- 3 months ago
Inside Victoria Secret's $100M Runway
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LifestyleTranscript
00:00They spent over $100 million on a single night, and it was absolutely breathtaking.
00:04Supermodels earned up to seven figures for minutes on the runway.
00:07Custom wings cost more than luxury cars.
00:09Pat McGrath's makeup alone required a six-figure budget.
00:12From Brooklyn's Steiner Studios to millions of screens worldwide
00:15witnessed the jaw-dropping extravagance of fashion's most luxurious spectacle.
00:20The luxury displays where art meets extravagance.
00:24When the lights dimmed at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn on October 15, 2025,
00:28the world witnessed more than just a fashion show.
00:31What unfolded was a meticulously orchestrated symphony of luxury,
00:35where every element, from the gossamer wings that seemed to defy gravity
00:39to the crystal-encrusted footwear that caught every photon of light,
00:42represented the pinnacle of craftsmanship and extravagance.
00:46This wasn't merely a runway presentation.
00:48It was a masterclass in how to transform fabric, feathers, and fantasy
00:52into a multi-million-dollar spectacle that would captivate millions of viewers across the globe.
00:57The 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show marked a triumphant continuation of the brand's revival,
01:04and nowhere was this more evident than in the breathtaking displays that adorned the runway.
01:08Under the visionary guidance of executive creative director Adam Selman,
01:12the show was structured around a narrative arc that began with the fresh,
01:16ethereal quality of morning light,
01:18and crescendoed into the sophisticated elegance of a black-tie affair.
01:21This wasn't just about selling lingerie,
01:23though over 4,000 shoppable pieces were made immediately available through Amazon
01:27and the brand's official website.
01:29No, this was about creating an immersive experience that transported viewers
01:33into Victoria's Secret's carefully curated world of glamour, sensuality, and empowerment.
01:38Let's begin with what has always been the crown jewel of any Victoria's Secret fashion show,
01:43the wings.
01:43These aren't mere accessories that models happen to wear as they struck down the catwalk.
01:47These are custom-crafted masterpieces, each valued at $10,000 or more,
01:52representing weeks of artisan labour and meticulous attention to detail.
01:56The 2025 show featured over 50 unique wing sets,
02:00each one designed specifically for the model who would wear it,
02:03taking into account not just their physical proportions,
02:06but their personality, their energy, and the specific look they would be presenting.
02:10Consider, if you will, the seashell wings that opened the show on Jasmine.
02:13Turks, a pregnant model who carried herself with such grace and confidence
02:17that you could almost forget she was wearing an elaborate construction
02:20of shell-encrusted artistry on her back.
02:22These wings weren't just beautiful.
02:24They told a story of oceanic majesty,
02:26of treasures hidden beneath azure waves,
02:28of the mysterious allure of the deep.
02:30The craftsmanship involved in creating such pieces is staggering.
02:34Artisans spend two to four weeks constructing each pair,
02:37carefully selecting feathers,
02:39hand-placing Swarovski crystals,
02:41engineering lightweight frames that can support elaborate designs
02:44without causing the models discomfort during their walks.
02:47Then, there were Gigi Hadid's giant white wings,
02:50a study in angelic simplicity that paradoxically required extraordinary complexity to achieve.
02:55These oversized feathered creations seemed to float behind her as she moved,
02:59catching the light in a way that created an almost ethereal glow around her figure.
03:03The engineering required to make wings of this size both stable and lightweight
03:07is nothing short of remarkable.
03:09Historical Victoria's secret wings have weighed upwards of 18 kilograms,
03:12but modern construction techniques using advanced materials
03:16have made it possible to create even larger,
03:18more dramatic pieces that models can wear comfortably.
03:21Bella Hadid's crystal-covered wings,
03:23paired with her fiery red billowing shawl,
03:25represented perhaps the most opulent wing design of the evening.
03:29Imagine thousands upon thousands of Swarovski crystals,
03:32each one individually placed to create a surface
03:34that didn't just reflect light, but seemed to multiply it,
03:38sending prismatic flashes across the runway with every step.
