Ashley Graham’s Victoria’s Secret debut divides fans: 'I prefer the old VS show with thin models'

In the lead-up to the event, Graham shared her excitement in a joint Instagram post with the brand, stating, "You thought we were done? Not even close. @ashleygraham will be joining the iconic cast of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show."

Speaking to 'People' magazine before the show, Graham revealed her feelings about participating, saying, "I am feeling really excited. I'm not nervous, and everything's very secure; we're not going to have anything pop out, which makes me feel good so I can strut it." 

She also shared that after initially being given a tiny outfit, she requested more coverage. "The first thing they gave me was this tiny, tiny little underwear, and I said, 'Hello, I just had three children.'" 

Ultimately, Graham wore a black lace bodysuit, complete with wings, and said, "When the wings came out, that's when I was like, 'Oh yeah, I feel like an Angel. This is hot.'"

However, Graham’s debut drew mixed reactions on social media, with fans expressing both praise and criticism. 

One Instagram user commented, "Ashley is paving the way," celebrating her inclusion as a positive step toward greater representation of body diversity on the runway. On the other hand, some viewers voiced disappointment. 

"Sorry, but I prefer the old VS show with thin models," one person wrote, reflecting nostalgia for the brand’s past image.

Another social media user added, "It's hypocritical that a brand that fired Barbara Palvin from modeling in the past because they found her too curvy is now trying to gain sympathy with plus-size models."

The online discourse reflected the divided opinions about Victoria’s Secret’s new direction, with some applauding the brand’s efforts toward inclusivity, while others lamented the shift from its traditional lineup of thin models. 

One fan on X defended Graham, writing, "People are so upset that Ashley Graham walked but honestly if she was thin it would be completely different." Another fan echoed support, saying, "Ashley is paving the way."