Paris, Angels & The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2016
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
One of the most highly anticipated evenings of the holiday season is that one night that “Angels” strut their stuff on the catwalk. This is none other than the traditional Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show which has been going strong for 21 years. Perfectly marketed at the time that holiday shopping is in full swing, it is time to see sweet nothings that can make any and every fantasy come true and choose that one gift that means so much to put under the tree.
This year the show departed from the normal venue to stir some romance in the air, and so, the Angels jetted off to Paris, France, where they were warmly welcomed. Fifty+ gorgeous models were greeted at the Grand Palais as the venue chosen to hold the event. Just a short distance away and within view was the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of the beauty and elegance of Paris.
The themes for each segment dared to tantalize the audience and worldwide web viewers in a wildly seductive way. The Road Ahead, Scout Angel, Mountain Romance, Bright Night Angel, Dark Angel and Pink Angel unveiled loads of lace, barely there thongs and sparkling bras, leather and feathers, velvet bustiers and glittering outfits. The finale brought with it a diamond-encrusted $3 million dollar bra. This year it was worn by Jasmine Tookes, one of the most highly publicized models for the brand.
Some of the familiar faces that we are used to seeing were absent from the runway this year. Motherhood took to the forefront as the vivacious Behati Prinsloo and the unforgettable Candice Swanepoel recently gave birth and watched the show at home with their newly formed families. The duo vowed that they will be back to join the show next year. Other big names that carried the show to success in 2016 were Kendall Jenner and sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid. All three are quickly skyrocketing to the Supermodel Hall of Fame. It was a thrill and an honor for them to take part in the show. Although not the first Angel to walk the runway pregnant, Irina Shayk pulled it off well. Irina recently announced that she and her beau, Bradley Cooper, were becoming parents, but, she wouldn’t have missed walking this show for the world.
Part of the tradition of the VS Fashion Show are the wings that are worn by select models. These accessories become even more exquisite every year and there is an enormous amount of work that goes into making them eye-catching. Materials range from hundreds of feathers to millions of Swarovski crystals. By being chosen to don these wings, that formally makes a model a Victoria’s Secret Angel with all the perks attached. As we all know, glamour is also accompanied by hard work as looking perfect on the runway is not always ready-made. These girls partake in rigorous exercise routines and monitor their calorie intake as well as get plenty of rest. The results are evident the night of the fashion show when we look in awe at these muses of perfection. The amount of energy and stamina backstage before, during and after the show is incredible and could light up the entire venue.
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 30: Adriana Lima, Elsa Hosk, Alessandra Ambrosio, Taylor Hill, Martha Hunt and Sara Sampaio walk the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on November 30, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret)
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 30: Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga and Weeknd walk the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on November 30, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret)
Adding excitement to the roster this year were performances by The Weeknd, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. Gaga seemed to strut her stuff just as gracefully as the models themselves and the wings that she always imagined she might wear in her dreams became her reality.
Much of the credit for the huge triumph of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show goes to writers, designers, marketing personnel, choreographers and the VS staff behind the scenes. Those of us who watch the show from our homes, are treated not only to the looks on the runway, but, there are newly born commercials all throughout the taping that invite you to try the brand just to see how magical you feel. By the next day, Victoria’s Secret retail locations all across the nation are packed with girls and women rushing in to buy that one bra or one beauty item that will sweep them away into the world of an Angel.
Almost as exciting as the show itself is the After Party where the Angels let loose and have some fun. Their outfits are almost as spectacular as the wardrobe that is part of the fashion show. This year, it was an elaborate gathering to celebrate, courtesy of CIROC. Held in the iconic Grand Palais Paris with guest DJ Lindsay Luv, guests danced the night away. Made using fine French grapes, the luxury vodka paid perfect homage to the Parisian surroundings and the ultimate celebration moment. Guests sipped on an exclusive list of CÎROC cocktails including ‘Supermodel Splash’, ‘CÎROC Blue Stone’ and ‘Angel Cîrocco’ – the perfect celebratory toasts. CÎROC also debuted its very own pair of wings as it revealed its exclusive 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show CÎROC bottle* – the wings, etched into the deep blue background of the bottle came to life as the night fell and the sparkles emanated like confetti, capturing the energy and celebration of the evening.
Now is the time to fulfill that special wish for the person on your list that means the most. Entering a Victoria’s Secret store is almost like stepping on to the runway and their popularity continues to sizzle.