03:41The cost of materials alone for such a piece runs into the tens of thousands of dollars,
03:46and that's before we even consider the hundreds of hours of skilled labor
03:50required to bring such a vision to life.
03:52And we cannot overlook Ashley Graham's shiny black wings,
03:55a departure from the traditional angel aesthetic
03:57that brought an edgy, modern sensibility to the runway.
04:00These metallic masterpieces caught the light in an entirely different way,
04:04creating sharp, dramatic contrasts that perfectly complemented Graham's powerful presence
04:09and body-positive message.
04:10The fact that Victoria's Secret invested in such diverse wing designs
04:14speaks volumes about the brand's commitment to representing different aesthetics
04:18and celebrating different types of beauty.
04:20The total investment in wings alone for this production is
04:23estimated at $500,000 to $2.5 million,
04:27depending on the complexity of each design and the materials used.
04:31This is not an expense that generates direct revenue.
04:33These wings are not for sale.
04:36They are purely for display, for spectacle,
04:38for creating those unforgettable moments
04:40that will be shared millions of times across social media platforms.
04:44They are an investment in brand image, in cultural relevance,
04:47in maintaining Victoria's Secret's position
04:50as not just a lingerie company, but a creator of fantasy and aspiration.
04:54But the wings, as magnificent as they are,
04:56represent only one facet of the luxury displays that define this show.
05:00The outfits themselves deserve equal attention and admiration.
05:04We're talking about over 200 runway looks,
05:07each one carefully designed to fit into the show's thematic structure
05:10while also being immediately shoppable by viewers watching from home.
05:14This dual purpose, creating high fashion spectacle
05:16while also driving retail sales,
05:18requires a delicate balance that the creative team navigated with remarkable skill.
05:22The first light section featured sheer slip dresses in pastel yellows and pinks,
05:27crafted from satin silk blends that seemed to float on the model's bodies like morning mist.
05:31These aren't garments you throw together in a factory assembly line.
05:34Each piece requires precise cutting, careful construction,
05:37and often hand finishing to achieve the desired effect.
05:40Devon Garcia's yellow slip dress with wrap detail,
05:43which she handled with such grace when it briefly malfunctioned on the runway,
05:46retails for $68 on gloves,
05:48but likely cost several hundred dollars to produce
05:51when you factor in the quality of materials,
05:53the skilled labor, and the design process.
05:55The black tie section elevated the opulence even further.
05:59Glittering catsuits covered in crystal embellishments,
06:02netted outfits paired with billowing chiffon shawls,
06:05these pieces represent the intersection of fashion and art.
06:08Take, for example, the red glittering catsuit
06:11that Carol G wore during her performance,
06:13complete with wings.
06:15This single garment, which retails for $98,
06:18likely cost thousands to produce in its runway version,
06:20with its full-body construction requiring a stretch mesh base
06:23that would hug the body perfectly,
06:25overlaid with rhinestones that had to be individually attached
06:28to create that all-over sparkle effect.
06:30The precision required to create a garment like this,
06:33one that looks spectacular under runway lights,
06:35moves beautifully on camera,
06:37and doesn't fall apart during.
06:39An energetic performance is extraordinary.
06:41Custom production costs for these elaborate runway pieces
06:44range from $500 to $5,000 each,
06:47with the total investment in outfits and lingerie
06:50estimated at $100,000 to $1 million.
06:54This might seem extravagant until you consider
06:56the return on investment.
06:58These aren't just clothes being shown on a runway,
07:00they're being broadcast to millions of viewers globally,
07:03they're being photographed and shared across
07:05every social media platform imaginable,
07:07and they're driving immediate sales
07:09through the integrated Amazon shopping experience.
07:11And then we have the footwear,
07:13oh, the glorious footwear.
07:14The collaboration with René Calvilla
07:16produced over 100 pairs of custom heels
07:19that were nothing short of wearable sculpture.
