Home » Beauty

Meet the Models of the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Explore the lineup of supermodels who walked the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway, including Angels, debuts, and returning favorites.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

Explore the lineup of supermodels who walked the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway, including Angels, debuts, and returning favorites.

The 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show dazzled Paris and the world with its largest and most diverse cast to date, featuring 51 models including superstars, seasoned Angels, and fresh debuts. Set in the Grand Palais, this annual celebration of beauty, fashion, and entertainment became one of the most significant moments in modern runway history. Here, you’ll meet every model who brought unforgettable sparkle to the legendary catwalk show, alongside the highlights and style moments that made the 2016 lineup so iconic.

Highlights of the 2016 Show

Held: November 30, 2016 (aired December 5, 2016)
Location: Grand Palais, Paris, France
Models: 51, the largest cast in show history
Musical performers: Lady Gaga, The Weeknd, and Bruno Mars
Memorable moments: Jasmine Tookes in the $3 million Bright Night Fantasy Bra; major debuts and emotional Angel farewells

The Angels and Iconic Stars

The Victoria’s Secret Angels are recognized not only for their beauty but also for their enduring contracts and signature runway moments. The 2016 lineup included both returning legends and freshly minted Angels who embodied the spirit and glamour of the brand.

Model Name	Origin	Angel Status (2016)	Notable Highlights
Adriana Lima	Brazil	Longest-running Angel (since 2000)	Opened the show, major emotional moment
Alessandra Ambrosio	Brazil	Angel (since 2004)	Returned to Paris, veteran highlight
Lily Aldridge	USA	Angel	Starred in her sixth show as an Angel
Elsa Hosk	Sweden	Angel	Wore the Swarovski crystal wings
Jasmine Tookes	USA	Angel	Modeled the $3 million Bright Night Fantasy Bra
Josephine Skriver	Denmark	New Angel (2016)	Debut as Angel—major solo looks
Martha Hunt	USA	Angel	Stole scenes with vibrant wings
Sara Sampaio	Portugal	Angel	Participated in Fantasy Bra reveal
Taylor Hill	USA	Angel	Youngest Angel, celebrated for joyful energy
Stella Maxwell	UK/New Zealand	Angel	Packed the runway with signature style
Romee Strijd	Netherlands	Angel	Debuted major wings segment

The Most Notable Model Debuts and Returns

The Paris stage became home not only to veteran favorites but also to dazzling debuts from some of the year’s most anticipated models. Here are some of the standout new and returning faces:

Bella Hadid: Made her highly anticipated VS debut, sharing the runway with her sister, Gigi. Her appearance electrified the show and drew global media attention.
Gigi Hadid: Walked the show for the second time, proving her star power as she moved from breakout newcomer to runway regular.
Kendall Jenner: Returned for her second VS appearance, cementing her place among top fashion icons with bold wings and one-of-a-kind looks.
Joan Smalls: A returning VS favorite, known for her strong walk and editorial prowess.
Lily Donaldson: Carried major couture wings, drawing critical acclaim for her runway style.
Cindy Bruna: French model and seasoned VS star, spotlighting local talent on the Paris stage.
Devon Windsor: Marked her fourth show, beloved for her energetic presence.
Maria Borges: Celebrated for making history by wearing her natural Afro in the prior year and continuing to break new ground in 2016.

Spotlight: The Fantasy Bra and Jewel Moments

One of the defining features of every Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is the unveiling of the Fantasy Bra, a dazzling creation encrusted with rare gems and inspired by the pinnacle of couture lingerie. In 2016, this honor belonged to Jasmine Tookes.

The Fantasy Bra: Named the Bright Night Fantasy Bra, it featured 9,000 precious stones and a value of $3 million.
Designer: The bra was custom-designed by jeweler Eddie Borgo in collaboration with the brand, using diamonds and emeralds set in 18-karat gold.
Highlight: Jasmine’s moment in the Fantasy Bra was one of the most talked-about highlights both on and off the runway, symbolizing achievement among the Angels.

Behind the Scenes: Preparation and Glamour

Preparing for the world’s biggest lingerie runway is an operation involving months of planning, rigorous fitness, and styling perfection. Take a glimpse behind the velvet curtain at what went into making each model runway-ready:

Personal training routines, nutrition plans, and beauty regimens were in full effect for months prior to the show.
Fittings and rehearsals were tightly choreographed to ensure every unique garment was tailored to perfection.
Backstage was a hive of stylists, hair and makeup artists, nail technicians, and support teams coordinating multiple looks per model.

