A major fashion spectacle has arrived on the West Coast, with Victoria's Secret hosting a massive event at the Sony lot in Los Angeles. The show features a diverse cast of models and musicians as the brand attempts to modernize its identity.
A $6.5 billion brand returns to the Sony lot
Victoria's Secret is operating on a massive scale , moving beyond simple lingerie to become a major American cultural export. As the report indicates, the brand raked in approximately $6.5 billion last year, marking a 5% increase year-over-year . This financial muscle allows the company to stage "tentpole" events that command global attention.
The latest show, hosted at the Sony lot in Los Angeles, is a testament to this commercial power. The brand's previous marketing efforts attracted an estimated 2.9 million viewers, proving that despite shifting cultural tides,the Victoria's Secret spectacle remains a heavyweight in the fashion industry.
From Gigi Hadid to Megan Thee Stallion: A new era of stars
The 2026 lineup represents a deliberate blend of legacy and modern influence. the runway featured a mix of iconic "angels" and contemporary figures, including Gigi Hadid, Adriana Lima, and Candice Swanepoel, alongside more diverse models like Paloma Elsesser, Ashley Graham, and Joan Smalls.
The musical accompaniment further signals the brand's attempt to stay culturally relevant. Performers such as Megan Thee Stallion, Tate McCray, KATSEYE, and Megan Moroney brought a contemporary edge to the West Coast production, bridging the gap between traditional high-fashion glamour and current pop culture. This mix of talent suggests the brand is looking to capture both the nostalgia of long-time fans and the attention of a younger, more diverse demographic.
How Adam Selman is using 'camp' to evolve the brand
Adam Selman, the brand's executive vice president and chief creative officer, is steering the company through a period of significant identity shifts.. Having previously worked with Rihanna on her Fenty lingerie line, Selman brings a sophisticated understanding of how to navigate the intersection of sexiness and inclusivity.
Selman's approach is deeply presonal; he recalls his mother averting her eyes from Victoria's Secret stores while he was growing up in Waco, Texas.. Now leading the brand, he aims to lean into the "kitschy past" through a lens of "camp" and humor. According to the source, he intends to move away from dressing women "like dolls" and instead focuses on a version of the brand that is "fun, and... serious at the same time," while maintaining respect for its female audience.
Will the diamond-loaded Fantasy Bra bridge the cultural divide?
The return of the diamond-encrusted Fantasy Bra introduces a potential point of friction in the brand's new direction. This high-glamour piece, traditionally revealed to a VIP model, serves as a symbol of the "American fantasy" that Selman aims to preserve.
However, questions remain about how this return of extreme luxury aligns with the brand's push for inclusivity. It is currently unclear if the brand can successfully marry the unapologetic, high-octane glamour of the Fantasy Bra with the more grounded, diverse representation seen in the rest of the show. Furthermore, while the brand aims to be "modern" and "inclusive," the report does not address how it will reconcile these goals with the inherent "fantasy" element that has historically been a point of contention for critics.
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