07:21We're talking about 105mm high crystal-embellished sandals,
07:25mules with sinuous serpent motifs
07:26that seem to coil up the ankle,
07:28thigh-high boots with stardust soles
07:30designed to provide both grip and glamour.
07:32These aren't shoes you pick up at your local department store.
07:35These are luxury items that retail for $495 and up,
07:39with production costs ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per pair.
07:44The total investment in this René Calvilla collaboration
07:47is estimated at $100,000 to $500,000,
07:51and like the wings, these pieces serve multiple purposes.
07:55They complete the looks, yes,
07:56but they also represent another revenue stream
07:59through the brand partnership.
08:00They generate additional media coverage,
08:02and they reinforce Victoria's Secret's positioning
08:04as a purveyor of complete luxury experiences
08:07rather than just lingerie.
08:09The expensive supermodels and their immaculate makeup.
08:12If the displays and garments represent the physical luxury
08:15of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show,
08:17then the supermodels and their immaculate makeup
08:19represent the human element and brings it all to life.
08:23And make no mistake,
08:24securing the calibre of talent that walked this runway
08:27comes with a price tag that rivals the cost of the wings they wore.
08:31Let's talk numbers,
08:32because in the world of high fashion,
08:33talent commands serious compensation.
08:36While specific payment details remain undisclosed
08:38due to industry-standard non-disclosure agreements,
08:41estimates based on historical data and expert analyses
08:44suggest that supermodel fees for the 2025 show
08:48ranged from $10,000 to $1 million per appearance.
08:51These aren't just payments for a few minutes on the runway.
08:54These fees cover fittings, rehearsals,
08:56promotional obligations,
08:58and the invaluable contribution of
08:59the model's name, face, and reputation
09:01to the event's prestige.
09:02At the absolute top of the payment hierarchy
09:05sits Adriana Lima,
09:06the longest-serving angel in Victoria's secret history,
09:09with over 18 shows to her name.
09:11Lima's estimated payment for her return to the 2025 runway
09:15ranges from $500,000 to $1 million.
09:18This might seem astronomical,
09:19until you consider what Lima brings to the show
09:22beyond just her walk.
09:23She represents legacy, nostalgia,
09:25a connection to the golden era
09:27of Victoria's secret fashion shows
09:29that defined the 2000s and early 2010s.
09:31When Lima walks down that runway,
09:33she's not just a model wearing lingerie,
09:35she's a living embodiment of the brand's history and heritage.
09:38Gigi Hadid, who delivered multiple looks,
09:41including those giant white wings,
09:43commanded an estimated $200,000 to $500,000 for her appearance.
09:48Hadid's value extends far beyond her modelling skills,
09:51though those are considerable.
09:53She brings with her a massive social media following,
09:55with tens of millions of devoted fans
09:57who will watch anything she does,
09:59share anything she posts,
10:00and very likely purchase anything she wears.
10:03In the modern era of fashion marketing,
10:05this kind of influence is worth its weight in gold,
10:07or in this case, worth several hundred thousand dollars.
10:10Bella Hadid, Gigi's sister,
10:12and a rising star in her own right,
10:13earned an estimated $150,000 to $400,000
10:17for her appearance featuring that fiery red shawl
10:20and crystal-covered wings.
10:21While slightly lower than her sister's fee,
10:23likely due to having fewer Victoria's secret appearances
10:26under her belt,
10:27Bella brings her own unique value to the runway.
10:29Her post-health recovery journey and advocacy work
10:32have made her a symbol of resilience,
10:33and her distinctive look and fierce runway presence
10:36make her unforgettable.
10:37Veterans like Alessandra Ambrosio,
10:39another icon with 17 shows in her history,
10:41commanded $300,000 to $600,000.
10:45Candice Swanepole, with over a decade of shows,
10:47earned an estimated $200,000 to $400,000.
10:50These women aren't just models,
10:52they're brands unto themselves,
10:54with loyal fanbases who tune in specifically to see them walk.
