by Chinazam Ikechi-Uko.

With long legs, toned abs, voluminous hair, expensive bras, bright smiles, and unattainable figures, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was the most famous in the world. In 2013, it had a viewership of 9.7 million viewers in the US alone. Victoria’s Secret had changed the way lingerie was perceived. It was fun, quirky, and sexy. Everyone wanted to shop the lingerie, and every model wanted to sell it, including African models.

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its return on the 15th of October 2024. After facing backlash for promoting unhealthy and unattainable bodies, the Victoria’s Secret fashion show was cancelled in 2018. Executives were replaced, and the company made several attempts to rebrand itself.

The shows were known for integrating musical performances into their runway. This year’s stayed true to that as superstars Cher, Tyla, and Lisa lit up the stage. Nevertheless, the 2024 show is a far cry from its earlier counterparts; it features a diverse range of body types and ages. 

A complete 360 from the 2000s shows that diversity meant a tall, slim woman from another country with curly hair. Another key difference in the show is the lack of Angels.

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debuted 1995 as a small, in-store event. It quickly grew in popularity and became an annual televised extravaganza. In 2001, the show’s producers introduced the idea of having the top models featured in the show wearing wings on their backs. They were referred to as Angels.

A select few of the 50-plus models featured in the show held the Angels spot. They wore wings at the show and were featured in every campaign. They stood the opportunity to wear the fantasy bra.

The fantasy bra was a highly coveted and expensive lingerie piece created annually for the brand’s fashion show. It is adorned with precious gems, such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, and is often valued in the millions of dollars. They were the brand’s face, and at its peak, they had two African Angels: Behati Prinsloo and Candice Swanepoel.

In June 2021, Victoria’s Secret announced it was ending its Angels brand and introducing a more inclusive approach. The new model would cater to every woman, and the 2024 show put established and non-established models in wings. Several African models were among this winged lineup.

The internet’s reception of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show’s return has been mixed. Many wish they played it more risque and over the top. However, an undeniable fact is the African girls brought the heat with one X user saying, “Tyla and Candice Swanepoel in the same frame ?? No DNA just RSA”

Candice Swanepoel:

South African model Candice Swanepoel became synonymous with Victoria’s Secret at its prime.  She began walking the show in 2007 after being hired as a fit model. In 2010, she became an Angel, which resulted in a decade-long partnership. In 2013, she donned a $10 million fantasy bra for the show. This year, the now mother of two returned for its comeback show.

A fit model is a model that tests the lingerie samples. After chief marketing officer Ed Razek saw her try on several samples, he asked her to be in the show. In the behind-the-scenes for the 2012 show, the executive producer, Monica Mitro, said, “I had never experienced a model who looks good in everything. So we put her in the show.”

Behati Prinsloo:

The Namibian model joined Victoria’s Secret as an Angel in 2009 after working for the brand’s young adult line, PINK, for a year. She quickly became a popular model for the brand, known for her infectious smile. She is often described as the goofball of the group. The mother of three, Prinsloo, ducted her wings and walked the 2024 show.

Imaan Hammam:

Victoria’s Secret veterans were not the only ones on the pink runway. High fashion model Imaan Hammam has walked the show previously but not consistently. The Egyptian-Morrocan model is best known for her work in Milan, Paris, New York, and London. Her Wikipedia page explains it best: “She has appeared on the cover of Vogue 22 times, four times on the American edition.”

Anok Yai:

The South Sudanese model is an industry and fan favourite. Anok Yai has been a defining model of the 2020s; covering Vogues and featuring in ad campaigns. The internet rioted after she was not awarded Model of the Year (2023). For its comeback show, Victoria’s Secret hired a slew of High Fashion models, and the supermodel was at the top of their list.

Mayowa Nicholas:

Nigerian model Mayowa Nicholas became the second Nigerian model to walk the show in 2019. She was selected to walk the 2018 show in Shanghai, but the Chinese government denied the visas for Russian and Nigerian models featured in the show (and Gigi Hadid). According to Business Insider, the reasons remain unclear. Nicholas has stayed in close contact with the brand, appearing in campaigns and on its site. So it was no surprise to see her in the show. However, this time, she had wings on her back.

Alaato Jazyper:

The South Sudanese model Alaato Jazyper got her big break in high fashion in 2022. She was nominated for model of the year on Models.com’s 2023 edition. She has walked shows for Chanel, Coperni, Sacai, Ann Demeulemeester, and Hermès. She recently starred in a Gucci ad campaign.

Awar Odhiang:

The South Sudanese model, Awar Odhiang, gained significant recognition for her striking features. She has covered magazines such as Another, Harper’s Bazaar, and System. Victoria’s Secret has a history of attempting to blur the line between high fashion and commercial modelling. The 2024 edition took it to the next level, with dozens of industry favourites channelling their inner bombshell.

Blesnya Minher:

Bulgari, Calvin Klein, DKNY, and Michael Kors campaigns; 2024 has been a big year for Angolan model, Blesnya Minher. She has proven to be a favourite from the show, with many internet users asking who this diva is. As said by itgirlenergy, “This diva deserved a better outfit. I’m sorry like look AT HER.”

Maty Fall Diba:

Another big-shot high fashion model Victoria’s Secret hired was Maty Diba Fall. Currently ranked on Models.com’s top 50 models list on Models.com, the Senegalese model has covered several magazines. She famously covered both Vogue Netherlands’ and i-D Magazine’s March 2021 issues, respectively.