Weekend: One-Legged Trousers Are Here 👀

Earlier this week, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show declared: “We are back.” Not like last year’s deeply perplexing, concept-heavy production. But back back — in all its sequined, feather-adorned, hot pink glory. Though, this time the controversy-plagued brand — who canceled the show in 2019, amid accusations of racism, sexism, and exclusivity — promised they’d do better. And in some ways they did: For the first time, plus-sized women walked the runway. Same with the first transgender models, Valentina Sampaio and Alex Consani. And while there were plenty of models in their 20s (like Gigi Hadid, who opened the show with an apparent nod to Taylor Swift), many of the OG angels, now in their 40s, also participated — including Adriana Lima and Doutzen Kroes (who came this close to having her own Carrie Bradshaw moment). Even the Smize Queen herself came out of retirement in a bedazzled bodysuit. Add in 50-something first-time angels like Kate Moss and Carla Bruni, and an iconic performance by Cher (who bravely paired glittery cargo pants with a reverse corset) — and it’s no surprise one of the night’s biggest takeaways was “middle age is sexy.”

But Tuesday’s show wasn’t a complete win. Some said it could’ve been even more diverse. And then there was the production value, which was…underwhelming. Instead of Cirque du Soleil-worthy sets, some compared this year’s “pageantry” to “suburban haunted houses advertised on the New Jersey Turnpike.” Plus, as one X user asked, “Where was the drama, the big hair, the theme, the big gigantic wings?” seemingly referring to previous years when we were gifted with outrageously campy costumes (see: Miranda Kerr’s Little Mermaid-codedlook, Gisele Bündchen’s 101-carat, $12.5 million Fantasy Bra, and Heidi Klum dressed as a human snowflake) and highly memeable moments (sorry, but nothing will ever top Ariana Grande). Naturally, we can’t help but wonder: Why bring back the show, with all its baggage, after six years? Why didn’t the brand have more fun? And, in 2024, who is the spectacle — or lack thereof — meant for? Perhaps we’ll get answers next year.