10:57But perhaps one of the most significant casting decisions
11:00from a cultural and financial perspective
11:02was the inclusion of Ashley Graham,
11:04the body-positive icon who has been instrumental
11:06in pushing the fashion industry toward greater inclusivity.
11:09Graham's estimated fee of $100,000 to $250,000
11:13reflects not just her modeling prowess,
11:16but the immense value she brings in terms of
11:18brand evolution and contemporary relevance.
11:20Her presence on the Victoria's secret runway
11:22sends a powerful message about the brand's commitment
11:25to representing diverse body types
11:27and celebrating beauty in all its forms.
11:29And then we have the newcomers,
11:31the fresh faces who bring different kinds of value to the runway.
11:34Angel Reese, the WNBA star making her debut
11:37as the first professional athlete to earn Victoria's secret wings,
11:40likely received $50,000 to $100,000.
11:44While this is considerably less than the veteran supermodels,
11:47the value exchange works differently for debut models.
11:50Reese gains invaluable exposure to a fashion audience,
11:53establishing herself as more than just an athlete,
11:55while Victoria's secret gains credibility
11:58with younger sports-focused demographics
12:00and generates significant media coverage
12:02about breaking boundaries.
12:04Similarly, Olympic gymnast Suni Lee,
12:06making her runway debut in the pink section,
12:09earned an estimated $50,000 to $100,000.
12:13These crossover castings represent a savvy investment
12:16by Victoria's secret,
12:17generating headlines about inclusivity and diversity
12:20while appealing to audiences beyond traditional fashion consumers.
12:24The structure of these payments
12:25also reflects the reality of modern runway shows.
12:27Base fees cover two to three looks,
12:30travel and promotional obligations,
12:32but veterans negotiate additional escalators
12:34for social media posts.
12:36When you have models like the Hadid sisters
12:37with a combined following
12:39of over 150 million people across platforms,
12:42their Instagram posts about the show
12:43reach more people than many television broadcasts.
12:46This kind of organic, authentic-feeling promotion
12:49is invaluable in today's marketing landscape.
12:51Now let's talk about the makeup,
12:53because the faces that walked down that runway
12:55weren't just naturally beautiful.
12:56They were the canvas
12:57for one of the world's most renowned makeup artists.
13:00Pat McGrath, often referred to as Mother
13:02in the fashion industry,
13:03led the backstage glam team,
13:05and her contribution to the show's luxury aesthetic
13:07cannot be overstated.
13:08McGrath's approach for the 2025 show
13:11centered on creating what she calls
13:12a dewy, radiant base,
13:14a luminous, natural-looking complexion
13:16that would glow under the runway's intense lighting
13:18while still looking flawless in close-up shots
13:21for the global live stream.
13:22This isn't as simple as it sounds.
13:24Creating makeup that looks natural yet glamorous,
13:27that photographs beautifully
13:28while also appearing stunning in person,
13:30requires extraordinary skill
13:32and the finest products available.
13:34The technique began with meticulous skin preparation,
13:37using Pat McGrath Lab's Skin Fetish,
13:39Sublime Perfection Primer
13:40to create a hydrated, smooth canvas.
13:43This isn't just about applying primer,
13:45it's about understanding each model's skin type,
13:48their specific concerns,
13:49and how their skin will react under hot lights
13:51after hours of wear.
13:52The primer creates that crucial foundation
13:54that allows everything else
13:56to not just look good initially,
13:57but to continue looking good
13:58throughout the entire show.
14:00Then came the Skin Fetish,
14:01Sublime Perfection Foundation,
14:03applied with a focus on achieving
14:04lightweight, buildable coverage
14:06that creates a radiant glow
14:07without looking cakey or mask-like.
14:09McGrath's team used damp beauty sponges
14:11and brushes to blend seamlessly,
14:13ensuring that the foundation
14:14enhanced the model's natural beauty
14:16rather than hiding it.
14:18This is particularly crucial
14:19when you're working with faces
14:20that will be seen by millions of people
14:22in high definition.
