SECRETS OF THE ANGELS

From Gisele to Kendall, an insider shares the backstage view of VS vixens

CALL him the luckiest man with a camera. About 20 years ago, photographer Russell James was hired by Victoria’s Secret to infuse the lingerie retailer’s campaigns with a fashion-forward look, At first he didn’t realize just how fortunate he was. “Being an Australian, I didn’t know if Victoria’s Secret was a person or what it quite was,” James told The Post.

Not only did he change VS’s campaigns, the 55year-old lensman brought a novel concept to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show: shooting the backstage action.

First held in 1995 at The Plaza hotel, the annual event has turned into a racy holiday-season tradition that’s broadcast on network television. It’s also become one of the most sought-after gigs in the modeling world, and less than 300 women have earned a spot on the prestigious runway.

“A lot of these girls say [the show is] the best day of their entire life,” said James.

This year, in a first for the brand, it took place in Shanghai, China, which was rife with controversy after both Katy Perry and Gigi Hadid were denied visas. The show airs on Tuesday night on CBS, and James was there behind the scenes, capturing the VS Angels — the famous group of roughly a dozen stunners whom the brand selects as special ambassadors — and other top models getting ready.

“It’s such a delicate environment with the girls,” said James, whose new book, “Backstage Secrets: A Decade Behind the Scenes at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show” (Studio Russell James) is out Dec. 15. Here he shares some of his favorite photos — and the stories behind the snaps.