The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show returned to Los Angeles on Sunday night for the first time since 2007, and it arrived with the kind of spectacle the brand has always done best. Held at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, the 2026 edition brought together veterans, newcomers and one very famous surprise debutant who walked away with the entire evening.
Kylie Jenner made her first appearance on the Victoria's Secret runway wearing the most expensive Fantasy Bra in the show's thirty-year history. The $50 million piece, designed by Jacob & Co., features 4,410 natural diamonds surrounding a 75.54-carat radiant-cut Fancy Vivid yellow diamond at its centre. Fifteen craftspeople spent more than 1,000 hours building it entirely from gold and diamonds, with no fabric whatsoever. The finished piece weighs just under four pounds.
The Fantasy Bra Returns
The Fantasy Bra had not appeared on the Victoria's Secret runway since 2018, when Elsa Hosk wore a $1 million Swarovski version. This year's design shatters the previous price record by some $35 million. Jacob Arabo of Jacob & Co., who has created jewellery for Madonna, Rihanna and Elton John, said his vision was to create a piece of high jewellery that could be worn as a bra. The team took Jenner's exact measurements and built a model fitted specifically to her body.
Chief creative officer Adam Selman called the bra "almost museum quality" and said the choice of Jenner was deliberate. "Kylie really extends beyond fashion, beyond culture, beyond TV, beyond one singular thing," he told Vogue. "She's really created her own culture, which - how many people can say that?" Jenner wore the bra with a translucent white miniskirt, clear heels and white feathered wings. Her boyfriend Timothee Chalamet and mother Kris Jenner watched from the front row.
Veterans and Comebacks
Bella Hadid opened the show in a floral-embellished bralette and sheer green miniskirt with whimsical, fairy-inspired wings. It set the tone for an evening that balanced nostalgia with fresh energy. Adriana Lima made her twenty-first appearance on the Victoria's Secret runway, while Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel, Behati Prinsloo and Doutzen Kroes all returned for the veteran contingent.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley walked for the first time in sixteen years. Gisele Bundchen appeared via a surprise prerecorded video message despite having been spotted on crutches the day before, hinting that her relationship with the brand may extend beyond the cameo. "You are going to be seeing more of me real soon," she told viewers.
Barbara Palvin made her return just six weeks after welcoming her first child with husband Dylan Sprouse. Natalia Bryant, daughter of the late Kobe Bryant, made her Victoria's Secret runway debut in the Pink section, wearing bejewelled jeans and a black bra bearing the brand's name. Ashley Graham walked in a white lace bodysuit with elaborate pink floral wings, continuing the brand's push towards inclusivity on its biggest stage.
Front Row Energy and Live Performances
The musical lineup kept energy high throughout the evening. Megan Thee Stallion, Tate McRae, KATSEYE and Megan Moroney all performed between runway segments, each bringing their own staging and choreography to the catwalk. The front row was equally star-studded, with Nicole Kidman, Timothee Chalamet, Dylan Sprouse, Lisa Rinna and Vanessa Bryant among those watching from the audience.
Kidman in particular became a viral talking point. The actor was filmed dancing to Megan Thee Stallion's performance and reacting with theatrical embarrassment when the song "Nicole Kidman" by Adela played while models walked the runway. She was spotted burying her head in her hands and smiling, having already revealed plans to see Adela perform live in Nashville next month.
The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has always understood that spectacle sells. After eight years away, the Fantasy Bra proved it still holds the power to dominate a conversation. And with Jenner wearing it, the brand made it clear it is targeting a new generation while keeping one foot firmly in its heritage.
