The wings are mostly gone. If you grew up watching the televised fashion shows of the early 2000s, you remember the spectacle. Gisele Bündchen stomping down the runway in the $15 million Red Hot Fantasy Bra. Adriana Lima’s fierce gaze. It was a monoculture. For decades, Victoria’s Secret models weren't just women selling lingerie; they were the gold standard of celebrity. They were the "Angels."
But things changed. Fast.
The shift wasn't just about clothes. It was about a massive cultural pivot that left the brand scrambling to figure out what a "model" even means in 2026. Honestly, the transition has been messy. We saw the brand go from casting a very specific, hyper-athletic body type to launching the "VS Collective," which features athletes like Megan Rapinoe and actors like Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
It’s a different world.
The Myth of the "Angel" Physique and the Cost of Perfection
Let's get real about the training. People used to obsess over the "Victoria's Secret model workout." It was legendary. And intense.
Models like Adriana Lima famously spoke to the Telegraph back in 2011 about her pre-show routine. She would work out twice a day for weeks. She’d drink only protein shakes for nine days before the show. No solids. Then, 12 hours before hitting the runway, she’d stop drinking water entirely to "dry out" so her muscles looked more defined.
It worked for the cameras. It was brutal for the humans.
🔗 Read more: La verdad sobre cuantos hijos tuvo Juan Gabriel: Entre la herencia y el misterio
- Training intensity: Many models, including Elsa Hosk and Jasmine Tookes, often shared glimpses of their heavy weightlifting and Pilates-based routines at gyms like Dogpound in NYC.
- The Dieting Reality: While the brand pushed a "healthy athlete" image, former models like Bridget Malcolm have since been vocal about the immense pressure to stay at a certain measurement. Malcolm has spoken openly on her social media platforms about the eating disorders and anxiety that plagued her during her time with the brand.
The industry used to call it "the standard." Now, we mostly call it unsustainable.
Why the Old Guard Stepped Down
Why did the era of Victoria's Secret models as we knew them die? It wasn't one thing. It was a pile-on of PR nightmares and changing tastes.
First, you had the Ed Razek interview with Vogue in 2018. Razek, the long-time chief marketing officer, suggested that "transsexuals" shouldn't be in the show because the show is a "fantasy." The backlash was immediate. It felt incredibly out of touch. Within a year, the televised show was canceled. Sales were dipping. Brands like Rihanna's Savage X Fenty were eating their lunch by showing what real inclusivity actually looked like—not as a marketing gimmick, but as a core value.
Then there was the Jeffrey Epstein connection. Les Wexner, the former CEO of L Brands (which owned VS), had close ties to Epstein. While Wexner denied knowledge of Epstein's illegal activities, the association was toxic. The "fantasy" was starting to look more like a nightmare behind the scenes.
The VS Collective: A New Kind of Model
In 2021, the brand tried to burn the old house down. They launched the VS Collective.
It was a total 180. No more wings. Instead of focusing on "bombshell" aesthetics, they recruited women known for their achievements.
💡 You might also like: Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes: What Really Happened Between the Dawson’s Creek Stars
- Eileen Gu: The freestyle skier and Olympic gold medalist.
- Paloma Elsesser: A body-positive advocate and one of the most prominent plus-size models in the industry.
- Valentina Sampaio: The first openly transgender model to work with the brand.
- Adut Akech: A South Sudanese-Australian model and former refugee who is a powerhouse in high fashion.
Basically, the brand stopped trying to tell women who they should be and started trying to reflect who women are. Or at least, that’s the goal. Some critics felt it was too little, too late. Others felt the brand had lost its identity entirely. It's a hard needle to thread. If you move too slow, you're a dinosaur. If you move too fast, you look performative.
The 2024 Return and the Hybrid Era
After a multi-year hiatus, Victoria's Secret brought back a version of their "show" in late 2024. It was different.
They tried to bridge the gap. They brought back the icons—Tyra Banks made a massive return to the runway, and Kate Moss even made an appearance. But they kept the new guard, too. It was an attempt to merge the high-octane glamour of the past with the inclusive reality of the present.
The feedback was mixed. Some fans missed the "classic" vibe, while younger Gen Z consumers were still skeptical of the brand's intentions. But one thing became clear: the definition of a Victoria's Secret model is no longer fixed. It’s fluid.
The Business of Being a "New" Model
The economics have shifted, too. In the 90s, getting a "contract" meant you were set for life. You were a household name.
Now? It’s about social media leverage.
📖 Related: Joseph Herbert Jr. Explained: Why Jo Koy’s Son Is More Than Just a Punchline
- Follower Counts: A model’s "bookability" is often tied to their Instagram or TikTok reach.
- Brand Ownership: Many former models aren't just waiting for a paycheck; they’re starting their own companies. Look at Rosie Huntington-Whiteley with Rose Inc. or Miranda Kerr with KORA Organics.
- Creative Control: Models are demanding more say in how they are portrayed. They aren't just hangers for clothes anymore. They are brand partners.
What This Means for You
If you’re looking at this industry from the outside, the takeaway isn't just about lingerie. It’s about the total collapse of a single, forced standard of beauty.
The Victoria's Secret model used to be a very specific "type." Usually around 5'9" to 5'11", with a 24-inch waist and a very specific level of muscle tone. That mold has been shattered. If you are interested in the world of fashion or modeling, the path forward is much broader than it was ten years ago.
How to Navigate the Modern Fashion World
If you're following these trends or even looking to enter the industry, focus on these three things.
Prioritize Longevity Over Trends
The models who have lasted—like Naomi Campbell or Gisele—didn't just rely on their looks. They built businesses and personal brands that were independent of any single company. If you're building a career, don't put all your eggs in one corporate basket.
Understand the "New" Beauty Standard
Authenticity is the current currency. Consumers are tired of over-retouched images. The brands that are winning right now are the ones that embrace texture, scars, different abilities, and age. If you're a creator or a consumer, lean into that.
Watch the Data, Not Just the Hype
Keep an eye on L Brands' (now Victoria's Secret & Co.) quarterly earnings if you want to see if these changes are actually working. Social media sentiment is one thing, but retail sales tell the real story. In 2026, the market is still deciding if it wants the "new" Victoria's Secret or if it’s already moved on to the next thing.
The era of the "Angel" might be over, but the influence of these women is still massive. They just don't need the wings to fly anymore.