Alessandra Ambrósio -* Foto: instagram

Alessandra Ambrósio returns to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show after five-year hiatus

by · Mix Vale

After a five-year break, the iconic Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is making a comeback, and one of Brazil’s biggest stars, Alessandra Ambrósio, has been confirmed to walk the runway. Ambrósio’s return is not just a celebration of fashion but a significant moment for the brand’s fans and her admirers, as she played a monumental role in shaping the legacy of the Victoria’s Secret runway over her 17-year career.

The show’s return after years of controversy and changes

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which went off the air in 2018, was halted due to declining viewership and mounting criticisms over the lack of diversity in its models, as well as scandals involving the brand’s executives. The decision to pause the famed show reflected the shifts happening in the fashion industry, where inclusivity and representation became key demands from consumers. The brand realized it had to respond to these critiques, leading to a rethinking of its image, its products, and how it would approach the future.

In 2024, the show returns with a promise of more inclusivity and modernity, aligned with the evolving expectations of its audience. While keeping the glamor that made it famous, Victoria’s Secret aims to show it has learned from its past mistakes and is ready to embrace the cultural and societal changes of the times. The event will still feature the signature wings and elaborate costumes but will also bring a new vision to the runway.

Alessandra Ambrósio’s significant role in the history of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Alessandra Ambrósio, one of the most iconic Brazilian supermodels, became a Victoria’s Secret symbol during her long partnership with the brand. Since her debut in the early 2000s, Ambrósio quickly rose to prominence as one of the fan favorites, especially after wearing the coveted “Fantasy Bra” multiple times.

Over the 17 years she participated in the event, Ambrósio became synonymous with some of the show’s most memorable moments, including when she donned million-dollar pieces adorned with Swarovski crystals and diamonds, captivating a global audience. She was one of the brand’s main “Angels,” a title that represented the pinnacle of a model’s career in the industry.

Ambrósio’s return to the runway this year has sparked great excitement among fans of the brand and those who have followed her career. She will join other iconic models who have left their mark on the event, such as Gisele Bündchen and Adriana Lima, making the 2024 show a nostalgic and thrilling experience for viewers.

The show’s new format and global star-studded lineup

The return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2024 brings not only the classic Angels back to the stage but also a fresh format. Unlike previous editions, this year’s show will be live-streamed on multiple digital platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and will feature performances from global music stars. Confirmed musical guests include the legendary Cher and K-pop star Lisa from Blackpink, ensuring a show that blends fashion and music in an even more interactive and dynamic way.

The event will take place in New York City, a symbolically important location for Victoria’s Secret’s history, and it has already generated great anticipation for its promise of reinventing the iconic lingerie show. With the live broadcast, the brand hopes to engage a younger, more diverse audience, making this a pivotal moment for its future.

Victoria’s Secret’s evolution and its challenge to reconnect with audiences

In recent years, Victoria’s Secret has faced numerous criticisms and challenges, which led to the cancellation of the show in 2018. The brand was heavily criticized for its lack of inclusivity, both on the runway and in its advertising campaigns. Comments made by company executives, which dismissed the idea of featuring transgender and plus-size models, were widely condemned and contributed to a steep decline in the brand’s popularity.

Further damaging the company’s image, its association with individuals involved in scandals, such as financier Jeffrey Epstein, added to the brand’s reputational issues. Documentaries exposing details about these controversies made it even more challenging for Victoria’s Secret to recover its image, leading to the 2024 show being seen as a major opportunity for the brand to rehabilitate itself.

In response to these criticisms, the company underwent significant restructuring, including leadership changes and a focus on more diverse models and marketing campaigns. This year’s fashion show aims to demonstrate that Victoria’s Secret is ready to adapt to the times, while still retaining the glamor that made it famous in the first place.

Alessandra Ambrósio’s return: a milestone for Brazilian fashion

The confirmation of Alessandra Ambrósio’s participation in this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show highlights the lasting influence of Brazilian models on the global fashion stage. Ambrósio, who officially said goodbye to the brand’s runway in 2017, returns at a crucial moment for Victoria’s Secret, as it seeks to regain its stature in the fashion world.

Her presence also underscores the strength of Brazilian models in the international fashion industry, with names like Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima, and Izabel Goulart having made a significant impact over the years at Victoria’s Secret. Ambrósio’s return is especially meaningful for Brazilian audiences, who see her as one of the country’s greatest fashion icons.

Looking ahead: high expectations for the future

With the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show making its return and featuring major stars like Alessandra Ambrósio, expectations are high for the brand’s future. The 2024 event marks the beginning of a new chapter for Victoria’s Secret, which, after years of controversy, is attempting to rebuild its image and reestablish its place in the fashion world.

In addition to the new show format, the brand promises to continue evolving its campaigns and products, with a greater focus on diversity and inclusion. Time will tell whether these changes will be enough for Victoria’s Secret to reclaim its dominance in the world of lingerie and fashion shows.