Snigdha Ahuja
Exclusive Moments from Doutzen Kroes’s Return to Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
After nearly a six-year hiatus, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made a triumphant return, capturing the hearts of fashion enthusiasts around the world. Among the familiar faces this year is Doutzen Kroes, a longtime Angel who reunited with the brand for the first time in a decade.
“It’s incredible. I cannot believe it’s been 10 years. I had to look it up! Where did the time go?” Kroes remarked before the highly anticipated event. Reflecting on her 20-year-old self when she first stepped onto the runway, Kroes has journeyed far since her debut in 2005.
Beauty in Aging
Now 39, Kroes embraces the changes that come with age. “I’m getting wrinkles here and there,” she said, adding that her perspective on beauty has shifted significantly. “I gave up the fight! I want to see beauty in everything,” she emphasized. The model encouraged a message of self-acceptance and love, stating, “Self-development, self-care, and self-love… it sounds very cliché, but I really believe that that shows beauty. Being content with who you are.”
Kroes’s journey of self-reflection has led her to understand that work does not define her identity. “I am not my job. Everything I get to do for my job is a bonus—and I really, really enjoy it,” she noted. This evolution in mindset represents a broader theme of empowerment that ran through the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Show.
A Star-Studded Reunion
Kroes was not alone in her return. The runway showcased several other legendary Angels, thrilling fans with a reunion of striking beauty. Notable figures included:
- Adriana Lima
- Tyra Banks
- Alessandra Ambrosio
- Gigi Hadid
- Behati Prinsloo
- Candice Swanepoel
- Taylor Hill
- Jasmine Tookes
- Barbara Palvin
This year’s show featured its first all-women lineup of performers. Icons like Cher and Tyla of Blackpink fame elevated the night with captivating performances, adding a fresh energy to the spectacular.
A Celebration of Women
Model Mayowa Nicholas shared her excitement about the show’s renewed focus. “The energy of the room is all about celebrating women,” she said. “I feel like this is the year for women, and it feels good.” The diverse lineup showcased models from various backgrounds, further enhancing the theme of unity and empowerment.
The event was recorded live in New York City on October 15, emphasizing an atmosphere of community and celebration. After years of pre-taped segments and a challenging five-year break, the return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show feels like a new chapter.
The Show Goes On
Fans can tune in to the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on various platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, Amazon Live, and Prime Video. Viewers will witness not only the stunning fashion but also the evolution of the brand—a blend of the timeless iconic elements with a modern perspective.
This return is more than just a runway show; it signifies a shift towards inclusivity and acceptance in the fashion industry. As Kroes and her fellow Angels strut down the runway, they bring forth a powerful message that resonates with many: true beauty lies in acceptance, community, and the celebration of oneself.
With so many beloved Angels back on stage and the promise of a more inclusive approach, this event marks a significant milestone in the Victoria’s Secret legacy. As Kroes aptly puts it, “I want to see beauty in everything,” a sentiment that now seems central to the brand’s renewed vision.
In closing, the return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show not only highlights the beauty of iconic figures like Doutzen Kroes but also encapsulates a newfound perspective on aging and self-acceptance. As the show unfolds, audiences around the world are reminded that beauty comes in many forms, celebrating women from all walks of life