14:23Every flaw, every imperfection,
14:25every bit of poor blending
14:26would be magnified and scrutinized.
14:28The real magic came in McGrath's
14:30strategic highlighting technique.
14:31She applied highlighter
14:32to the high points of the face,
14:34the cheekbones, brow bone,
14:35bridge of the nose,
14:36and cupid's bow to catch the light
14:38and create a sculpted dimensional effect.
14:41Using products like the Skin Fetish,
14:43Highlighter Plus Balm Duo,
14:45McGrath's team created
14:46a reflective, multidimensional glow
14:48that made the model's faces
14:49look as if they were lit from within.
14:51For the eyes,
14:52McGrath utilized her famous
14:53Mothership Palettes,
14:55creating looks that ranged
14:56from subtle shimmer
14:57to more dramatic definitions
14:58depending on the section of the show.
15:00The Permagel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil
15:02provided definition without harsh lines,
15:04while Fetish Eyes Mascara
15:06created lush, voluminous lashes
15:08that would register beautifully on camera.
15:10Lips were kept deliberately soft
15:11and harmonious with the overall aesthetic,
15:13using matte trance or liquid-lust lipsticks
15:16in nude and pink tones
15:17that complemented Victoria's
15:19secret signature color palette.
15:20This restraint in the lip color
15:22was strategic,
15:23with so much happening visually
15:24with the wings, the outfits,
15:26and the overall spectacle.
15:27The makeup needed to enhance the models
15:29without competing for attention.
15:31The investment in this level
15:32of makeup artistry is substantial,
15:33estimated costs for Pat McGrath's
15:36team and products
15:37totaled $50,000 to $200,000,
15:40covering product value
15:41of approximately $20,
15:43to $100 per individual kit,
15:45plus labor costs
15:45for over 100 makeup artists
15:47working backstage.
15:48But again,
15:49this is an investment
15:50that pays dividends
15:51far beyond the immediate cost.
15:52Pat McGrath Labs
15:53gains exposure
15:54to millions of viewers,
15:55generating product sales
15:57and reinforcing the brand's position
15:58as the choice
15:59of the world's most elite fashion shows.
16:01Victoria's Secret
16:02gains the cachet
16:03of having Mother herself
16:04create the looks
16:05for their models,
16:06elevating the entire production.
16:08One of the most remarkable aspects
16:09of McGrath's work
16:10was her customization
16:11for each model's unique features
16:13and skin tones.
16:14When you have a show
16:15featuring such incredible diversity,
16:17from Iman Hammam
16:18to Alex Consani,
16:19from seasoned supermodels
16:21to athlete newcomers,
16:22you cannot take
16:22a one-size-fits-all approach.
16:24Each face required
16:25individual attention,
16:26with techniques
16:27and product choices
16:28tailored to enhance
16:29that particular model's beauty,
16:30while maintaining the cohesive
16:32overall aesthetic
16:33that McGrath envisioned.
16:34Behind the scenes,
16:35the venue
16:36and the profit.
16:37While the audience at home
16:38sees only the polished
16:39final product,
16:40the models gliding down the runway
16:42in their magnificent wings
16:43and glittering outfits,
16:45the reality behind the scenes
16:46is a carefully choreographed operation
16:48of staggering complexity.
16:50The 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
16:52didn't just happen.
16:53It was built,
16:54rehearsed,
16:55perfected
16:55and executed
16:56by hundreds of people
16:57working in concert
16:58to create something
16:59that would appear effortless.
17:00Let's start with the venue itself.
17:02Steiner Studios in Brooklyn,
17:04specifically Stage 15,
17:05provided the physical space
17:06for this spectacle.
17:07Now, Steiner Studios
17:08is primarily a film
17:10and television production facility,
17:11a massive industrial space
17:13designed for creating movies
17:14and TV shows.
17:15Transforming this utilitarian environment
17:17into the glamorous setting
17:19for a high-fashion runway show
17:20required substantial investment
17:22and creativity.
