The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is basically THE most extra runway ever. There's wings. There's harnesses. There's performers trying to DODGE the giant wings. Although, in spite of all of the glitter and dramatic lighting, it hasn't always been that way. Let's take a runway walk down memory lane to the first Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 1995!
Then: No wings, and definitely no angels.
The first Victoria's Secret show was basic — stripped down, basic, unadorned. There weren't any wings, nor the "angels" that we know today. Wings wouldn't appear until three years later, in the 1998 Victoria's Secret show.
Now: Angels with wings large enough to fly to the Victoria's Secret heavens.
The first models to wear wings were Tyra Banks, Karen Mulder, and Stephanie Seymour in the 1998 show, and they were pretty low-key. Now, a model getting their "wings" is a BIG DEAL. It's basically like being put in the Victoria's Secret hall of fame.
Then: A pretty small crowd of attendees
In 1995 people weren't exactly sitting in front of their television's getting ready to watch the supermodels slay down the runway. The first show, which was held at the Plaza Hotel, wasn't even broadcast!
Now: Hundreds of attendees with millions of viewers watching on television.
Over two decades later, watching the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is almost as much of an annual tradition as watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. From the costumes to the poses, Victoria's Secret stans take it VERY seriously.
Then: Robes on almost every look.
Yes, there was even plaid.
Although it was in pink, because even then Victoria's Secret knew it would become the brand's signature.
Now: Robes that anyone could trip on.
The robes in the current shows are definitely more fashion than function. It's a miracle that only one model tripped on the runway this year! She took it like a champ regardless.
Then: Dresses on the runway.
Yes, early Victoria's Secret ACTUALLY featured dresses.
Now: Less is more
You'd be hard pressed to find a dress on the Victoria's Secret runway in 2017!
Then: Less cultural appropriation
I'm not exactly sure WHAT the brand was trying to reference here, but at least it's not as offensive as their later shows.
Now: TONS of cultural appropriation
Since starting in 1995, the brand has had a pretty impressive list of moments when they've culturally appropriated. With their latest show clearly they haven't learned anything!
Then: Random cardigans everywhere.
Why a cardigan goes with a lingerie set is beyond me, but kudos to the brand for trying!
They ALSO had them tie the cardigans around their waist because #fashion.
They were really trying with this trend. Cher Horowitz would've be proud.
Now: Jumbo coats, but not really much else.
Today, the brand usually saves their jackets and outerwear elements for the PINK section.
Then: Unnecessary accessories
Where do they think she's going? She's literally wearing only a bustier and carrying a purse. I have a lot of questions.
They even had a model wear shades, gloves, and matching black boots because apparently that made sense in the 1990s.
It's giving me secret agent/Bond girl/I've accidentally left my cardigan inside while getting the mail vibes, and I'm kind of into it.
Now: Crowns galore
This year featured crowns reminiscent of ancient Greek, which looked pretty amazing on the runway.
If you're missing the magical wings, check out the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on November 28th on CBS!
Although the first Victoria's Secret show would DEFINITELY make any Victoria's Secret fan chuckle, it's impressive how they've transformed the show over the last 20 years. Routinely they've brought in the biggest supermodels and performers (and wings too). Most of all, they've shown that everyone loves a bit of drama on the runway!
