VICTORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW 2026: 10 THINGS TO WATCH FOR

But this year’s show is about more than models, lingerie, and elaborate wings. Victoria’s Secret is building a bigger event around the runway, with a new Angel waiting to be revealed, a growing lineup of returning models, mystery musical guests and more ways for fans to get involved.

Sep 07, 2026 - 20:06
Updated: 8 days ago
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VICTORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW 2026 10 THINGS TO WATCH FOR
Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret

The wings are coming back to Los Angeles.

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2026 will take place on October 18, bringing the brand’s famous runway spectacle to LA after two years in New York. 

But this year’s show is about more than models, lingerie, and elaborate wings. Victoria’s Secret is building a bigger event around the runway, with a new Angel waiting to be revealed, a growing lineup of returning models, mystery musical guests and more ways for fans to get involved.

So, what should you be watching?

Here are the biggest moments to have on your radar.

THE NEW ANGEL REVEAL 

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret

One of the biggest reasons to watch the 2026 show will happen on the runway itself.

Victoria’s Secret is searching for its newest Angel through Angels Among Us, a new YouTube docuseries following aspiring models as they compete for the chance to join the brand.

Aspiring Angels took part in nationwide casting search. The series follows selected contestants as they work toward their dream of walking Victoria’s Secret runway.

The winner will be revealed during the October 18 fashion show and will receive an exclusive contract with IMG Models.

For viewers, which means the runway will also be the finale of a much bigger story.

WHO IS WALKING IN THE VICTORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW 2026? 

The model lineup is already beginning to take shape.

Victoria’s Secret currently lists Gigi Hadid, Alex Consani, Paloma Elsesser, and Abby Champion among the announced cast for the 2026 show. Victoria’s Secret says more names will be announced as the event gets closer.

Gigi Hadid’s return is particularly exciting for longtime Victoria’s Secret fans. She has become one of the most recognizable faces associated with the brand and has appeared in several of its recent shows.

Alex Consani is confirmed for her third show, according to Victoria’s Secret, while Paloma Elsesser continues to be an important part of the brand’s changing approach to casting and representation.

With more models expected to join the lineup, the final cast could bring plenty of familiar faces alongside new talent.

THE MUSIC COULD BE THE BIGGEST SURPRISE 

Victoria’s Secret has not revealed the 2026 musical lineup yet. 

The mystery makes the performances one of the biggest things to watch on the show.

Music has always been an important part of the show, turning the runway into a full entertainment event. Last year’s performers included Missy Elliott, Madison Beer, TWICE, and Karol G.

This year, the brand has promised major musical performances but is keeping the names secret for now.

With the lineup still unannounced, the performances could become one of the most anticipated parts of the 2026 show.

LOOK OUT FOR THE UNEXPECTED GUESTS

If there is one thing fans have learned from the recent Victoria’s Secret shows, it is that the runway is no longer limited to traditional models.

Last year, athletes including Angel Reese and Suni Lee made surprise appearances, creating some of the most talked-about moments of the night.

The brand is also leaning into the idea of “Fandemonium,” a theme centered around its fans.

So, while the lineup is important, fans may also want to watch for unexpected names who could make an appearance on the runway.

THE BEAUTY LOOKS 

Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images

For beauty fans, the runway is just as much about hair and makeup as it is about lingerie.

The Victoria’s Secret beauty aesthetic has changed over the years, moving between soft glamour, glossy skin, dramatic eyes, and the signature bombshell look.

The 2026 show could offer plenty of beauty inspiration for the party season ahead.

Watch for:

●    Glowing, fresh skin
●    Statement eye makeup 
●    Voluminous hair
●    High-shine lips
●    Romantic waves
●    Body glow and luminous finishes 

The backstage beauty looks could set the tone for the season’s biggest beauty trends.

THE WINGS AND STATEMENT LOOKS

Of course, there is no Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show without the wings.

The elaborate wings and fantasy-inspired looks have been part of the event’s identity for decades. This year, the question is how the brand will update that familiar idea for its new Los Angeles setting.

Watch plenty of sparkles, dramatic silhouettes, lingerie-inspired styling, and statement accessories.

The looks that leave the biggest impression may be those that capture the drama of the runway while becoming instant social media moments.

LOS ANGELES COULD CHANGE THE MOOD

After two years in New York, the move to Los Angeles gives the 2026 show a completely different backdrop.

Victoria’s Secret has described LA as a city associated with glamour, stardom, and icons. That setting could bring a distinct Hollywood feel to the runway, from the production and set design to the overall atmosphere of the show.

Watch how the Los Angeles setting shapes the visual identity of the show and whether it brings a different energy to the Victoria’s Secret aesthetic.

Think Hollywood glamour with a Victoria’s Secret twist.

FANS ARE FINALLY PART OF THE SHOW

Another major change this year is the focus on the fans.

Victoria’s Secret has introduced The Weekly Ticket Drop, offering new opportunities for fans to win tickets through the brand’s social media channels.

The brand is also encouraging fans to create their own viewing experiences at home with an official watch-party guide.

THE SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS

If previous editions are anything to go by, the show will live far beyond the runway.

From model entrances and celebrity appearances to beauty looks and musical performances, there will be plenty of moments designed to take over social media.

For fashion fans, the best part may be watching how quickly the runway looks move from the show to Instagram, TikTok, and celebrity style coverage.

The question is not just who will walk? 

It is who will become the moment?

THE VICTORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW 2026 IS MORE THAN A RUNWAY 

The 2026 show arrives at an interesting point for Victoria’s Secret.

The brand has been rebuilding its relationship with its audience since the fashion show returned in 2024 after a five-year break. Now the move to Los Angeles, the search for a new Angel, and the focus on fan participation suggest that Victoria’s Secret wants the event to feel bigger than a traditional runway show.

And there is plenty we do not know.

Who will perform? Which models will join the lineup? What will the biggest wings look like? And which unexpected celebrity will make an appearance?

For now, those questions remain unanswered, making the countdown to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2026 even more intriguing.

Lucy Wagner

Fashion and culture writer with a keen eye for red-carpet style, celebrity dressing, beauty, and the intersection of fashion and film. Their work explores the ideas and stories behind the looks, from emerging trends and archival fashion to the evolving language of modern celebrity style.