17:23The venue transformation
17:24included creating a pink-themed trail
17:26leading from backstage
17:27to the pink carpet and runway,
17:29immediately immersing everyone
17:30who entered
17:31in Victoria's Secret's
17:32signature aesthetic.
17:33The industrial space
17:34was softened
17:35with luxurious drapery,
17:36brand elements
17:37and carefully designed lighting
17:39to create an atmosphere
17:40that felt both intimate and grand.
17:42Mannequins displayed elaborate wings
17:44and outfits during preparations
17:45with dedicated areas
17:47for fittings and rehearsals
17:48strategically placed
17:50throughout the facility.
17:51The runway itself
17:52was a traditional.
17:53Straight catwalk
17:54approximately 100 feet long
17:55featuring a glossy pink surface
17:57that reflected the overhead lights
17:59for added visual impact.
18:00This reflective quality
18:01wasn't just aesthetically pleasing,
18:03it served a functional purpose,
18:05amplifying the lighting design
18:06and ensuring that every crystal,
18:08every sequin,
18:08every carefully placed highlight
18:10on a model's face
18:11would sparkle and shine
18:12with maximum effect.
18:14The runway design
18:14incorporated raised platforms
18:16at the end
18:17for performers like Carol G
18:18and Missy Elliott,
18:19allowing models to strut around them
18:21during performances
18:22and creating dynamic,
18:23interactive moments
18:24that made the show feel cohesive
18:26rather than just a series of walks
18:27interrupted by musical performances.
18:30The layout was divided thematically,
18:31guiding the audience
18:32through the narrative arc
18:34from natural,
18:34morning-fresh looks
18:35through vibrant pink collections
18:37to culminate in opulent
18:38black-tie elegance.
18:40Confetti cannons were installed
18:41for the finale,
18:42ready to rain pink and silver pieces
18:44over the models
18:45during their final celebratory walk.
18:47These aren't simple party supplies,
18:49they're precisely engineered devices
18:50that need to deploy
18:51at exactly the right moment
18:53with the right volume
18:54and trajectory of confetti
18:55to create a visually spectacular effect
18:57without creating hazards
18:59for the models walking below
19:00in their very high heels.
19:02The estimated cost
19:03for venue rental and set design
19:04totaled $1 to $3 million
19:06with approximately $500,000
19:09allocated to securing
19:10Steiner Studios space
19:12and an additional $500,000
19:14to $2 million
19:15spent on custom builds
19:17including specialized lighting,
19:19flooring installation,
19:20the pink runway surface platforms
19:22and all the drapery
19:23and branding elements
19:24needed to transform
19:25the industrial space
19:26into a fashion wonderland.
19:27The lighting and sound design
19:29represented another
19:30significant investment
19:31with costs ranging
19:32from $500,000
19:33to $1 million.
19:35This wasn't just about
19:36making the runway
19:37bright enough to see the models,
19:38this was about creating
19:39an entire atmosphere
19:41through light.
19:42The lighting was engineered
19:43to enhance Pat McGrath's
19:44dewy makeup
19:45and crystal embellished outfits
19:46with bright overhead spots
19:48and LED panels
19:49positioned to highlight
19:50every carefully placed shimmer.
19:52The lighting design
19:52also incorporated
19:53dynamic color shifts
19:54that occurred during performances,
19:56soft pinks for Madison Beer,
19:58vibrant reds for Carol G,
19:59energetic purples for Twice,
20:01ensuring that each segment
20:02of the show
20:03had its own visual identity
20:04while maintaining
20:05overall cohesion.
20:06This level of sophisticated
20:08lighting design requires
20:09not just expensive equipment
20:11but also skilled operators
20:12who can execute complex
20:14lighting cues
20:14with split-second timing
20:16throughout the show.
20:17Sound production
20:18was equally sophisticated,
20:19featuring a high-fidelity system
20:21for live vocals and music
20:22with microphones seamlessly
20:24integrated for performers
20:25on the runway.
