Candice Swanepoel Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025
South African expat Candice Swanepoel at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025. Images: @victoriassecret / Instagram

Home » The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show: A celebration of every woman

The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show: A celebration of every woman

Once all about fantasy, the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show now celebrates real women – mothers, diversity, and stories that inspire.

Candice Swanepoel Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025
South African expat Candice Swanepoel at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025. Images: @victoriassecret / Instagram

I still remember watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show as a young girl – completely mesmerised by the glamour, the glittering wings, and the confidence that seemed to radiate from every model.

Back then, it was pure fantasy – a world of beauty and sparkle that felt larger than life.

Fast forward to 2025, and I’m watching it again – this time as a mom – and it feels different. It feels real.

From Glitter and Glamour to Real Women

After being off the runway since 2018, Victoria’s Secret officially revived its iconic fashion show in 2024, marking a shift from fantasy to authenticity.

The 2025 edition continues that transformation, proving that empowerment and inclusivity can be just as captivating as glamour.

Many of this year’s Angels are mothers, and one of the standout moments came when the beautiful, and visibly pregnant, Jasmine Tookes confidently opened the runway – a powerful symbol of how far the industry has come.

Seeing women at every stage of life celebrated on such an iconic stage made me smile, and maybe even tear up a little.

Candice Swanepoel: South African Grace, Global Icon

And then there was South African expat Candice Swanepoel, mother of two and one of the world’s most beloved supermodels, returning to the runway like she never left.

Elegant, radiant, and effortlessly confident, she reminded the world why she remains one of Victoria’s Secret’s most iconic faces.

Watching her walk again felt like seeing a piece of South African pride take flight.

Other famous faces included Gigi and Bella Hadid who walked hand in hand – a sisterly reunion that echoed their storied careers and reminded us that fashion is both lineage and reinvention.

The Lip Gloss Nail Trend

The show was also filled with modern beauty inspiration – from glowing, skin-first makeup to the trending lip gloss nails, a glossy nude manicure that’s already going viral.

And finally the performances – the heartbeat beneath the lingerie.

Missy Elliott proved she still has it at 54, commanding the stage in sequins and belting classics with power and presence.

Karol G’s Latin energy lit up the stage, shifting the tone and reminding the world that fashion is global and music is its soul. 

As someone who grew up idolising the Angels and now balances motherhood, work, and a love for beauty and fashion, I couldn’t help but feel inspired.

The new Victoria’s Secret celebrates women as they truly are – strong, diverse, timeless and unapologetically themselves.

How to Watch in South Africa?

This year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is available to watch on YouTube: