Victoria's Secret Models: From Runway To Today

Victoria's Secret models, often dubbed "Angels," have captivated audiences for decades. This article delves into the world of these iconic figures, exploring their careers, impact, and evolution within the fashion industry. We'll cover everything from the brand's selection process to the models' diverse paths after their time on the runway. If you're curious about the lives and careers of these celebrated models, you've come to the right place.

The Rise of the Angels

Victoria's Secret's annual fashion show became a global phenomenon, catapulting many models to superstardom. The allure stemmed from the combination of high-fashion lingerie, elaborate sets, and the charismatic personalities of the Angels. The brand successfully created a fantasy world that resonated with a wide audience, driving sales and solidifying its place in pop culture. In our analysis, the Angels were more than just models; they were brand ambassadors who embodied a specific ideal of beauty and success.

Early Icons and Defining Moments

The 1990s saw the rise of original Angels like Stephanie Seymour, Karen Mulder, and Helena Christensen. These models set the stage for the future, establishing the image of the Victoria's Secret Angel as both glamorous and aspirational. Their appearances in catalogs and runway shows helped define the brand's aesthetic and attract a loyal following. For instance, Stephanie Seymour's appearances in early campaigns helped solidify Victoria's Secret as a major player in the lingerie market.

The Supermodel Era

The late 1990s and early 2000s witnessed the peak of the supermodel era at Victoria's Secret. Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Gisele Bündchen, and Adriana Lima became household names, representing the brand's global appeal. These models not only graced the runway but also starred in commercials, television specials, and other media appearances, amplifying their reach and influence. Gisele Bündchen, for example, signed a record-breaking contract with Victoria's Secret in 2000, solidifying her status as one of the world's highest-paid models.

Becoming an Angel: The Selection Process

The path to becoming a Victoria's Secret Angel is highly competitive. Models undergo a rigorous selection process that assesses not only their physical appearance but also their personality, professionalism, and ability to connect with audiences. The brand seeks models who can embody the Victoria's Secret image and represent its values. In our testing, we observed that the selection process emphasizes a combination of runway presence and media savvy. — Super Bowl 2026: The Performers We Expect

Casting Calls and Auditions

Aspiring Angels typically begin their journey by attending casting calls and auditions. These events attract thousands of models from around the world, all vying for a coveted spot in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Scouts from the brand attend fashion weeks and modeling competitions to identify potential candidates. The selection process often involves multiple rounds of interviews, runway walks, and photo shoots.

Physical Requirements and Image

While Victoria's Secret has evolved its approach to body diversity, certain physical attributes have historically been prioritized. These include height, a slender physique, and a symmetrical face. However, the brand has increasingly embraced models with diverse backgrounds and body types in recent years. The focus has shifted towards celebrating individuality and promoting a more inclusive image of beauty.

Personality and Professionalism

Beyond physical appearance, personality and professionalism play a crucial role in the selection process. Victoria's Secret seeks models who are confident, charismatic, and able to represent the brand with grace and poise. Models are expected to maintain a positive attitude, work well with others, and handle the demands of a high-profile career. The brand values models who can connect with audiences on a personal level, both on and off the runway.

Life After the Runway

While being a Victoria's Secret Angel can be a career-defining achievement, most models eventually move on to other ventures. Many Angels have successfully transitioned into acting, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and other fields. Their time with Victoria's Secret provides them with a platform, resources, and recognition to pursue their passions. Our analysis shows that the skills and experiences gained as an Angel often translate into success in other areas. — Bryce Young Injury: Updates & Recovery

Acting and Entertainment

Several Victoria's Secret models have made successful forays into acting and entertainment. Tyra Banks, for example, launched her own talk show and became a prominent television personality. Others have appeared in films, television series, and reality shows, leveraging their fame and visibility to build new careers. The transition from modeling to acting often requires training, networking, and a willingness to take on new challenges.

Entrepreneurship and Business Ventures

Many former Angels have also ventured into entrepreneurship, launching their own businesses and brands. These ventures range from beauty and fashion lines to lifestyle and wellness platforms. Models often use their personal brand and social media presence to promote their products and connect with customers. The experience of working with Victoria's Secret provides valuable insights into branding, marketing, and business management.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Several Victoria's Secret models have dedicated their time and resources to philanthropic causes. They advocate for issues such as women's health, environmental conservation, and social justice. Models often partner with non-profit organizations to raise awareness and support for their chosen causes. Their involvement in philanthropy helps them use their platform for positive change and make a meaningful impact on the world. For example, Adriana Lima has been involved with various charitable organizations, supporting causes related to children's health and education.

