The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has been many things throughout the years — sexy, inclusive, on hiatus during the #MeToo era — but one thing has never changed: it’s always been pink.
On Wednesday night, the lingerie brand returned to the Brooklyn Navy Yard for a second consecutive year. A trail of pink led the way to the pink carpet and runway inside Stage 15, where every detail imaginable had been rendered through the world of Victoria’s Secret. The loading dock gate was pink. The cocktails at the pink-striped bars were pink. Even the safety vests worn by lot attendants were pink for the occasion.
“It’s a full cultural event,” said executive creative director Adam Selman, who was looking forward to celebrating after the show with friends like Amy Sedaris, who made her way down the carpet in a light pink tulle skirt and leopard-print pumps.
Four members of K-pop girl group Twice, who performed during the “Pink Halftime Show,” were early carpet arrivals, along with opening musical act Madison Beer. The performers quickly made their way backstage while other guests — namely, the influencers — hung around for drinks, snacks, and photo opps in a nearby reception area.
“This is the show that you don’t miss,” said stylist Micaela Erlanger. “ I’m really excited to see what Adam Selman has dreamt up. I’m excited to see all the new designs. I’m excited for the musical performers. I’m excited to see all the angels. I just think it’s gonna be a very exciting evening.”
“ I’m looking forward to seeing the clothes and the wings,” said musician Slayyyter, wearing the same Moschino doll dress worn by Brittany Murphy in “Uptown Girls.” “And then I have my little trick-or-treat pumpkin bag, because it’s October,” she added, showing off the seasonal accessory that completed her look. And for Halloween? “ I think I’m gonna be some kind of bunny this year. I like the ‘Mean Girls’ philosophy of something hot; add animal ears.”
Patrick Schwarzenegger and Dylan Sprouse were both there to cheer on model wives Abby Champion and Barbara Palvin; former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick, wearing vintage Mugler, was excited to show her support for fellow athletes Angel Reese and Suni Lee as they became the first professional athletes to walk the show.
“I think this is a historical, groundbreaking moment for female athletes, and females everywhere,” said Gondrezick. “The sky is the limit of how empowering women can really, truly be.”
Other VIP guests included Sarah Jessica Parker, Chloe Sevigny, Jodie Turner-Smith, Jeremy Pope, Mariah the Scientist and Matt Rogers. Plastic “Missy Elliott” bracelets, which later lit up during the singer’s performance, were laid out on each seat along with a program and illustrations of notable Angels. Busta Rhymes was one of the last to take his seat, stopping to chat with LaQuan Smith in the front row as robotic cameras zipped over the pink-hued runway in anticipation of the kickoff cue: lights, cameras, Angels. Showtime.
