Gigi Hadid solidified her status as the definitive modern angel by leading the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2024 and 2025. Following a long hiatus of the brand's televised runway spectacle, Hadid’s return was not merely a career comeback but a central element of the brand's strategic rebranding. In the most recent 2025 show held in New York City, she showcased two distinct looks that balanced the nostalgia of high-glamour wings with a contemporary editorial edge.

What did Gigi Hadid wear at the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show?

The 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, staged at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, saw Gigi Hadid taking on a veteran leadership role. Her appearances were characterized by intricate craftsmanship and a bold departure from traditional lingerie silhouettes.

For her primary look, Hadid leaned into the "Barbie-pink" aesthetic that has become synonymous with her personal brand. She walked the runway in a two-piece sparkling pink lingerie set featuring a structured bustier and lace-trimmed briefs. The centerpiece of this ensemble was a floor-length hooded shawl embellished with hundreds of 3D rose petals. This floral cape acted as a modern interpretation of the classic angel wings, trailing behind her as she interacted with the audience and blew her signature kisses.

Her second appearance shifted the tone toward a more ethereal, angelic vibe. She returned to the stage in an all-white silky camisole and short set, paired with massive, quilted white wings. This look emphasized the "legacy" feel of Victoria's Secret while maintaining the cleaner, more minimalist lines requested by modern fashion consumers.

The significance of Gigi Hadid opening the 2024 revival

The 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show marked the official return of the brand’s runway format after a five-year cancellation. The decision to have Gigi Hadid open this specific show was a calculated move to bridge the gap between the "OG Angel" era and the "VS Collective" era.

During the 2024 opening, Hadid emerged from a platform rising through the floor, shrouded in fog. She wore a blush pink romper with a deep plunging neckline and oversized feathered wings. A notable technical highlight of this walk was the mechanical nature of her wings; midway through her stride, she pulled a lever that caused the wings to expand, creating a towering silhouette that went viral across social media platforms.

The choice of music—a verse from INXS's "Never Tear Us Apart"—underscored the emotional weight of the return. Lyrics such as "we all have wings but some of us don't know why" played as Hadid descended back into the runway, signaling to the industry that Victoria's Secret had successfully reclaimed its spot in the cultural zeitgeist.

Gigi Hadid's complete Victoria's Secret runway timeline from 2015 to 2025

The journey of Gigi Hadid with Victoria's Secret is a decade-long narrative of perseverance and evolution. Her path was not as immediate as many might assume, involving multiple rejections before her eventual breakout.

  • 2015 Debut: After failing multiple auditions in previous years, Hadid made her debut in the 2015 show. She famously teared up during the announcement of her casting, describing it as a lifelong dream.
  • 2016 Paris Show: Hadid returned for the Paris edition, wearing elaborate forest-themed wings and a signature multi-colored ensemble.
  • 2017 Shanghai Absence: In a highly publicized event, Hadid was unable to participate in the 2017 Shanghai show. Reports indicated that her Chinese visa was revoked, preventing her from joining the cast in China.
  • 2018 New York Return: She returned to the NYC stage in 2018, participating in segments that featured high-energy musical performances and the classic "glamour" aesthetic.
  • 2019-2023 Hiatus: During the years the show was canceled due to branding shifts and diversity concerns, Hadid remained a spokesperson and narrator for the brand’s digital content, including the 2023 "The Tour" documentary.
  • 2024-2025 The Comeback: Hadid transitioned from a "newcomer" to the literal face of the brand's revival, opening the show and mentoring younger models.

How Gigi Hadid reflected on her 10-year journey with the brand

Looking back at her first show in 2015, Hadid has been candid about the immense pressure she faced as a young model. In interviews preceding the 2025 show, she became emotional when discussing the scrutiny she endured regarding her body type during her early career.

"I think about that girl in 2015, and the world was so hard on her," Hadid remarked in a behind-the-scenes documentary segment. She noted that while her body type was considered "different" from the standard high-fashion model at the time, she felt she deserved her spot on the runway through hard work.

Her perspective on the brand’s evolution is equally nuanced. Hadid has praised the shift toward inclusivity, stating that the current version of the show incorporates "new qualities that are important to us as a generation." She views the 2024 and 2025 shows as a marriage of the "magic of the past" with a set of modern expectations that value the personhood of the models as much as the aesthetic of the lingerie.

The sisterhood of the Hadid sisters on the Victoria's Secret stage

One of the most enduring images of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is the presence of both Gigi and Bella Hadid. Their shared history on the runway has provided some of the show's most humanizing moments.

In 2025, the sisters appeared together in the final walk, a moment that fans have come to anticipate. Bella Hadid, who also returned for the 2024 and 2025 shows, has often been seen backstage supporting Gigi. During the 2024 opening, Bella reportedly watched from the wings, visibly moved by her sister's leading role.

The "sisterhood" theme is something Gigi Hadid has highlighted as a unique aspect of the VS show. Unlike traditional high-fashion weeks where models often work in isolation, the VS show functions like a "project" or a "Super Bowl of fashion," where the models spend weeks together in fittings and rehearsals, fostering a camaraderie that Hadid claims is rare in the industry.

Why the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show remains a career milestone for Gigi Hadid

Despite her success with high-end designers like Chanel, Versace, and her own brand, Guest in Residence, the Victoria's Secret runway holds a specific place in Gigi Hadid's professional portfolio.

The reach of the show extends beyond the traditional fashion audience, touching global pop culture. For Hadid, the show represents "world-building and branding." She has expressed that her involvement is not just about "looking hot" but about the creativity and the massive team effort required to produce a spectacle of that scale. Her ability to maintain a central role in the show for a decade—spanning from her early twenties to her thirties—speaks to her longevity in an industry often criticized for its transience.

Summary of Gigi Hadid's Victoria's Secret Legacy

Gigi Hadid’s trajectory with Victoria's Secret is a reflection of the fashion industry’s broader shifts over the last decade. From a determined girl fighting for a spot in 2015 to the veteran supermodel opening the 2024 comeback and headlining the 2025 event, she has remained a constant figure. Her two bold looks at the 2025 show—the pink floral cape and the classic white wings—encapsulate the brand's current identity: a mix of nostalgic glamour and updated, sophisticated femininity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows has Gigi Hadid walked in? Gigi Hadid has walked in at least five major Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2024, and 2025. She also narrated the brand’s 2023 digital tour.

Why did Gigi Hadid miss the 2017 Victoria's Secret show? Gigi Hadid was unable to attend the 2017 show in Shanghai, China, because her visa was reportedly denied or revoked shortly before the event took place.

What was Gigi Hadid's role in the 2024 Victoria's Secret show? Gigi Hadid had the honor of opening the 2024 show, making her the first model to walk the runway as the brand made its official comeback after a five-year hiatus.

Did Bella Hadid walk with Gigi in 2025? Yes, both Gigi and Bella Hadid returned for the 2025 show, appearing in different segments but joining together for the final runway walk to close the event.

What song did Gigi Hadid walk to in 2024? Gigi Hadid opened the 2024 show to a remix that featured lyrics from INXS's "Never Tear Us Apart."