The Future of Runway Realness: How Victoria’s Secret’s 50-Pound Wings Signal a Shift in Fashion Spectacle
The image of Bella Hadid, seemingly unflinching as she navigated the Victoria’s Secret runway with a staggering 50 pounds of wings attached to her back, isn’t just a moment of physical prowess – it’s a harbinger of a new era in fashion shows. We’re moving beyond simply showcasing clothes to staging feats of endurance, artistry, and increasingly, a direct conversation with the audience about the realities behind the glamour. This isn’t about unattainable perfection anymore; it’s about acknowledging the effort, the artistry, and even the struggle inherent in creating a spectacle.
Beyond the ‘Angel’: The Evolution of the Victoria’s Secret Show
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marked a significant departure from its earlier iterations. The return of veteran Angels like Candice Swanepoel and Adriana Lima alongside a diverse cast of models and influencers – including Angel Reese, Emily Ratajkowski, and Gigi Hadid – signaled a conscious effort to broaden its appeal. But it was the sheer weight of the spectacle, literally, that captured attention. Hadid’s Instagram story, acknowledging the wings’ burden while simultaneously celebrating their beauty, was a masterclass in modern brand communication. This transparency, a direct response to online criticism, is becoming increasingly crucial.
The Rise of ‘Performance Fashion’
This trend extends beyond Victoria’s Secret. Designers are increasingly incorporating elements of performance art into their shows. Think of Iris van Herpen’s designs, often requiring specialized movement and training from the models, or Schiaparelli’s surrealist presentations that demand a specific physicality. This isn’t just about clothes; it’s about the experience of wearing them, and the skill required to present them. The line between fashion show and athletic competition is blurring, and the emphasis is shifting towards showcasing not just the garment, but the human capability to embody it. This is what we’re calling ‘performance fashion’ – a deliberate elevation of the physical demands and artistry involved in presenting a collection.
The Impact of Social Media and the Demand for Authenticity
Social media plays a pivotal role in this shift. The instant scrutiny of platforms like TikTok and Instagram forces brands to be more accountable. The initial criticism of Hadid’s walk wasn’t about her perceived weakness, but about the unspoken expectation of effortless perfection. Her response – acknowledging the difficulty while maintaining her poise – resonated because it was real. Consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are increasingly savvy and demand authenticity. They want to see the effort, the vulnerability, and the human element behind the polished facade. This demand is forcing brands to rethink their messaging and presentation.
The Metaverse and the Future of Digital Spectacle
Looking ahead, the integration of the metaverse will further amplify this trend. Digital fashion shows can push the boundaries of physical limitations even further. Imagine avatars adorned with impossible structures, performing gravity-defying feats. While the physical demands on human models may evolve, the emphasis on performance and spectacle will only intensify. A recent report by McKinsey & Company highlights the growing investment in metaverse experiences within the luxury fashion sector, predicting a significant increase in virtual fashion spending over the next five years.
Implications for Design and Model Training
This evolution has significant implications for both fashion design and model training. Designers will need to consider the practicality and wearability of their creations, not just their aesthetic appeal. Extremely cumbersome or restrictive garments will become less viable. Model training will also need to adapt, incorporating elements of strength training, endurance conditioning, and performance art. We may see a rise in specialized “performance models” who possess the athleticism and artistry to handle increasingly demanding runway presentations. The focus will be on showcasing not just beauty, but also skill and resilience.
The Victoria’s Secret show, and Bella Hadid’s powerful walk, isn’t just a fashion moment; it’s a reflection of a broader cultural shift. We’re entering an era where spectacle is valued not just for its visual impact, but for the story it tells about the human effort and artistry behind it. The future of fashion isn’t just about what we wear, but how we wear it – and the strength it takes to do so. What innovations in performance fashion are you most excited to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