Full List of 2016 Victoria’s Secret Models

The 2016 cast represented the most global, diverse, and expertly curated model lineup the show had ever seen. Here is a look at the leading featured models, including Angels, returnees, and breakthrough faces:

Adriana Lima
Alessandra Ambrosio
Lily Aldridge
Elsa Hosk
Josephine Skriver
Jasmine Tookes
Sara Sampaio
Stella Maxwell
Romee Strijd
Taylor Hill
Martha Hunt
Lais Ribeiro
Joan Smalls
Lily Donaldson
Bella Hadid
Gigi Hadid
Kendall Jenner
Devon Windsor
Maria Borges
Cindy Bruna
Izabel Goulart
Jourdana Phillips
Daniela Braga
Grace Elizabeth
Zuri Tibby
Rachel Hilbert

Many other international and rising models also hit the Paris stage, making the lineup one of the most established and dynamic. Among notable absences, both Behati Prinsloo and Candice Swanepoel sat out due to their pregnancies in 2016, sparking speculation about the future Angel roster.

Fun Facts from 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Total pairs of wings: Over 40 unique wings were designed and worn.
Backstage secrets: Over 100 stylists and assistants worked behind the scenes to deliver the final looks seen on TV.
Music meets fashion: The show featured energetic performances from Lady Gaga, The Weeknd, and Bruno Mars.
Millennial stars: Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Bella Hadid brought social media buzz, with millions following their prep on Instagram.

Memorable Moments and Performances

Each year, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show pairs the world’s top supermodels with chart-topping musicians to create truly spectacular, multimedia experiences. The 2016 edition was no exception:

Lady Gaga: Delivered a powerful medley in an elaborately feathered outfit, interacting with several models on the runway.
The Weeknd: Performed “Starboy” as Bella Hadid walked by—with their now-iconic, viral moment earning instant social buzz.
Bruno Mars: Brought the funk with style, delivering “24K Magic” as the models showcased the year’s most glitzy lingerie and accessories.

Segments and Costume Themes

The show was divided into breathtaking thematic sections, each calling for its own unique costumes, wings, lingerie, and accessories. The 2016 segments included:

The Road Ahead: Wonder and wanderlust meet bright, global inspirations and color.
Secret Angel: Classic black and gold pieces reminiscent of old-school glamour.
Mountain Romance: Wintry pastels, embroidery, and romance-inspired looks.
PINK Nation: Youthful fun and athletic-inspired streetwear for the next generation.
Dark Angel: Edgy, seductive, and gothic—highlighting black lace and leather accents.
Bright Night Angel: The show’s dazzling finale featuring jewels, glitter, and the unforgettable Fantasy Bra.

Profiles: Breakout Models and Rising Stars

2016 was a springboard for several faces who would go on to stardom:

Grace Elizabeth: Walked in her debut year; later became an Angel.
Zuri Tibby: PINK spokesmodel who gained widespread recognition for her vibrant stage presence.
Dilone: Brought androgynous edge with her breakout runway presence.
Jourdana Phillips: Delivered a memorable first walk that elevated her profile.

FAQs: Your Victoria’s Secret Model Questions Answered

Who wore the Fantasy Bra in 2016?

Jasmine Tookes wore the $3 million Bright Night Fantasy Bra, adorned with diamonds and emeralds.

How many models walked in the 2016 show?

A record 51 models—making it the most model-packed Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show ever.

Were there any notable absences?

Yes. Angels Behati Prinsloo and Candice Swanepoel missed the show due to pregnancy, making room for notable new faces.

What made the 2016 show unique?

Diversity, Parisian location at the Grand Palais, and the largest-ever cast of top models. The focus on international representation and special musical guests elevated the spectacle.

How are the Victoria’s Secret models selected?

A mix of contract Angels, returning favorites, and extensive casting for fresh talent. Models must undergo auditions, and many participate in VS swim, catalog, and PINK projects before landing a runway spot.

Legacy of the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

The Paris show is remembered for its star power, dynamic segments, and the elevation of both its Angels and a new generation of supermodels. The runway played host to pop culture’s leading lights and left lasting fashion moments, solidifying the event’s international legacy. Whether you followed for the music, the fashion, or the personalities, the 2016 edition was a celebration of beauty, artistry, and the ability of fashion to captivate the world’s attention.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb