Honestly, the fashion world was holding its breath. When the lights dimmed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on October 15, 2024, nobody knew for sure if we’d see her. Then, the music shifted—Cher’s "Believe" started thumping through the speakers—and there she was. Bella Hadid Victoria Secret 2024 wasn't just a booking; it was a total cultural reset for a brand that had spent years in the wilderness.
She looked incredible. Clad in a monochromatic, ruby-red lingerie set with a massive, floor-sweeping feathered coat, she didn't just walk; she commanded. It was her first time back on that specific stage since 2018. If you remember the "old" Victoria’s Secret, it was all about a very specific, almost unattainable perfection. But 2024 felt different. It felt like Bella was coming back on her own terms, which is a big deal considering she’s been so vocal about the "complicated" relationship she had with the brand’s past leadership.
The Surprise Appearance That Nearly Broke the Internet
Let's be real: the marketing for the 2024 show was everywhere, but Bella’s name was suspiciously missing from the official "confirmed" lists. We knew Gigi was opening. We knew Tyra was back. But Bella? She had been lying low, focusing on her new fragrance line, Orebella, and her life on a Texas ranch with cowboy Adan Banuelos.
When she finally stepped out, the reaction was instant.
"I can't believe I just closed @victoriasecret what. is. Life," she later posted on Instagram.
She wasn't just a segment model; she closed the entire show. That’s the "prestige" slot. Walking alongside her sister Gigi for the finale, both in matching red, it felt like the Hadid era of modeling had officially reached its final, most mature form.
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Why the Bella Hadid Victoria Secret 2024 Return Matters
You've probably heard the stories about why she left in the first place. Back in 2021, Bella told Marie Claire that it took her almost a year and a half of meetings to even consider working with VS again. She needed proof that the "old guard" was gone and that the "VS Collective" wasn't just a hollow PR stunt.
For her to show up in 2024 says a lot about the internal changes at the company. She mentioned in interviews that the new protocols—like having the power to say "no" to certain outfits or poses—were the only reason she signed back on. It’s kinda wild to think that a supermodel of her caliber ever felt like she didn't have that power, but that was the reality of the industry for a long time.
Facing the "Stamina" Rumors and Health Realities
Now, if you were scrolling TikTok the morning after the show, you probably saw some "concerned" fans. Some people thought she looked "tired" or that her walk was a bit more reserved than usual. Honestly? People can be a bit much.
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Bella actually jumped into the comments of a TikTok video to clear the air. She was incredibly blunt about it. She mentioned that she had literally gotten her period that morning and that her "stamina" wasn't quite 100% yet after a rough summer. Remember, she’s been dealing with chronic Lyme disease for over a decade. In late 2023 and throughout 2024, she had some pretty intense flare-ups that required hospital stays and over 100 days of intensive treatment.
She also pointed out that her second look—the silver set with the massive white wings—was deceptively heavy. Those wings weighed nearly 50 pounds. Try walking in 5-inch heels while carrying a small child on your back and looking "ethereal." It’s not easy.
The Breakdown of Her 2024 Looks
- The Opening Red Look: A ruby-red lace demi bra and matching "twinkle strap" bottoms. She wore a massive, voluminous red coat that she eventually ditched for a silk robe during the finale.
- The Winged Look: A silver, crystal-encrusted set paired with what many called the "classic" VS wings. This was the "Angel" throwback moment everyone wanted.
How She’s Changing the "Supermodel" Blueprint
What’s interesting about Bella Hadid Victoria Secret 2024 is how it fits into her larger career arc. She isn't just a clothes horse anymore. She’s become a bit of a champion for the "invisible illness" community. By being so open about her Lyme disease struggles—even the unglamorous parts like the IV drips and the exhaustion—she’s humanized a profession that used to be defined by being a "genetic freak" who never gets tired.
She’s also moved away from the high-glitz lifestyle of New York and LA. Most of her 2024 was spent in Texas. She’s been competing in horse-cutting events. She’s wearing flannels and jeans. Seeing her go from a ranch in the morning to the most-watched runway in the world that night is the kind of range most models just don't have.
What This Means for Your Wardrobe (The Practical Bit)
If you're looking to channel that 2024 energy, you don't actually have to buy a 50-pound set of wings. The trend coming out of the show was all about "rich reds" and textured lace.
- Monochromatic Red: This is the big takeaway. Whether it's lingerie or just a bold sweater, the deep "ruby" shade Bella wore is the color of the season.
- The "Big Coat" Energy: Don't sleep on the oversized robe or faux-fur coat. It’s about the contrast between the delicate inner layer and the heavy outer layer.
- Prioritize Comfort: Bella’s return was based on "boundaries." If a piece of clothing makes you feel exposed or uncomfortable, it’s not "fashion"—it’s a burden. Follow her lead and only wear what makes you feel in control.
The 2024 show might be over, but the shift it represented is still happening. Bella proved that you can go away, heal, set strict boundaries, and still come back to reclaim your crown when you're ready. That’s the real "supermodel" behavior.
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To keep up with her latest moves, you can follow her Orebella updates or check out her frequent "life lately" dumps on Instagram, where she usually shares the raw, behind-the-scenes reality of her health journey alongside the high-fashion shots.