The most controversial and talk about show, The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2018 spread it’s pink carpet on November 8,this year in New York at Pier 94. Watched annually by over 800 million people globally and costing around £9.2 million to put on, the show has procured a mixed reaction across the globe. At worst, it can be seen as the late Hugh Hefner’s fantasy catwalk show. At best it has been described as empowering, a place where women can proudly flaunt their sexuality.
The show typically flaunts the top-most models called the Angels in gorgeous extravagant winges and famous pop-singers with live performances and of course the showcase of the fantasy bra. Many of the world’s most successful models have appeared on the Victoria’s Secret catwalk at some point in their career, including Gisele Bündchen, Naomi Campbell, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Helena Christensen and Miranda Kerr and it is considered to be an honour to earn the wings.
The past 12 months have been challenging for the brand as its viewing records and sales indicate a decline in interest. As per reports, audiences are down by nearly half from 2014 to 2017 from 9.12 million to 4.98 million.
This year Tommy Hilfiger ambassador Winnie Harlow made her VS debut while Behati Prinsloo came back to her catwalk after skipping the past two years to welcome her two children with Adam Levine.
A highlight of this year was Kelsey Merritt, who made history as the first Filipino woman to walk the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. As for the musical parade, Bebe Rexha, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Kelsea Ballerini, Rita Ora, Shawn Mendes and The Struts comprised guests’ list.
Elsa Hosk was chosen to wear the Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra. The piece was created using 100 per cent Swarovski created diamonds and responsibly sourced topaz. Valued at $1 million, the 2018 Dream Angels Fantasy Bra and body chain are adorned with over 2,100 Swarovski Created Diamonds in a sterling silver Dream Angels bra silhouette. For the first time, customers will be able to purchase a version of the Victoria’s Secret Dream Angels Fantasy Bra made with Swarovski crystals for $250 on Thursday, 29 November at selected Victoria’s Secret stores and its website.
The wings this year upped the ante a notch more with clourful floral print and psychedelic geometric arrangement in middle of what it appeared like a parachute. Among the trends, the strong influence of geometric prints and plaids were evident across the runway. The celestial themed wings and lingeries were to go gaga for. The trends like tartan checks came out very strongly along with floral power and that too with big graphical flower prints. The true angel wings of Gizele Oliveira were divine indeed. Hues like pink, yellow, blue dominated the show. It was as bright as it could be and drool-worthy . Waist belts, puffed sleeves were not left behind as well.
The aim of their fashion shows is to get people into the front door of their stores and it is obviously successful as they saw a $1.2 billion profit in 2015 which also rose in 2016. The products hold functional value e.g. push-up design, as well as aspirational value e.g. collections linked to the world-famous Victoria’s Secret fashion show.