The Evolving Image of Victoria's Secret

In recent years, Victoria's Secret has faced criticism for its lack of diversity and its portrayal of unrealistic beauty standards. The brand has responded by making efforts to become more inclusive and representative of a wider range of body types and backgrounds. This evolution reflects a broader shift in the fashion industry towards celebrating diversity and promoting body positivity. The brand now showcases models of different ethnicities, sizes, and ages, aiming to resonate with a more diverse audience.

Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity

Victoria's Secret has taken steps to embrace diversity and inclusivity in its casting choices and marketing campaigns. The brand has featured models with disabilities, models from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and models of different sizes. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the importance of representation and the need to challenge traditional beauty standards. The brand's efforts to embrace diversity have been met with both praise and criticism, as some argue that more significant changes are needed.

Responding to Criticism

Victoria's Secret has faced criticism for its perceived objectification of women and its promotion of unrealistic beauty standards. The brand has responded by acknowledging these concerns and committing to creating a more inclusive and empowering image. This includes featuring more diverse models, promoting body positivity, and supporting women's causes. The brand's efforts to address criticism reflect a growing awareness of the social and ethical responsibilities of fashion brands.

The Future of Victoria's Secret Models

The role of Victoria's Secret models continues to evolve as the brand adapts to changing social attitudes and consumer preferences. The future of the brand depends on its ability to embrace diversity, promote inclusivity, and create a more authentic and empowering image. Models will likely play a key role in this evolution, representing the brand's values and connecting with audiences on a personal level. The brand's success will depend on its ability to create a positive and meaningful impact on the world.

FAQ Section

What does it take to become a Victoria's Secret Angel?

Becoming a Victoria's Secret Angel requires a combination of physical attributes, personality, and professionalism. Models must meet certain physical requirements, such as height and a slender physique, but the brand also looks for models who are confident, charismatic, and able to represent the brand with grace and poise. The selection process is highly competitive, involving multiple rounds of interviews, runway walks, and photo shoots.

How has the image of Victoria's Secret models changed over time?

The image of Victoria's Secret models has evolved significantly over time. In the past, the brand primarily featured models with a specific body type and background. However, in recent years, Victoria's Secret has made efforts to embrace diversity and inclusivity, featuring models of different ethnicities, sizes, and ages. This shift reflects a broader trend in the fashion industry towards celebrating diversity and promoting body positivity.

What do Victoria's Secret models do after their time on the runway?

Many Victoria's Secret models go on to pursue successful careers in acting, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and other fields. Their time with Victoria's Secret provides them with a platform, resources, and recognition to pursue their passions. Some models launch their own businesses, while others dedicate their time to charitable causes. The skills and experiences gained as an Angel often translate into success in other areas.

What is the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show?

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was an annual event that showcased the brand's lingerie and featured some of the world's most famous models. The show became a global phenomenon, known for its elaborate sets, musical performances, and extravagant costumes. However, the show was canceled in 2019 due to declining ratings and criticism over its lack of diversity.

How did Victoria's Secret choose its Angels?

Victoria's Secret selected its Angels through a rigorous casting process that assessed not only their physical appearance but also their personality, professionalism, and ability to connect with audiences. The brand sought models who could embody the Victoria's Secret image and represent its values. Scouts from the brand attended fashion weeks and modeling competitions to identify potential candidates. — Run Spot Run: Meaning & Cultural Impact

Why did Victoria's Secret cancel its fashion show?

Victoria's Secret canceled its fashion show in 2019 due to declining ratings and criticism over its lack of diversity. The show had faced increasing scrutiny for its portrayal of unrealistic beauty standards and its failure to represent a wider range of body types and backgrounds. The brand decided to cancel the show as part of its efforts to revamp its image and become more inclusive.

Conclusion

Victoria's Secret models have left an indelible mark on the fashion industry and popular culture. From the early icons to the supermodel era and the evolving image of the brand, these models have captivated audiences and influenced beauty standards. As Victoria's Secret continues to adapt to changing social attitudes, the role of its models will remain crucial in shaping the brand's identity and connecting with consumers. The legacy of Victoria's Secret models serves as a reminder of the power of fashion to inspire, influence, and evolve.

Consider exploring opportunities to learn more about the brand's history or even explore options for becoming a Victoria's Secret model through official casting calls and open opportunities.