After a six-year hiatus, the infamous Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returns. This was the first show since it was canceled in 2019 after the company faced backlash and controversy for the show’s lack of body positivity and transgender representation.  

Some former VS models, like Jasmine Tookes and Adriana Lima, made their return as “angels.” Fresh faces were featured as well, like Ashley Graham and nominee for 2024 Model of the Year, Alex Consani. The Hadid sisters were also present on the runway.  

Do not get me wrong, I loved the old Victoria’s Secret shows. Putting the problems aside, I thought they were well-planned, and the whole performance felt lighthearted and fun. While walking down the runway, the models used to interact with the musical guests and the audience. They smiled, sang and even danced while strutting their stuff. However, in the 2024 show, it seemed like the models did not want to be there. The show is meant to be fun and glamorous, but this felt soulless. The models had no energy or personality. They rarely looked at the audience or musical guests, staring into the camera with zero enthusiasm. 

Despite the company’s promise to adjust the show, the 2024 Victoria’s Secret show fell short. The inclusion of Alex Consani and Valentina Sampaio, both transgender models, was a step in the right direction. However, the lack of plus-sized representation and the predominantly white model lineup was disappointing. Victoria’s Secret’s promise to embrace a more progressive viewpoint seemed more like a token gesture rather than a genuine commitment to change. 

The main proof of this was Tyra Banks closing the show. This infuriated me. Tyra Banks, most notably known as the host of America’s Next Top Model, has been recorded making negative comments about other women’s bodies and weight. If Victoria’s Secret had genuinely turned the page on their problematic past, why are they allowing celebrities like Tyra Banks to close their show?  

The only aspect of the show that I truly enjoyed was the headlining performances by Cher, Lisa from BLACKPINK and Tyla. This marked the show’s first-ever all-female musical lineup. Lisa’s impressive choreography opened the show. Then, Tyla gave a beautiful vocal performance of “Water.” Finally, Cher closed the show with a rendition of “Believe,” which was the highlight for me. She danced around the stage enthusiastically, while the angels gracefully moved around her.  

Some have speculated that Victoria’s Secret sales have been declining in the last few years. Although these shows were a big hit in the early 2000s, I felt like bringing back the show now was a pathetic attempt to return to their golden age. The show was certainly entertaining, but it lacked any depth or emotion. It might be time for Victoria’s Secret to hang up the wings for good and focus on other tactics to keep them relevant.