Runway Reinvention: The Evolving Aesthetics of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, a highly anticipated annual event, made a triumphant return to the runway after a six-year hiatus. Held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the show featured a diverse array of models, including familiar faces like Gigi and Bella Hadid, Adriana Lima, and Tyra Banks, who graced the stage with their signature style and beauty. While the show's iconic lingerie and larger-than-life angel wings remained, the beauty looks on display showcased a refreshing departure from the past, with lead hairstylist Duffy and the makeup team at Diane Kendal introducing a more modern and diverse range of styles.

Redefining the VS Bombshell: A Shift in Runway Aesthetics

Hairstyles: From Bombshell Waves to Sleek Sophistication

The signature voluminous curls that have long been synonymous with the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show were noticeably absent this year. Lead hairstylist Duffy, known for his work on Marc Jacobs's Fall 2024 runway, opted for a more diverse range of styles, including slicked-back high ponytails, cool short cuts, and carefree waves. This departure from the traditional bombshell waves left some viewers longing for the big, bouncy hair of the past, while others appreciated the sleek and sophisticated look that highlighted the models' features.

Makeup: Embracing the Bombshell Aesthetic with a Modern Twist

The makeup at this year's show leaned more historically towards the Victoria's Secret bombshell aesthetic, featuring a sultry smoky eye highlighted with a touch of shimmer, nude lips, and bronzed, glowing skin. Mical Klip, Diane Kendal's first assistant, explained the team's approach, stating, "We're doing a beautiful brown smoky eye this year. Every person is getting a version that's adapted to their eye shape and coloring with different levels of intensity. It's Victoria's Secret, so there will be a bit of glitz with a little bit of pale gold and a glittery overlay, and then it's just about having everyone's skin look bronzed and glowy to pick up the light in all the right places."

Nails: A Chic and Minimal Approach

While the runway's hair and makeup garnered significant attention, the nails were less polarizing and expertly polished with intention. Lead nail artist Dawn Sterling explains, "We wanted to keep all the girls chic, beautiful, and glossy. Our team is doing a natural sheer manicure, not too pink, not too white, that illuminates with the lighting and their wings. There's so much going on with the colors and diamonds, so we just wanted to do a minimal-yet-fabulous nail moment."

Embracing Diversity and Modernity

The shift in beauty aesthetics at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show signaled a move towards a more diverse and modern representation of beauty. While some viewers longed for the big, bouncy hair of the past, others appreciated the sleek and sophisticated looks that highlighted the models' features. The makeup, too, embraced the bombshell aesthetic with a modern twist, showcasing a range of smoky eye looks and bronzed, glowing skin.

The Enduring Appeal of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Despite the changes in beauty trends, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show remains a highly anticipated event, captivating audiences with its glamour, spectacle, and celebration of the female form. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, the show's ability to adapt and reinvent itself will be crucial in maintaining its relevance and appeal to both loyal fans and new generations of viewers.