20:26The audio setup
20:27captured crowd cheers
20:28and amplified them
20:29for the broadcast,
20:30creating an immersive experience
20:32for viewers at home.
20:33Backstage,
20:33extensive sound checks
20:35ensured seamless transitions
20:36between performances,
20:37allowing for smooth flows
20:38from one musical act to another
20:40without awkward pauses
20:41or technical difficulties.
20:43Behind the scenes,
20:44the backstage area
20:45was its own complex operation.
20:47Models underwent
20:47extensive preparation sessions
20:49with hairstylist
20:50Jawara Wauciope
20:51overseeing the creation
20:52of bombshell blowouts
20:54that evoked 2000s nostalgia
20:56with big, bouncy curls.
20:58Techniques included
20:59rollers for volume,
21:00diffusing for natural textures,
21:01braiding for waves
21:02and wigs for versatility.
21:04The goal was creating hairstyles
21:06that looked glamorous
21:07both in person and on camera,
21:09that would move beautifully
21:10as models walked
21:11and that would hold up
21:12under the heat of runway lights
21:13and the physical demands
21:14of multiple walks.
21:15The choreography,
21:16led by head of movement
21:17Charm La Donna,
21:18emphasized empowered struts,
21:20twirls
21:21and synchronized group formations.
21:22This wasn't about
21:23teaching professional models
21:24how to walk.
21:25They know how to walk.
21:26This was about creating
21:27a cohesive visual language
21:29for the show,
21:30ensuring that every model's movement
21:31contributed to the overall narrative
21:33while still allowing space
21:34for individual personalities.
21:36Rehearsals focused on practical concerns
21:39like timing.
21:40Models needed to weave around performers
21:42without disrupting
21:43the musical performances
21:44or creating awkward spacing
21:45on the runway.
21:46They practiced handling
21:47the elaborate wings,
21:48which can be tricky to navigate,
21:50especially when executing
21:51turns or poses.
21:52They prepared for potential issues
21:54like Devin Garcia's rap dress
21:55getting stuck,
21:56learning how to handle malfunctions
21:58gracefully without breaking stride
22:00or losing composure.
22:01The show's emphasis on diversity
22:03meant choreography had to work
22:04for bodies of all types.
22:06From athletic builds
22:07like Angel Rees
22:08to curvy figures
22:08like Ashley Graham.
22:10From pregnant models
22:11like Jasmine Tookes
22:12to models managing injuries
22:13like Barbara Palvin.
22:14This inclusive approach
22:16to choreography ensured
22:17that every model could walk
22:18with confidence and power,
22:20celebrating their unique beauty
22:21rather than trying to force
22:23everyone into the same mold.
22:24The entertainment integration
22:25represented another layer
22:27of complexity.
22:28The show featured
22:28an all-female performer lineup
22:30including Madison Beer,
22:32Twice, Carol G and Missy Elliott
22:33and these performances
22:34weren't just interludes
22:35between runway walks.
22:37They were woven directly
22:38into the show's fabric.
22:39Models circled around performers
22:41creating interactive moments
22:43that made the entire production
22:44feel cohesive and immersive.
22:46Madison Beer opened in a pink corset
22:48performing Make You Mine,
22:50setting the tone for the evening.
22:51K-pop group,
22:52Twice made history
22:53as the first K-pop act
22:55to perform at Victoria's Secret,
22:56delivering fan favorites
22:58in fuzzy boots
22:58that became an instant talking point.
23:01Carol G made a spectacular appearance
23:03in a glittering red catsuit
23:04complete with wings,
23:06actually walking the runway
23:07during her performance
23:08and Missy Elliott closed the show
23:10with a medley including
23:11Work It and Get Her Freak On,
23:13backed by dancers
23:13and thrilling the star-studded audience
23:15that included front row celebrities.
23:17The broadcasting
23:18and streaming infrastructure
23:19represented a significant
23:21technological and financial investment.
