The Depressing Nostalgia of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
One of the more striking images from Sunday’s return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show did not come from the runway. Instead, it arrived as the camera lingered on two members of the audience, Kris Jenner, the reigning reality-show matriarch, and actor Timothée Chalamet. The two were there to support daughter and girlfriend, respectively, Kylie […]
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned for its third appearance since a cancellation in 2019, drawing attention not just to the runway, but to the audience as well. Kris Jenner, the reality-TV matriarch, and actor Timothée Chalamet were present to support Kylie Jenner, who, despite never having walked the runway before, was chosen to don the brand’s $50 million Fantasy Bra.
On social media, backlash ensued, with critics questioning Jenner’s credentials as a model and the appropriateness of the bra’s $4,410 white diamonds and 75.54-carat yellow diamonds. The show marked the first time the Fantasy Bra had been featured on the runway since 2018, and its inclusion seemed to perfectly blend the brand’s commerce and the male gaze.
While some criticized Victoria’s Secret for the choice, the brand had clearly secured a victory in its recent turnaround, both in stock prices and cultural relevance. The show evoked a sense of deja vu, reminiscent of the 1990s, as the Spice Girls’ “Say You’ll Be There” played in the final scenes. However, the reality was the 2026 version of the regressive era, with an emphasis on sex appeal, women’s bodies as entertainment, and the false promise of female empowerment.
Despite the spectacle, the presence of Kris Jenner and Timothée Chalamet served as a stark reminder of the show’s place in the current time, reinforcing the brand’s continued success in the face of controversy.
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