Wings, Diamonds, Lace and a Whole Lot of Glamour: A Recap of the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Arts & Entertainment

Nyr’e Jones, Editor

The wings are bigger, the diamonds are brighter and the Angels have officially returned. On Oct. 18, Victoria’s Secret brought its annual Fashion Show to Los Angeles, delivering a  night of elaborate looks, unforgettable performances and plenty of glamour. After watching this year’s  show, I can confidently say that Victoria’s Secret knows how to execute a runway. While there were a few things and moments I would’ve been happy to not see, the production delivered a great show that made those little moments worth it. From some of my favorite looks and moments to the ones I wasn’t quite a fan of, here’s my take on this year’s show.

Before the Angels even got a chance to step out on the runway, I had already made a girly event out of the evening. After all, watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show wasn’t something I was going to do in just any outfit. I settled in my room, wearing the cutest two-piece Heritage Striped pajama set, a long silk robe and pink furry heels that I received for my 19th birthday. With my own little runway ensemble and a boosted spirit, I was more than ready to indulge in all things lace and legs.

The show opened with a soft, spring inspired aesthetic that brought a sweet floral touch to the runway. From the delicate details to the romantic color palette, the opening looks gave a fresh and feminine feel – which I fell completely in love with because I absolutely adore the spring season. Making it even better, the producers had Bella Hadid set the tone of the show by being the first model to walk. It was a beautiful way to kick things off and a gentle reminder that Victoria’s Secret knows how to make an entrance.

When it came to my favorite looks and standout moments, there was no shortage of competition. Candice Swanepoel, my all-time favorite supermodel caught my eye in a beautiful pink, spring-inspired look, complete with oversized hairpieces adorned with dangling jewels. It was feminine, glamorous and everything I obsess over. Barbara Palvin Sprouse was another standout. Just six weeks after giving birth, she returned to the runway with a confident walk and the kind of bouncy hair that made her look effortlessly stunning. Then there was Elsa Hosk, who practically stole the show with her enormous wings. Elsa, who also just gave birth as well, made her return to the Victoria’s Secret runway after a six-year hiatus; she shocked the audience with such a powerful walk while maintaining huge wings. Now those were wings! Her pink corset lingerie look was just as memorable, as she bounced and glided down the runway with such ease. Another exciting moment was the reveal of Solange, the winner of Victoria’s Secret’s hit show Angels Among Us, who made her runway debut in a beautiful brown look paired with gorgeous jet-black bombshell curls.

Of course, no Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show would be complete without extra sparkle. The elaborate lingerie, sparkling jewels and extravagant details throughout the show reminded viewers why Victoria’s Secret has built such an iconic name in fashion. The attention to detail in the looks helped bring the fantasy of the runway to life, making each outfit feel like its own moment. So, of course, we have to discuss the blinding fantasy bra. This year’s design was covered in diamonds, giving it the kind of sparkle that practically demanded everyone’s attention. Valued at an incredible $50 million, it was easily one of the most extravagant pieces of the night. I loved how the diamonds caught the light and added to the fantasy that Victoria’s Secret is known for. A $50 million bra is certainly not something you see every day, and it was a reminder of just how over-the-top and glamorous this show can be.

The jewelry deserves a moment of its own, because Victoria’s Secret certainly did not hold back on the sparkle this year. From diamond-encrusted details to shimmering accessories, the jewelry complemented the lingerie and added another layer of luxury to the runway. Every little detail felt intentional, and the pieces caught the light beautifully as the models moved. Between the oversized wings, sparkling embellishments and the $50 million Fantasy Bra worn by Kylie Jenner, the show made it clear that when it comes to glamour, more is more.

And apparently, the show did more than just entertain me because I found myself browsing the Victoria’s Secret website shortly after it ended. I placed an order for two pairs of cute sparkly earrings, so you could say the show did its job. With the runway looks, the glamour and the beautiful accessories, I definitely left wanting a little piece of that Victoria’s Secret magic for myself.

Now, as much as I enjoyed the show, there were a few moments that had me questioning some of the casting decisions. One thing I could have done without was the unnecessary presence of influencers and celebrities who have little to do with the modeling industry. Kylie Jenner’s appearance, along with some of the other influencer appearances, felt out of place. Especially her wearing the Fantasy Bra over a deserving model. This is the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, not an influencer convention. It is a platform built around professional models who have spent years working in the industry, and I would much rather see that spotlight remain on them. Having influencers share that space feels a bit like asking a lawyer to perform brain surgery. They may be successful in their own fields, but that doesn’t mean they belong in every professional space. Let the models do their job!

At the end of the night, the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show gave exactly what it was supposed to give: glamour, fantasy and a runway full of unforgettable moments. From the beautiful floral looks to the enormous wings, sparkling diamonds, and familiar Angels returning to the runway, there was plenty to love. Although I could have done without a few of the celebrity and influencer appearances, they did not take away from what was ultimately a fantastic show. Victoria’s Secret reminded us why the Fashion Show remains such an iconic event, and I am already looking forward to seeing what the Angels bring next year.

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