Everything people were mad about at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show, and there’s a lot

After five years off the runway, the Victoria’s Secret fashion show made its grand comeback last year — and the 2025 show took place last night in New York City. The lingerie brand’s annual spectacle is still trying to figure out what it actually is in a post-cancellation world, and there were plenty of things that people thought were a flop.

In 2019, after more than two decades of it reigning supreme, the annual show was cancelled amidst immense criticism over the brand’s lack of diversity when it comes to body types, before then-chief marketing officer Ed Razek’s eyebrow-raising comments about trans and plus-sized models. Five years later, it made its return in 2024.

Credit: Instagram/@alexconsani

The show featured a mix of returning Angels and the new generation of nepo-baby models, plus a few milestones — including Brazilian model Valentina Sampaio’s first Victoria’s Secret runway walk after becoming the brand’s first transgender model back in 2019. Alex Consani also hit the catwalk, part of the brand’s ongoing “we’ve changed, promise” inclusivity campaign.

But despite the rebrand, people still found a lot to pick apart. Here’s everything that’s causing chaos online.

Kendall Jenner wasn’t there

The Hadid sisters reunited on the runway, but Kendall Jenner was nowhere to be seen. She first walked in 2015, and is often associated with the event, but skipped this year’s show completely. While she hasn’t said why, she’s recently talked about focusing more on her tequila brand, 818, than modelling. She was last spotted in Dallas at a Tailgate with 818 event on 11th October.

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Credit: Instagram/@kendalljenner

Apparently, everyone’s walks have gone downhill

Yes, people are now ranking the runway walks. Adriana Lima’s strut was called “uninspired”, and someone even said Gigi Hadid looked “trash” and “uncomfortable”. Bella Hadid didn’t escape either: Her “strong” walk was still branded “boring”. Candice Swanepoel got dragged for not smiling enough. Someone even wrote: “Does Candice know the VS runway is the one place you should smile?”

Credit: Instagram/@alexconsani

Where’s the sparkle?

After last years’ criticism, you’d think Victoria’s Secret would bring back some wings, glitter and chaos. Instead, people thought it was… kind of boring. One person complained: “Everyone’s hair is flat, no tall models, no drama.”

Many said they miss the wild energy of the old shows, like the 10-foot feathered wings, the huge blowouts, and the fantasy outfits. Now, even though the brand says it’s focusing on “modern femininity”, people seem to miss the ridiculous glamour.

Credit: Instagram/@barbieferreira

Jasmine Tookes walked the runway nine months pregnant

Jasmine Tookes, 34, walked the runway visibly pregnant with her second child, yet people were divided. Some called it empowering to see a pregnant body celebrated, others thought it was a bit weird that it took an underwear show to make that happen. One person summed it up: “Glad to see the female body celebrated while making life… just wish it wasn’t on a VS stage lol.”

The nepo baby takeover

Naturally, people had thoughts about the nepo baby lineup. Amelia Hamlin (daughter of Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin), Lila Moss (daughter of Kate Moss), and Iris Law (daughter of Jude Law and Sadie Frost) all hit the runway. The main complaints? That they’re “not tall enough” and their walks “need work”. Basically, even being born into fame won’t save you from criticism.

Credit: Instagram/@irislaw

Emily Ratajkowski made her debut at 34 and people weren’t happy

Ok, this one is ridiculous. Emily Ratajkowski made her Victoria’s Secret debut last night — at 34. Some people were weirdly pressed about her being “too old” for a first walk, which is bizarre considering she looks incredible. To be fair, the average age of retirement for a Victoria’s Secret model is 28, but if anything, it proves there’s no expiry date on becoming an Angel.

So, after years of backlash, cancellations, and rebrands, Victoria’s Secret is still struggling to make everyone happy. Maybe it never will — but at least this time, nobody slicked their hair back.

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Featured image credit: Instagram/@bellahadid, @barbieferreira