Here's an exploration of the reasons behind some iconic Victoria's Secret models' absences, including Gisele Bundchen's retirement and the evolving brand culture.
- October 18, 2024
AceShowbiz - Gisele Bundchen's absence from the Victoria's Secret fashion show this week disappointed many fans. It has been revealed that the supermodel, who was an Angel from 1999-2006, was invited to rejoin the lingerie brand but declined due to retiring from the runway in 2020.
TMZ reports that Victoria's Secret reached out to Bundchen's team in June, but her agents politely declined, citing her retirement from catwalk modeling. Former French Vogue head Emmanuelle Alt reportedly tried to convince Bundchen to come out of retirement, but to no avail.
Bundchen last worked with Victoria's Secret in 2023 when she modeled for the brand's Icons campaign. In 2020, she told O Globo, "I never said I would retire, just that I would no longer do runways."
Other notable absences from the show included Heidi Klum, Miranda Kerr, Kendall Jenner, Karlie Kloss, Selita Ebanks and Lily Aldridge.
Klum, who was an Angel from 1999 to 2010, expressed her support for the brand's rebrand in an interview with "The Project", stating that "things do need to change." She currently serves as an ambassador for lingerie brand Intimissimi.
Kerr, the first Australian Victoria's Secret Angel, reportedly left the brand in 2013 due to being labeled "difficult." She now focuses on her businesses and family.
Jenner, who debuted for Victoria's Secret in 2015, has also been working with Calvin Klein since 2013 and may have conflicts due to her brand commitments.
Kloss, an Angel from 2013 to 2015, parted ways with Victoria's Secret due to her feminist beliefs. She now works on her coding program, Kode with Klossy, and hosts "Project Runway."
Ebanks, an Angel from 2005 to 2010, has become involved in reality television.
Aldridge, an Angel from 2009 to 2018, remains involved with Victoria's Secret off the runway, appearing in campaigns like 2024's Body by Victoria bras.
The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was canceled in 2019 due to declining ratings and controversies related to its lack of diversity and outdated brand culture. The brand has since made an effort to become more inclusive, featuring models of all backgrounds and sizes in its recent show.
