouse names like Gisele Bündchen, Tyra Banks, and Heidi Klum, who became synonymous with the brand’s “Angel” status. The event also became a platform for emerging supermodels and A-list performers, from Beyoncé to Taylor Swift, amplifying its allure.
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The show took a break in 2019 after public backlash over a lack of inclusivity, but it’s returning with a modern edge. Victoria's Secret promises the 2024 comeback will reflect contemporary values, but it's also leaning heavily on nostalgia by bringing back fan favorites like Tyra Banks, Candice Swanepoel, and Gigi Hadid.
After its return on October 15 after a hiatus, let’s dive into some of the most unforgettable moments that defined this fashion legacy.
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At its debut at The Plaza Hotel, models kept it chic and modest in dresses, slips, corsets, and robes—far from the dramatic, skin-baring styles that would soon take over. Splashes of pink silk hinted at the signature Victoria’s Secret vibe to come.
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For the third show, Karen Mulder stunned in a feather-trimmed jacket paired with classic black high-waisted underwear. The sleek, sophisticated look was still reigning supreme.
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Campbell wowed in a sheer black corset ensemble, adorned with puff sleeves and a dramatic neckpiece, pushing the boundaries of lingerie chic.
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1998 marked the introduction of wings to the show, and Mulder wore one of the first sets with a stunning white bra and panty set. Wings quickly became the brand’s signature.
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Tyra Banks brought drama in a satin bra, underwear, and matching organza cape, showcasing her enduring status as a runway queen.
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In 2000, Bündchen led a new era of low-rise underwear, wearing a shimmering teal top with a cape and string bikini bottoms.
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Heidi Klum modeled the Heavenly Star Fantasy Bra—encrusted with pink sapphires and diamonds worth $12.5 million, making her a walking jewel.
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A vision in pink, Adriana Lima’s satin corset and bikini combo had everyone talking about her Barbie-like appeal.
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Naomi owned the stage again in a fiery red set embellished with florals and dramatic red and black wings.
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In 2003, Campbell showcased her signature Y2K glamour, complete with a shimmering fringe top and high ponytail, channeling sheer elegance.
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Bündchen brought holiday cheer in a Christmas-themed Fantasy Bra, adorned with a 101-carat diamond centerpiece.
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Dressed like a gift, Lima walked the runway with a teal bow, ushering in the show’s full embrace of theatrical, campy costumes.
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In 2006, Kurkova's Hearts on Fire Diamond Fantasy Bra dazzled with over 2,000 diamonds, perfectly paired with icy queen-like wings.
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Selita Ebanks turned heads with her sequined taxi-yellow bra and underwear, taking campy runway looks to new heights.
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For her 10th show, Klum wore enormous snowflake wings and a corset, performing alongside then-husband Seal.
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Klum one-upped herself in a bedazzled body chain look, with sequin bow wings in bold, hot pink.
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Kurkova’s larger-than-life peacock wings and leopard print set defined the 2010 Wild Things segment.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Kerr embodied oceanic glamour in the $2 million Fantasy Bra adorned with diamonds and pearls, a nod to the Aquatic Angels theme.
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Swanepoel’s $10 million Fantasy Bra, encrusted with sapphires and rubies, made her shine as the show’s reigning queen.
Photo: Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/Getty Images
Ambrosio and Lima took the runway in twin Fantasy Bras for a historic first and last dual appearance, cementing their legacies.
Photo: Rune Hellestad-Corbis/Getty Images
Taylor Swift serenaded her runway bestie Karlie Kloss, with the duo walking hand-in-hand in matching lace outfits.
Photo: Taylor Hill
Ribeiro’s Champagne Nights Fantasy Bra, with 6,000 diamonds and sapphires, brought a celestial dream to life.
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Hadid floated down the runway in a parachute-inspired wings ensemble, part of the Celestial Angel theme.
Photo: Stephane Cardinale-Corbis /Getty Images
Hosk dazzled in a diamond-encrusted bralette, featuring 2,100 Swarovski crystals, marking a radiant end to the show’s iconic run.