The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show became one of the most recognizable events in the fashion world, combining glamorous lingerie, elaborate runway designs, famous models and major music performances. What began as a relatively modest fashion presentation eventually developed into a spectacular production watched by audiences around the world.
Throughout the years, the show became known for its extravagant costumes, famous Angels, Fantasy Bras and appearances by some of the biggest names in music. Here are 10 memorable moments from the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show era covered in this countdown.
10. 2005: Tyra Banks Takes Her Final Victoria’s Secret Walk
The 2005 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marked an important moment for Tyra Banks, as she made her final appearance on the runway before retiring from modeling. The event took place at the Lexington Avenue Armory in New York City and featured an impressive lineup of models, including Naomi Campbell, Gisele Bündchen, Alessandra Ambrosio and Heidi Klum.
The production also featured major musical performances from artists including Seal, Ricky Martin and Lenny Kravitz. With elaborate staging and high-profile models, the show demonstrated just how far Victoria’s Secret had transformed the traditional fashion runway.
9. 2006: Justin Timberlake Brings “SexyBack” to the Runway
Los Angeles hosted the 2006 show at the Kodak Theatre, bringing together fashion and pop music on one spectacular stage. Justin Timberlake opened the event with his hit “SexyBack,” creating one of the show's most memorable musical moments.
The 2006 presentation was also significant for Gisele Bündchen, who made her final Victoria’s Secret runway appearance. Her elaborate Princess of Thieves look became one of the standout designs of the evening.
The soundtrack featured artists and groups including Sia, The Killers, The Chemical Brothers, David Guetta and The Eurythmics, giving the show an energetic concert-like atmosphere.
8. 2007: The Angels Celebrate a Major Victoria’s Secret Milestone
The 2007 show returned to Los Angeles and continued Victoria’s Secret’s tradition of turning the runway into a major entertainment event. The year was especially notable because several Victoria’s Secret Angels were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Heidi Klum, Marisa Miller, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, Karolina Kurkova and Selita Ebanks were among the famous models associated with the celebration.
The entertainment lineup was equally impressive, featuring performances from will.i.am, Seal, the Eurythmics, Apollo 440, Finger Eleven and the Spice Girls. The Spice Girls' appearance was particularly memorable because it marked their high-profile reunion during their comeback period.
7. 2008: Victoria’s Secret Takes the Show to Miami
In 2008, the runway moved away from its usual New York setting and landed in Miami, Florida. The tropical location provided a different backdrop for the colorful and highly theatrical presentation.
Usher was among the musical highlights of the evening, while Heidi Klum helped host the event. One of the eye-catching looks was inspired by Scarlett O’Hara, featuring a dramatic layered skirt and high-heeled footwear.
The front row was packed with recognizable celebrities, adding even more star power to an already glamorous production.
6. 2009: The Fashion Show Returns to New York
New York welcomed the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show back to the Lexington Avenue Armory in 2009. The event once again combined extravagant runway designs with celebrity entertainment.
Marisa Miller wore the famous Fantasy Bra, valued at approximately $3 million, making it one of the most talked-about pieces of the show. She later showcased the spectacular creation during a television appearance.
The Black Eyed Peas were among the performers, adding a high-energy musical performance to the runway spectacle.
5. 2010: Bigger Production and Eye-Catching Designs
By 2010, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show had firmly established itself as one of television’s most recognizable fashion events. The production continued to grow, combining elaborate sets, extravagant costumes and high-profile musical guests.
Earlier broadcasts had also attracted criticism from groups concerned about the show's suitability for younger viewers. Despite the controversy, the fashion spectacle continued to draw significant attention.
Among the memorable looks from this period was an elaborate costume featuring peacock-inspired feathers, demonstrating the increasingly theatrical direction of the runway collections.
4. 2011: Kanye West Finally Takes the Victoria’s Secret Stage
The 2011 show featured one of its strongest celebrity lineups, with performances from Kanye West, Maroon 5, Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj.
Kanye West's appearance carried particular emotional significance. After being unable to perform at the 2007 show following the death of his mother, he eventually appeared on the Victoria’s Secret stage in 2011.
The runway collections were just as theatrical, featuring imaginative themes, elaborate wings and fantasy-inspired designs. One particularly unusual look was nicknamed “The Naughty Doily,” featuring an oversized doily-style wing design.
3. 2012: A Runway Moment Sparks Controversy
The 2012 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show delivered plenty of unusual runway designs, but one particular look generated significant controversy.
Karlie Kloss appeared in a Native American-inspired headdress and costume. The outfit attracted criticism, prompting Victoria’s Secret to apologize and remove the look from subsequent promotional material. Kloss also expressed regret over the appearance.
Despite the controversy, the show continued its tradition of bringing major musicians to the runway, with Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars among the performers.
2. 2013: The $10 Million Fantasy Bra Steals the Spotlight
The 2013 production reportedly required months of preparation, with elaborate costumes and spectacular stage designs helping create the show's signature look.
One of the biggest attractions was the Royal Fantasy Bra, worn by Candice Swanepoel. The extravagant piece was valued at around $10 million and featured thousands of precious stones set in gold.
The runway was accompanied by performances from Fall Out Boy, Neon Jungle, A Great Big World and Taylor Swift. Swift's appearance became another talking point after comments made by model Jessica Hart about whether the singer could fit the Victoria’s Secret image.
1. 2014: Victoria’s Secret Takes Its Spectacle to London
The 2014 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marked a major change in location when the event moved from the United States to London, England. It was the first time the famous runway show had been staged outside the United States.
The international setting added another layer of excitement to an already extravagant production. Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Ed Sheeran were among the major musical stars associated with the London show.
With elaborate runway collections, famous models, celebrity performances and a huge international audience, the London event represented the spectacular scale that Victoria’s Secret had built around its annual fashion show.
Final Thoughts
From Tyra Banks' final runway appearance to the move to London, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show created countless memorable moments throughout its most famous era. The combination of fashion, music, celebrity appearances and extravagant designs turned the event into much more than a traditional runway presentation.
These shows also demonstrated how quickly fashion events can evolve into major entertainment productions, creating moments that continued to attract attention long after the final model left the runway.