23:23The show streamed live
23:24at 7pm ET
23:25on Prime Video,
23:27Amazon Live
23:27and Victoria's Secret's
23:29YouTube, TikTok
23:30and Instagram channels.
23:31This multi-platform approach
23:33ensured maximum reach
23:34allowing viewers to watch
23:35on their preferred platform
23:36while also facilitating
23:38the immediate shopping experience
23:39that was central
23:40to the show's commercial strategy.
23:42A pink carpet pre-show
23:43started at 6.30pm ET
23:45hosted by Zanna Roberts-Rassi
23:47and Law Roach,
23:48building anticipation
23:49and giving viewers glimpses
23:50of arriving celebrities
23:51and models.
23:52The production included
23:53multi-camera setups
23:54for capturing everything
23:56from sweeping wide shots
23:57of the full runway
23:58to intimate close-ups
23:59of individual models' faces,
24:01ensuring that Pat McGrath's
24:02makeup artistry
24:03would be fully appreciated
24:04by the global audience.
24:06The Amazon integration
24:07enabled immediate shopping
24:08of looks as they appeared
24:09on the runway,
24:10transforming the show
24:11from a purely aspirational experience
24:13into a direct sales channel.
24:15This see-now-buy-now approach
24:17represents a significant evolution
24:19in how fashion shows function,
24:21turning what was once
24:22purely a brand-building exercise
24:24into an immediate revenue generator.
24:26And speaking of revenue,
24:28let's talk about the profits
24:29because,
24:29while the production costs
24:31for this show were substantial,
24:32the return on investment
24:33is where the real story
24:34becomes fascinating.
24:35The total production budget
24:37for the 2025 show
24:38is estimated at $10 to $15 million,
24:41a significant sum,
24:43but actually 20-30% less
24:45than the peak era shows of 2018
24:47that cost upwards of $12 to $20 million.
24:51This reduction in production costs,
24:53while maintaining
24:54spectacular production values,
24:55was achieved
24:56through several strategic decisions.
24:58The elimination
24:58of the fantasy bra tradition
25:00saved $1 to $3 million immediately.
25:03Those diamond-encrusted pieces,
25:05while iconic,
25:06were extraordinarily expensive
25:07one-off creations
25:08that didn't generate direct sales.
25:10The partnership approach
25:11with brands like
25:12Rene Cowavilla and Pat McGrath Labs
25:14offset costs
25:15through co-branding opportunities
25:16and shared promotional benefits.
25:18The Amazon Streaming Partnership
25:19eliminated the need
25:20for expensive network television deals
25:22while actually providing
25:24better reach
25:24and more flexible viewing options
25:26for the global audience.
25:27The emphasis
25:28on shoppable merchandise
25:29generating $5 to $10 million
25:31in immediate sales
25:32meant that the show
25:33started paying for itself
25:35from the moment it began
25:36rather than functioning purely
25:37as a marketing expense
25:38with delayed returns.
25:39But the immediate sales
25:41during and immediately
25:42after the show
25:42represent only a fraction
25:44of the financial picture.
25:45Historically,
25:46the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
25:48has driven $50 million
25:49or more in brand sales
25:50in the weeks and months
25:51following the event.
25:52The 2025 show,
25:54with its estimated
25:5510 million-plus viewers
25:56across all streaming platforms,
25:58amplifies this return
25:59on investment significantly.
26:01From the $500,000
26:02to $2.5 million
26:04invested in custom wings
26:05to the $100,000
26:06to $1 million
26:07spent on supermodel fees
26:09from the $1 to $3 million
26:11venue
26:11and set design costs
26:13to the $500,000
26:14to $1 million
26:16lighting and sound production.
26:18Every dollar spent
26:18was an investment
26:19in creating a spectacle
26:20that would capture attention,
26:22drive sales
26:22and reinforce
26:23Victoria's secrets position
26:25as not just a lingerie brand
26:26but a creator
26:27of aspirational fantasy
26:28and luxury experience.
26:30Thanks for watching.
26:31Check out other cards
26:32on the screen.
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