Honestly, the internet has been losing its mind over the Amelia Gray Victoria's Secret 2025 debut, and for good reason. If you weren’t glued to Steiner Studios on October 15, you missed one of the most polarizing moments in modern runway history.
Amelia Gray Hamlin didn't just walk. She made a scene.
For years, people dismissed her as just another "nepo baby"—the daughter of Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin. But 2025 was the year she finally stepped out from that shadow and into the glittery, high-pressure world of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. It wasn't perfect. It was messy, it was bold, and it has everyone talking about whether she actually belongs on that iconic stage or if her name did the heavy lifting.
The Viral Dress and That "Backless" Moment
If there is one thing people are Googling, it’s the red dress. You’ve probably seen the thumbnail: a long-sleeve, sheer red minidress that looked relatively "standard" from the front. Then she turned around.
The back was completely non-existent. It was cut so low it passed her tailbone, revealing a tiny red G-string that left absolutely nothing to the imagination. As she posed at the end of the catwalk while Karol G performed, the room went quiet for a split second before the cameras started flashing like crazy. It was a "break the internet" play that worked perfectly.
Her second look was a bit more classic Victoria's Secret: a crystal-embellished black bra paired with cheeky boy shorts and a silver cage skirt. It was playful, it was "PINK" coded, but it didn't have the same shock value as the red look.
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Why the "Horse Stomp" Walk is Trending
Let’s be real for a second. The modeling world can be brutal. While her mom, Lisa Rinna, was busy on Instagram writing, "Let's hear it for the back of the dress!", the armchair critics on Reddit and TikTok were tearing her walk apart.
People are calling it the "horse stomp."
Critics pointed out that despite years in the industry—walking for Chanel, Miu Miu, and Balenciaga—Amelia’s runway gait at the Victoria's Secret show felt heavy and a bit clunky compared to veterans like Adriana Lima.
- Some say it’s her signature "high fashion" stomp.
- Others think she was just nervous.
- A few fans defended her, saying the "dead-eyed" look is a stylistic choice common in 2025's "cool girl" aesthetic.
It’s an interesting debate. Does a Victoria's Secret model need to be a bouncy, smiling "Angel," or is the brand's pivot toward high-fashion "edginess" better served by Amelia’s more rigid, intense style?
The 2025 Cast: New Faces vs. The Icons
Amelia wasn't the only "new" name making waves this year. The 2025 show was a weird, fascinating mix of old-school glamour and Gen Z star power. We saw Adriana Lima and Lily Aldridge return, but they shared the floor with people like WNBA star Angel Reese and fellow nepo babies like Lila Moss (Kate Moss's daughter) and Iris Law (Jude Law's daughter).
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It felt like Victoria's Secret was trying to be everything to everyone.
The Musical Lineup
The music was actually pretty great, even if the vibes were a little chaotic.
- Karol G: Brought the energy for Amelia's big red dress moment.
- Madison Beer: Performed during the more "dreamy" segments.
- Missy Elliott: Closed the show with a massive performance that some felt was too "hip hop" for the brand, but honestly, it kept people from falling asleep during the final walk.
- TWICE: Brought the K-pop fans out in droves.
Addressing the "Nepo Baby" Label
Amelia has been open about this. She’s essentially said, "Yeah, I have famous parents, but I’m the one showing up to the castings."
In 2025, she was actually nominated for Model of the Year by Models.com. That doesn't happen just because your mom was on Real Housewives. She’s done the work—appearing on the cover of Vogue España in September 2025 and leading campaigns for BOSS and FRAME.
However, the Victoria's Secret stage is different. It’s the ultimate commercial test. While she’s killing it in editorial and high-fashion circles, the 2025 show proved she still has some work to do to win over the general public who grew up watching Gisele and Tyra.
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What This Means for Your Style (Actionable Insights)
If you're following the Amelia Gray Victoria's Secret 2025 trends, there are a few things you can actually take away from her look for your own wardrobe:
- The "V-String" Revival: Love it or hate it, the high-cut, visible thong/G-string look is back in a big way for 2026. It’s about confidence, not just "showing skin."
- Red is the Power Color: That monochromatic red-on-red look (dress, heels, makeup) is the dominant trend for the upcoming season.
- Confidence Over Perfection: Despite the criticism of her walk, Amelia didn't flinch. She owned the stage. If you're wearing something daring, the worst thing you can do is look uncomfortable in it.
The 2025 show might go down as the most controversial one yet, but one thing is certain: Amelia Gray isn't going anywhere. Whether you think she "ate" or she "stomped," she’s currently the most talked-about woman in fashion.
If you want to keep track of her career, keep an eye on her upcoming 2026 campaign with Zara and her continued work with The Lions management. She’s clearly playing the long game.
Actionable Next Steps: Check out the official Victoria's Secret "Behind the Scenes" footage from the 2025 show to see Amelia's full runway walk for yourself. If you're looking to replicate her "glam" look, focus on sultry, smoked-out eyeliner and a sleek, middle-part hairstyle, which were the hallmarks of her 2025 aesthetic.