Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: Everything you need to know about the controversial modelling event
The show is today but will air on December 2
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Your support makes all the difference.The highly-anticipated Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is tonight, which sees models strutting the runway in life-size angel wings and lingerie.
The runway show, which combines bras, wings and jewels, is the most-watched fashion event of the year, with 800 million annual viewers - success that is understandable considering the $12m it takes to put the show together each year.
This year’s show promises to feature memorable musical performances, supermodels, and lots of feathers. This is everything you need to know.
When is it?
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will take place today, November 8. However, it will not be aired on TV or online until December 2.
The show is always pre-taped and this year is no different.
Where is it?
The fashion show has returned to New York City after previous years saw the models walking the runway in London, Paris, and Miami.
Last year’s show took place in Shanghai.
The global venues mean all of the angels get to arrive together on a pink jet, however, issues over visas have arisen in previous years, forcing some models to opt out of the show.
Who will be walking in the show?
To secure a coveted spot walking in the VS show, models must first go to castings at the Victoria’s Secret headquarters in New York.
Occasionally, the models confirm the news on social media.
Although all of the 60 models’ names have not been released, certain angels have announced they will be walking - including Toni Garrn and Shanina Shaik.
This year, Winnie Harlow will be making her debut on the catwalk while big names such as Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid have been confirmed to be returning.
The show will also feature recognisable angels, such as Martha Hunt, Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Taylor Hill, and Sara Sampaio.
Who will be performing?
In addition to a fashion show, the runway also functions as a concert venue - with artists performing onstage as the models walk past.
This year, performers include Bebe Rexha, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Kelsea Ballerini, Rita Ora, Shawn Mendes, and The Struts.
In previous years, stars such as The Weeknd, Seal, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Rihanna have performed.
What outfits will be worn and what about cultural appropriation?
The show is known for turning lingerie into works of art and this year will likely be no different.
We can expect to see themes incorporated into the outfits, which are typically variations of bras, underwear, and wings weighing up to 60lbs.
In previous years, there have been numerous controversies surrounding certain themes and looks from the shows, with multiple outfits accused of cultural appropriation.
In 2012, a Native American headdress sparked outrage, while a 2016 Chinese-inspired theme called “Road Ahead” was also deemed incredibly offensive.
Who will be wearing the fantasy bra?
One of the biggest honours of the show is getting to wear the fantasy bra - a bedazzled bra made of jewels and usually valued around $1m.
This year, Victoria’s Secret announced Elsa Hosk will be wearing the bra, designed exclusively for Victoria’s Secret by Atelier Swarovski.
The bra and chain took over 930 hours to create.
Why is the show controversial?
In addition to accusations of cultural appropriation, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is frequently criticised for refusing to feature models who represent the average consumer.
The models are all thin and tall - and it wasn’t until recently that models with short hair or natural hair were allowed down the runway.
This year, it will likely be more of the same - despite the show’s executive producer, Ed Razek, referring to it as the “most ambitious yet.”
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