1. An audience of billions
It’s no surprise that Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is the most watched show in the world—the show is broadcasted in over 190 countries with a viewership of over 2.5 billion.
It’s no surprise that Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is the most watched show in the world—the show is broadcasted in over 190 countries with a viewership of over 2.5 billion.
Just weeks before the show, it was leaked that American musician Katy Perry, who was supposed to be a headlining performer, was denied entry into the country. As was American supermodel, Gigi Hadid.
However, Gigi's sister Bella was present, and their father, Los Angeles real estate mogul Mohamed Hadid, was spotted by her side at the after-party at the Shanghai Expo.
Seven Chinese models graced the runway this year. Veterans Liu Wen, Ming Xi, He Sui and Xiao Wen were joined by newcomers Estelle Chen, Xin Xie and One Wang, the winner of the Victoria’s Secret reality show in China, “Road to Runway".
Model Ming Xi took a fall when her heel caught the train of her cape mid-walk, but gracefully rose back up with the help of a fellow angel, Gizele Oliveira. One of the Executive Producers of the show, Ed Razek, took to Instagram and wrote “Ming, there is no shame in falling. But there is great triumph in rising and finishing the journey.”
See also: 7 Chinese Models Who Walked The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show In Shanghai
Brazilian bombshell Alessandra Ambrosio celebrated her 17th year walking the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and later announced that she will be hanging up her wings after this year’s show. We even spotted her 9-year old daughter, Anja Louise, in the audience.
The most spectacular piece of the night? Arguably this year’s Fantasy Bra, which was designed by Mouawad, the official partner for the 2017 Victoria’s Secret show.
The ‘Champagne Nights’ fantasy bra is valued at US$2 million and took nearly 350 hours to construct. Embellished with over 6,600 gemstones, including diamonds, yellow sapphires and blue topaz, and weighing in at over 600 carats, it was worn by Brazillian model Lais Ribeiro.
VSxBALMAIN debuted on the runway this year, marking the first ever collaboration between Balmain and the American lingerie label. Balmain Creative Director, Olivier Rousteing, has designed a collection of punk-inspired looks that include tartan, netting, studs and crystals, that will launch in stores on December 6.
His favourite piece from the collaboration? “The Michael Jackson-inspired jacket”, he answered.
Performers who took to the stage alongside the Angels this year included Harry Styles, Miguel, Leslie Odom Jr, Jane Zhang and Yundi. Harry Styles took to the stage performing ‘Only Angel’, while Leslie Odom Jr. and Miguel sang alongside Yundi on the piano.
Let’s face it, the Victoria’s Secret fashion show isn’t just about the lingerie. The shoes are all one-of-a-kind pieces by American shoe designer, Brian Atwood. Atwood has been the footwear designer for the show for the past three years and has created over 100 styles especially for the show.
"This season it is all about boots”, Atwood has said, “we usually go as high as a 120mm heel. The Angels can work that with no problem.”
With over 3,000 guests in attendance, it would seem hard to imagine getting everyone in the venue and seated on time for the 8pm show, but the show started relatively on time before 8:30pm.
With that said, the entrance could only be described as chaotic. A line circled around the entire block of the arena, even for showgoers with tickets. Upon entry after the security check, most guests were given tickets with no seat numbers as the show was free-seating. Makes you think twice about arriving fashionably late.
Although some audience members had to sign NDAs prior to obtaining tickets and suspicion arose that mobile phones might be taken away during the show, audience members were quick to start snapping and taking videos for social media moments after the show began.
See also: For Men: How To Buy Lingerie For Her