Buckle up, fashion enthusiasts—Emily Ratajkowski isn't just stepping onto the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2025 stage; she's bursting into it like a breath of fresh air, heralding a thrilling new chapter for the iconic brand. But here's where it gets controversial: In a world still grappling with the lingerie industry's past criticisms over inclusivity and unrealistic beauty standards, is this debut a genuine evolution, or just another polished PR move? Let's dive deeper and uncover the magic behind this momentous event on October 15, where the runway became a canvas for empowerment, diversity, and star power.
Imagine the scene: Emily Ratajkowski, the 34-year-old supermodel and author of the empowering memoir My Body, finally made her long-awaited appearance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025. She dazzled alongside fellow runway royalty like Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Barbara Palvin, and a host of others, debuting in a stunning flower-themed ensemble that seemed plucked straight from a dream. Picture this—Emily rocked a delicate baby pink bra and panties set, paired with wings adorned in shimmering flower petals and slip-on heels that sparkled with embellishments climbing all the way up her calves. It was a look that blended elegance and whimsy, perfectly capturing the show's floral inspiration.
Straight after her electrifying walk, Emily took to Instagram to share a video clip of her unforgettable moment, complete with a wings emoji that screamed victory. Her fans? Absolutely mesmerized. One heartfelt comment summed it up: 'I’ve always wanted to see you there.' And this is the part most people miss—while Emily has been gracing magazine covers and runways for years, her first official Victoria’s Secret spread only happened in 2023. She described it as fulfilling a lifelong dream, stepping into the shoes of legends like Adriana Lima, Naomi Campbell, Gisele Bündchen, and Candice Swanepoel.
'Those women were larger than life to me—they still are in many ways—and that's what it means to be iconic,' Emily shared in a 2023 interview with Popsugar. She went on to explain that their beauty wasn't just about looks; it was about the artistry they created with top-tier photographers, designers, and teams, producing images that were timeless and inspiring. For beginners in the fashion world, think of these icons as trailblazers who redefined glamour—they didn't just model; they shaped cultural conversations about beauty.
Now, Emily is embodying this new era for Victoria’s Secret, one that promises more inclusivity and representation. But she wasn't alone in her debut. Enter Angel Reese, the dynamic Chicago Sky basketball star, and Suni Lee, both making history as the first athletes to strut the iconic runway. As a WNBA standout, Angel Reese expressed her excitement ahead of the show in an interview with E! News on October 15. 'It means everything to me,' she said with enthusiasm. 'I’m just really excited to be here. There are so many great people and women who have done this. I get to sit in the room with the top, top, top models. Just being here and being in this moment—I’m grateful and graceful and I’m really gonna enjoy it.' It's moments like these that highlight how the show is broadening its appeal, inviting athletes and diverse talents to join the mix—perhaps signaling a shift toward celebrating strength and versatility beyond traditional modeling norms.
Of course, this evolution isn't without its debates. Critics have long pointed out Victoria's Secret's journey from its 'Angels' era to embracing broader body types and backgrounds. Some see Emily's inclusion as a progressive step, while others wonder if it's enough to erase past controversies over limited diversity. And this is where things get really interesting: Could featuring athletes like Angel Reese be a smart pivot toward appealing to younger, more active audiences, or is it merely scratching the surface of true inclusivity? What do you think—does this new lineup genuinely represent a fresh start, or are we still seeing echoes of old-school glamour? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments—do you agree that Emily and company are ushering in a more relatable vibe, or disagree that the brand has fully transformed?
For more on the stars who graced the Victoria’s Secret runway this year, here's a roundup captured in stunning visuals:
- Emily Ratajkowski, strutting her flower-inspired debut.
- Bella Hadid, exuding her signature confidence.
- Gigi Hadid, bringing elegance and poise.
- Barbara Palvin, showcasing timeless beauty.
- Angel Reese, the trailblazing basketball star.
- Suni Lee, the athletic powerhouse.
- And many more icons, from seasoned models to emerging talents, all captured by photographers like Gilbert Flores, Stephen Lovekin, Matt Baron, and Kevin Mazur.
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As we wrap up, let's ponder this: In an industry notorious for its ups and downs, is Victoria's Secret's 2025 show a beacon of change, or just another highlight reel? Share your opinions below—agree, disagree, or add your own twist. Fashion is subjective, after all!
