Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: When Does It Start?

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, a global spectacle of fashion, music, and supermodels, captured audiences annually with its unique blend of lingerie and entertainment. For years, viewers eagerly anticipated its broadcast, typically in December, to witness the latest collections and iconic 'Fantasy Bra'. Understanding its historical broadcast schedule and how new iterations of Victoria's Secret events are presented is key to experiencing this evolving fashion phenomenon.

Key Takeaways

• Historical Broadcasts: The traditional Victoria's Secret Fashion Show typically aired in late November or early December, usually at 10:00 PM ET, on networks like CBS and ABC.
• Evolution of the Show: The classic runway format was officially retired after its last broadcast in 2018, leading to a hiatus and subsequent reimagining of the brand's events.
• "The Tour" (2023): Victoria's Secret launched "The Tour '23," a documentary-style event rather than a traditional runway show, which premiered on Prime Video in September 2023.
• On-Demand Viewing: While live broadcasts for a traditional show are no longer a factor, new content is available on streaming platforms, accessible at any time post-release.
• Future Events: Victoria's Secret continues to explore new ways to showcase its brand and products, making it crucial to follow official announcements for future viewing opportunities.
• Global Access: Historically, the show was broadcast globally, with regional variations in air times; current digital releases offer more synchronized worldwide access.

Introduction

For nearly two decades, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was an eagerly awaited annual event that transcended the world of fashion to become a pop culture sensation. Featuring world-renowned supermodels, top musical artists, and elaborate lingerie designs, it was a televised spectacle that drew millions of viewers. People across the United States and around the globe would mark their calendars, often wondering, "What time does the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show start?" to ensure they didn't miss a moment of the glamour.

However, the landscape of Victoria's Secret, and indeed the fashion industry, has significantly evolved. The traditional show, with its iconic "Angels" and extravagant wings, is no longer produced in its classic format. This article delves into the historical broadcast times, explores the reasons behind the show's transformation, and guides you on how to engage with Victoria's Secret's new era of content.

What & Why: The Legacy and Evolution of a Fashion Phenomenon

What Was the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show?

At its core, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was an annual promotional event for Victoria's Secret, a major American lingerie, clothing, and beauty retailer. Beginning in 1995, it evolved from a modest presentation into a highly choreographed, televised extravaganza. Each year, an exclusive lineup of models, known as "Angels," showcased elaborate lingerie designs, often accompanied by extravagant wings, amidst performances by leading musical artists. The show was not just about selling lingerie; it was about creating a fantasy, an aspirational vision of beauty and glamour.

Why Was It So Popular?

The show's immense popularity stemmed from several factors:

• Star Power: It launched the careers of supermodels like Gisele Bündchen, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, and Alessandra Ambrosio, making them household names.
• Entertainment Value: Beyond the fashion, it was a high-production entertainment show, blending music, celebrity appearances, and stunning visuals.
• Exclusivity and Aspiration: The show presented an idealized, glamorous world, making the brand and its products feel aspirational to many consumers.
• Cultural Event: It became a significant cultural event, generating immense buzz and discussion on social media, in fashion magazines, and mainstream media.

The Evolution and Transformation

Despite its global reach, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show faced increasing criticism in later years. Concerns grew regarding its lack of inclusivity, its perpetuation of a singular, often unattainable, body ideal, and declining viewership. In response to these criticisms and changing consumer preferences, Victoria's Secret announced in 2019 that it would no longer produce the traditional televised fashion show. This decision marked the end of an era and signaled a significant shift in the brand's marketing strategy.

Post-2019, Victoria's Secret has been actively working to rebrand and modernize its image, focusing on inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment. This transformation led to new initiatives, including the VS Collective, which features a diverse group of ambassadors, and a reimagined content strategy that moves away from the traditional runway spectacle. The brand's focus shifted towards storytelling, celebrating women's individual journeys, and creating content that reflects a broader range of experiences and body types.

How-To / Steps: Understanding Past Broadcasts and Finding New Content

Historically, for those asking "What time does the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show start?" the answer was relatively consistent for its broadcast slot. However, with the show's transformation, understanding how to access Victoria's Secret content requires a different approach.

**1. Historical Broadcasts (Pre-2019 Show) ** The traditional Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was a taped event, usually filmed in November, and then edited for a television broadcast typically airing in late November or early December each year. For viewers in the United States, the show most frequently aired on a major network like CBS or ABC. The common broadcast time was 10:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), running for one hour. West Coast viewers would typically see it at 10:00 PM Pacific Time (PT) on a tape delay, or 7:00 PM PT for a live-ish feed if their provider offered it. For international audiences, local broadcasters would air the show, often a few days or weeks after the U.S. premiere, with times adjusted to their respective time zones.

Key Steps for Past Shows (Historical Context):

• Check Local Listings: Viewers would consult their local TV guides for precise air times and channel information.
• Streaming Services: Post-broadcast, the show would often be available on network streaming apps (like CBS All Access, now Paramount+) or through on-demand services for a limited period.
• DVR/Recording: Many fans would record the broadcast to rewatch or catch up later.

**2. The New Era: "The Tour '23" and Future Content ** With the traditional show retired, Victoria's Secret has adopted a more contemporary, documentary-style approach to showcasing its brand and products. The most prominent example of this new direction is "The Tour '23."

How to Watch "The Tour '23":

• Platform: "The Tour '23" premiered exclusively on Prime Video.
• Release Date: It became available for streaming on September 26, 2023.
• Accessibility: As a streaming release, there isn't a fixed "start time" in the traditional sense. Once released, it is available to watch on-demand at any time that is convenient for Prime Video subscribers globally. This means viewers no longer need to plan their evening around a specific broadcast slot.

Steps for Finding Future Victoria's Secret Content:

1. Follow Official Channels: The most reliable way to stay informed about new releases, events, or content is to follow Victoria's Secret's official website, social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X), and sign up for their email newsletters.
2. Monitor Streaming Services: Keep an eye on major streaming platforms (like Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, etc.) for announcements regarding new collaborations or exclusive content from Victoria's Secret.
3. Fashion News Outlets: Reputable fashion news sources and industry publications will often report on major Victoria's Secret announcements.

The shift from a linear TV broadcast to on-demand streaming reflects broader changes in media consumption, offering greater flexibility and global access to content. — Ceres & Cape Town Weather: Your Complete Guide

Examples & Use Cases: Iconic Moments from the Show's History

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show created countless memorable moments over its run, showcasing not only lingerie but also a fusion of fashion, music, and performance art. These examples highlight the scale and impact of the show:

• The Fantasy Bra: Each year, one Angel was chosen to wear the highly coveted "Fantasy Bra," an elaborate, multi-million dollar bra adorned with precious gemstones. Gisele Bündchen wore the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever, valued at $15 million, in 2000. This tradition was a major talking point and a highlight of every show.
• Musical Performances: The show consistently featured top-tier musical artists, creating unforgettable collaborations. Artists like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, The Weeknd, and Lady Gaga performed live on the runway, often interacting with the models and adding to the energetic atmosphere.
• Iconic Wings: The extravagant, often themed, wings worn by the Angels became a signature element of the show. From elaborate feather creations to avant-garde designs, these wings pushed creative boundaries and symbolized the aspirational fantasy the brand aimed to convey.
• Cultural Landmarks: Shows held in exotic locations like London, Paris, and Shanghai brought a global appeal, integrating local aesthetics into the production. The show's segment themes, like "Gilded Angels" or "Exotic Traveler," became instantly recognizable.
• Model Milestones: Many Angels had their career-defining moments on the VS runway. Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio, for example, shared the honor of wearing the Fantasy Bra together in 2014, marking their long and celebrated careers with the brand. Their retirement walks were often emotional and highly publicized events.

These examples illustrate the show's blend of high fashion, celebrity culture, and entertainment, creating a unique spectacle that left a lasting mark on the industry and popular culture.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Navigating the world of Victoria's Secret content, especially given its evolution, requires a discerning approach. Here are some best practices and common mistakes to avoid:

Best Practices:

1. Refer to Official Sources: Always prioritize Victoria's Secret's official website, social media, and press releases for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding new content, events, or product launches. This is especially true for any new "show" or content release.
2. Utilize Reputable Streaming Platforms: For any new video content, stick to well-known, legitimate streaming services like Prime Video. This ensures high quality and avoids illegal streams.
3. Follow Trusted Fashion News Outlets: Major fashion publications and entertainment news sites often have reliable information regarding Victoria's Secret's strategic shifts and content releases.
4. Engage Responsibly: If discussing the brand or its content online, contribute to constructive conversations around inclusivity, diversity, and evolving beauty standards. Victoria's Secret is actively trying to improve its image.
5. Be Patient for New Content: As the brand experiments with new formats, there might not be a fixed annual release schedule. Patience and reliance on official announcements are key.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Expecting the Traditional Show: Do not anticipate the return of the classic Victoria's Secret Fashion Show with Angels and wings. The brand has explicitly moved away from this format.
2. Falling for Fake Streams/Announcements: Be wary of unofficial websites or social media accounts claiming to offer live streams or exclusive access to new Victoria's Secret fashion shows, especially if they ask for personal information or payment outside of legitimate platforms.
3. Relying on Outdated Information: Information from before 2019 regarding broadcast times or show formats is largely irrelevant for current or future Victoria's Secret events.
4. Ignoring the Brand's Evolution: Dismissing the changes Victoria's Secret has made in its messaging and representation means missing out on how the brand is trying to adapt to modern consumer values.
5. Assuming an Annual Schedule: The brand is no longer bound by a strict annual televised show schedule. New content will be released as part of broader marketing campaigns, not necessarily on a yearly cycle.

FAQs

Q: Is the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show still happening?

A: The traditional Victoria's Secret Fashion Show with Angels and a runway broadcast was retired after 2018. Victoria's Secret now produces new forms of content, such as "The Tour '23," which is a documentary-style fashion event.

Q: What time did the old Victoria's Secret Fashion Show typically start?

A: Historically, the televised Victoria's Secret Fashion Show usually started at 10:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) in the U.S. when it aired on networks like CBS or ABC, typically in late November or early December.

Q: Where can I watch "The Tour '23"?

A: "The Tour '23" premiered on Prime Video on September 26, 2023, and is available for streaming on-demand to Prime Video subscribers.

Q: Will there be a new Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in the traditional format?

A: It is highly unlikely. Victoria's Secret has publicly stated its shift away from the traditional format to embrace more inclusive and diverse ways of showcasing its brand and products. — Olathe KS Weather Radar: Your Real-Time Guide

Q: Where can I find information about future Victoria's Secret events or content?

A: The best sources for up-to-date information are Victoria's Secret's official website, their official social media channels, and reputable fashion news outlets.

Q: Can I watch old Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows?

A: Some past shows might be available on demand through various streaming services, brand archives, or fan-uploaded content on video platforms, but official availability can vary.

Conclusion with CTA

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has undergone a significant transformation, moving from a fixed annual televised event to a more dynamic, on-demand content strategy. While the classic "start time" for a broadcast is no longer relevant for new material, the brand continues to innovate its approach to fashion and storytelling. By understanding this evolution, viewers can appreciate the brand's past legacy and engage with its current, more inclusive vision.

Stay connected with the evolving world of Victoria's Secret. Visit their official website and follow their social media channels to discover their latest collections, campaigns, and how they continue to redefine beauty and empowerment for a new generation. — Large Styrofoam Shipping Containers: Your Guide

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 15:30 UTC