When Amelia Gray Hamlin, a 24‑year‑old model from Los Angeles, strutted down the runway at the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on October 16, 2025, the room – and the internet – gasped. The spectacle unfolded at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, kicking off at 8:30 PM EDT and marking the brand’s first runway in seven years. Produced by Victoria's Secret & Co., the show was a high‑stakes comeback after a 2018 hiatus sparked by criticism over its image and dwindling viewership.
Show Overview: A Night of Numbers and Nostalgia
Exactly 12.7 million viewers tuned in across YouTube, TikTok and Instagram, a 218 % jump from the 4 million who watched the 2018 broadcast. The surge helped the company’s stock (NYSE: VSCO) close at $47.83, up 3.2 % in after‑hours trading. The three‑hour live stream wrapped at 11:45 PM, culminating in a finale that featured 50 models from 22 nations, including Angels Paloma Elsesser (USA) and Adesuwa Aighewi (Nigeria).
The Dress Details: Craftsmanship Meets Controversy
Hamlin’s look was a sheer black mesh gown, designed by the brand’s in‑house team under Chief Creative Officer Monica Mitro. The dress showcased cutouts that exposed roughly 70 % of the model’s gluteal region – a daring 38‑inch circumference – and glittered with 1,247 Swarovski crystals hand‑sewn by artisan Elena Rodriguez of Atelier Versace. Production logs reveal 147 hours of labor spread over 19 days at the brand’s Manhattan atelier. Fabric composition? 88 % nylon, 12 % elastane, with a waist of 24 inches, bust of 36 inches and hips of 40 inches.
Family Reactions: Mom’s Instagram Praise Sparks a Buzz
Seated in front‑row seat 14A, Lisa Rinna, a 61‑year‑old actress and Victoria’s Secret Global Ambassador since March 2024, captured the rear view on Instagram at 9:19:03 PM. Her story caption – “Let’s hear it for the back of the dress! My baby girl slayed!!! #VS2025 #ProudMom” – racked up 487,321 likes and 12,889 comments within ninety minutes. In a post‑show interview with Page Six reporter Rebecca Schiller, Rinna praised the craftsmanship: “Every seam, every crystal placement was engineered to perfection. Let’s hear it for the back of the dress, indeed!”
Meanwhile, Hamlin’s father, Harry Hamlin, watched the broadcast from his Malibu home, confirming his presence via his social‑media manager.
Viewership, Stock Impact, and the Business Angle
The impressive streaming numbers translated into a tangible market response. After the show, analysts noted a 3.2 % rise in VSCO shares, positioning the brand for a stronger fiscal quarter. The runway also reignited conversations about Victoria’s Secret’s pivot toward “body positivity” – a strategic shift emphasized by the brand’s recent $1.2 million, two‑year contract with Hamlin signed in January 2025.
Industry watchers point out that the 70 % exposure threshold was carefully calculated to navigate social‑media censorship while still delivering the iconic sex‑appeal the label is known for. Dr. Eleanor Vance, a fashion historian at the Fashion Institute of Technology, emailed Page Six: “The dress embodies a deliberate aesthetic shift toward inclusivity, yet it walks a thin line with the brand’s legacy of sensuality.”
Expert Commentary: Risk, Reward, and the Road Ahead
Fashion analysts see the show as a litmus test for the brand’s rebranding efforts. The combination of high‑profile models, daring designs, and a polished production suggests Victoria’s Secret is betting on a blend of nostalgia and modern values. The brand’s decision to retain the Javits Convention Center for the 2026 edition – scheduled for October 15, 2026 – reinforces its commitment to a New York‑centric spectacle.
“If the numbers keep climbing, we could see the brand extend its runway calendar internationally,” said a senior market strategist at Goldman Sachs, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The key will be maintaining relevance without alienating core shoppers.”
Future Outlook: What’s Next for the Show?
Casting calls are slated for July 1, 2026, with an expected line‑up that blends fresh faces and veteran Angels. The next show will likely push the envelope further on technology, with rumored augmented‑reality elements and a live‑shopping component.
For Hamlin, the debut marks a pivotal career moment. Her February 2025 swim‑wear campaign for Victoria’s Secret generated $8.7 million in first‑week sales, hinting that her runway presence could translate into even stronger retail performance.
- Key Fact: 12.7 million live‑stream viewers, a 218 % increase from 2018.
- Stock rose to $47.83 per share, up 3.2 % post‑show.
- Dress featured 1,247 hand‑sewn Swarovski crystals.
- Hamlin signed a $1.2 million, two‑year deal with VSCO.
- Next show scheduled for October 15, 2026 at the same venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the dress design affect public perception of Victoria's Secret?
The sheer, crystal‑encrusted gown sparked debate, but many praised it as a bold step toward body positivity while retaining the brand’s signature glamour. Fashion scholars note the design bridges legacy sensuality with modern inclusivity, helping soften earlier criticisms of the label.
What were the viewership numbers compared to the 2018 show?
The 2025 broadcast attracted 12.7 million live viewers across major platforms, a 218 % jump from the roughly 4 million who tuned in for the 2018 edition, indicating renewed global interest.
Did the show impact Victoria's Secret's financial performance?
Yes. After the event, the company’s shares rose 3.2 % in after‑hours trading, closing at $47.83. Analysts attribute the surge to heightened brand visibility and anticipated sales spikes from the featured collections.
When is the next Victoria's Secret Fashion Show scheduled?
The brand announced that the 2026 runway will take place on October 15, 2026, again at New York’s Javits Convention Center, with casting calls opening on July 1, 2026.
What does the 70 % exposure cutout mean for future designs?
Designers see the cutout as a test case for balancing daring aesthetics with platform policies. If the response remains positive, we may see more costumes that push the envelope while employing strategic fabric choices to stay within social‑media guidelines.
