The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its return earlier this month, showcasing a blend of fresh faces and veteran models. With a renewed focus on inclusivity, diversity in body types, race, and gender, the show marked a departure from the brand’s previous image, making a bold statement as it live-streamed from New York.

On October 15, the event saw the debut of exciting new talent, including models like He Cong and Xu Wei, plus the return of seasoned supermodel Liu Wen, bringing an international spotlight to the runway. He Cong’s graceful presence sparked widespread admiration online, with Xiaohongshu users like GGGGGG sharing their support by posting comments like “Too beautiful, sister! 🥵.” Xu Wei also received praise for her energetic performance, with one Xiaohongshu user, Small sweet potato 64C61416, commenting “It’s very beautiful! Very energetic!” speaking to the excitement surrounding the model’s debut. 

Liu Wen, a beloved veteran of the show, posted on Instagram after the event, “An honor to return to the @victoriassecret Fashion Show runway in ‘Modern Heritage’ last night!” celebrating her significant role in this new era for the brand.

In addition to the Chinese models, the runway also featured body positivity advocate Paloma Elsesser and transgender model Alex Consani, further emphasizing Victoria’s Secret’s shift towards broader representation. At the same time, major names in the fashion industry, like Gigi Hadid and Adriana Lima, added a nostalgic flair to the event, reminding audiences of the brand’s legacy. Their presence, alongside newer models, created a unique blend of past and future, signaling a brand in transition.

BLACKPINK’s Lisa also took the stage with a dynamic performance, adding global star power and energizing the younger audience. Her performance, along with appearances by other international acts like Tyla and Cher, aligned with Victoria’s Secret’s revamped image.

Yet, despite the positive response, the show poses one crucial question: Is Victoria’s Secret still relevant? This question becomes even more pressing as Chinese lingerie brands like Candy La Vie, Ubras, and Sujiin continue to push the boundaries of inclusivity and modern beauty standards. As these local brands gain momentum in the Chinese market, Victoria’s Secret now faces the challenge of whether its recent efforts to evolve are enough — or if these changes have come too late in a market already moving forward.

Banner image via Getty Images.