Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: Start Times & History

# When Did the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Start? A Look Back

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was a highly anticipated annual event for many years, known for its elaborate costumes, celebrity performances, and the iconic Victoria's Secret Angels. If you're wondering about when the show typically started and its history, you're in the right place. This article will delve into the history of the show, its typical start times, and other interesting facts.

## A Brief History of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

The first Victoria's Secret Fashion Show took place in 1995 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. It was a relatively modest affair compared to the spectacles it would later become. The show was created as a way to promote the brand's lingerie and to create a buzz around its products. 

Over the years, the show grew in popularity and became a major cultural event. It was broadcast on television in numerous countries and attracted millions of viewers. The show featured some of the world's top models, including Gisele Bündchen, Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, and Alessandra Ambrosio.

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was known for its elaborate sets, costumes, and musical performances. Each year, the show had a different theme, and the models would wear lingerie and accessories that were designed to fit the theme. The show also featured musical performances by some of the world's biggest stars, including Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Bruno Mars.

## Typical Start Times of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show typically took place in late November or early December. The show was usually filmed in New York City, but it was also held in other locations around the world, including London, Paris, and Shanghai.

The broadcast time varied slightly depending on the year and the television network airing the show, but it generally aired in the **10 PM EST** time slot. This primetime slot ensured maximum viewership, allowing fans across the United States to tune in at a convenient hour.

### Time Zone Conversions:

*   **Pacific Time (PST):** 7 PM
*   **Central Time (CST):** 9 PM
*   **Mountain Time (MST):** 8 PM

It's worth noting that the actual filming of the show took place earlier in the evening, with the broadcast being a pre-recorded and edited version. This allowed for a polished and seamless viewing experience for the audience.

## Why the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Was So Popular

There were several factors that contributed to the popularity of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show:

*   **High-Profile Models:** The show featured some of the most famous and beautiful models in the world, known as the Victoria's Secret Angels. These models became celebrities in their own right, and their participation in the show helped to draw in viewers.
*   **Elaborate Productions:** The show was known for its extravagant sets, costumes, and musical performances. Each year, the show had a different theme, which added to the excitement and anticipation.
*   **Cultural Impact:** The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show became a cultural phenomenon, influencing trends in fashion, beauty, and popular culture. The show helped to solidify Victoria's Secret's image as a leading lingerie brand.
*   **Celebrity Performances:** The inclusion of top musical artists made the show a spectacle beyond just a fashion event. Performances from artists like Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Justin Timberlake added a layer of entertainment that broadened its appeal.

## The End of an Era: Why the Show Was Canceled

In 2019, Victoria's Secret announced that it was canceling its annual fashion show. There were several reasons for this decision:

*   **Declining Ratings:** In recent years, the show's television ratings had been declining. This was due in part to changing tastes and attitudes towards beauty and fashion.
*   **Criticism of the Brand's Image:** Victoria's Secret had faced criticism for its lack of diversity and for promoting unrealistic beauty standards. The brand was accused of objectifying women and of not being inclusive of different body types and ethnicities.
*   **Financial Issues:** Victoria's Secret's parent company, L Brands, had been facing financial challenges. Canceling the fashion show was seen as a way to cut costs and to refocus the brand's marketing efforts.
*   **Changing Social Values:** Increased awareness and advocacy for body positivity and inclusivity in media and fashion put pressure on Victoria's Secret to evolve its image. The traditional format of the show was seen by many as outdated and out of touch with contemporary values.

## The Future of Victoria's Secret

Since the cancellation of the fashion show, Victoria's Secret has been working to reinvent itself. The brand has launched new marketing campaigns that feature a more diverse range of models and body types. It has also pledged to be more inclusive and to promote a more positive image of women.

Victoria's Secret has also partnered with new designers and brands to offer a wider range of products. The company is hoping to appeal to a broader customer base and to regain its position as a leading lingerie brand.

### Efforts to Rebrand:

*   **VS Collective:** The launch of the VS Collective, a group of diverse women who act as ambassadors for the brand, signals a move towards inclusivity and broader representation.
*   **New Leadership:** Changes in leadership within the company indicate a commitment to evolving the brand's image and approach to marketing and product development.
*   **Focus on Comfort and Inclusivity:** Recent product lines emphasize comfort, inclusivity, and a wider range of body types, reflecting a response to consumer feedback and changing preferences.

## FAQ About the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

### 1. When was the first Victoria's Secret Fashion Show?

The first Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was in 1995.

### 2. What time did the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show usually air?

The show typically aired at 10 PM EST.

### 3. Why was the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show canceled?

The show was canceled due to declining ratings, criticism of the brand's image, and financial issues.

### 4. Where were the Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows held?

The shows were primarily held in New York City, but also took place in other major cities like London, Paris, and Shanghai.

### 5. What made the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show so popular?

The show’s popularity was attributed to its high-profile models, elaborate productions, cultural impact, and celebrity performances.

### 6. What is Victoria's Secret doing to rebrand?

Victoria's Secret is working to rebrand by launching inclusive marketing campaigns, partnering with diverse ambassadors, and offering a wider range of products.

## Conclusion

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was a significant event in popular culture for many years. While the show is no longer running, its impact on the fashion and entertainment industries is undeniable. The show typically aired at 10 PM EST, offering a primetime spectacle for its viewers. As Victoria's Secret works to redefine its image, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the brand and its relationship with its audience.

Whether or not the show returns in its previous format, the legacy of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of beauty standards and the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry.