USA TODAY International Edition
Lima’s last Victoria’s Secret show
There was a lot to see in lower-wattage event
NEW YORK – The angels are back in town for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
The annual show returned to New York City after spending two years abroad with international romps in Paris (2016) and Shanghai (2017).
The night marked the end of an era for one Victoria’s Secret Angel: Adriana Lima. The supermodel hung up her wings with an emotional tribute, retiring from the fashion show that made her a household name.
“The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Holiday Special” airs Sunday, Dec. 2 (10 EST/PST) on ABC.
USA TODAY got a seat at the show Thursday at Pier 94. Here are the five biggest moments from the event:
Adriana Lima teared up during her tribute
The show paid a special tribute to Lima, featuring a video montage of clips from her past iconic Victoria’s Secret moments.
The video ended with a “thank you” message to Lima before the catwalk darkened and the model herself came out.
Lima, 37, strutted solo down the runway, tearing up when she reached the end of the runway while the crowd rose to its feet to cheer for the supermodel as she walked in her 19th and final VS show.
Lima also shared her gratitude in an Instagram post Wednesday.
“Dear Victoria, Thank you for showing me the world, sharing your secrets, and most importantly not just giving me wings but teaching me to fly,” she wrote in the caption.
The top supermodels continued their reign
Gigi and Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Lima, Elsa Hosk, Candice Swanepoel, Jasmine Tookes and Behati Prinsloo returned to the Victoria’s Secret runway, continuing to flex their top-model status.
Hosk was tapped to wear the coveted diamond-encrusted Fantasy Bra, worth $1 million.
Jenner and Gigi skipped out on the Shanghai show, but they strutted in their angel wings and long trains as if they’d never missed a beat.
Shawn Mendes and Co. rocked out
The star power was not what it has been over the past decade – think Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga in 2016, The Weeknd in 2016 and 2015, Taylor Swift in 2013 and 2014 and Katy Perry in 2010.
This year, Shawn Mendes, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Kelsea Ballerini, Rita Ora, Bebe Rexha, Leela James and The Struts were on the lineup as performers.
Although their appeal might not be as high-wattage as their predecessors’, they put on a lively show with strong vocals and good energy.
The models received some high-profile support
Adam Levine, The Weeknd and Dylan Sprouse were just some of the celebrity partners who showed up for their girls at the show. Levine gave wife Behati Prinsloo a standing ovation upon her return to the runway just months after giving birth to their second child.
Barbara Palvin told People magazine that boyfriend Dylan Sprouse would be supplying her after-show cheat meal of burgers from Shake Shack.
The Weeknd clapped for girlfriend Bella Hadid throughout the show. He saw Hadid strut her stuff at two previous shows when he performed.
Some famous moms also were on hand to cheer on their daughters. “Momager” Kris Jenner and “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” alum Yolanda Hadid were in the crowd, and Yolanda Hadid posed with The Weeknd.
Size diversity took a back seat – again
Despite lingerie brands such as Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty – which closed out New York Fashion Week with a diverse cast of women of all shapes, colors and sizes – and designers including Christian Siriano – who frequently dresses stars other designers refuse to outfit because of their size – Victoria’s Secret still hasn’t moved past its one(small)-size-fits-all mentality when it comes to casting models.
The show billed itself as being one of the most competitive castings in the industry, but it seems clear the competition applies only to long and lean models we’ve seen for the past 23 years.