Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2016: Paris Runway Highlights and Iconic Looks
Explore the unforgettable glamour, artistry, and all-star lineup behind the 2016 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris.
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2016: The Paris Runway Spectacle
The 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marked one of the most iconic moments in the brand’s history, capturing the essence of glamour, artistry, and bold fashion statements. Hosted in Paris, the world’s fashion capital, this show set new standards in spectacle and opulence, featuring top models, world-class entertainers, and innovative design.
The annual event isn’t merely a showcase of lingerie—it is a cultural phenomenon, marrying fashion, music, and creativity. With over 6.67 million viewers tuning in globally, the Paris show became a defining fashion moment of 2016.
Key highlights included Angel Jasmine Tookes wearing the $3 million Bright Night Fantasy Bra and live performances from musical superstars Lady Gaga, The Weeknd, and Bruno Mars.
The Parisian Location: Grand Palais Sets the Stage
Holding the show at Paris’s Grand Palais amplified the event’s sophistication. The venue infused the runway with historic grandeur and modern elegance, making it a dream setting for both models and designers.
This was Victoria’s Secret’s first show ever hosted in Paris, signaling a strategic embrace of European fashion sensibilities while maintaining the brand’s unique American flavor.
The Angel Lineup: Legendary Models and New Faces
Victoria’s Secret has made stars of many models, but the 2016 show boasted a blend of legendary Angels and exciting newcomers. The cast included:
- Adriana Lima – veteran Angel, defining the brand’s legacy.
- Alessandra Ambrosio – another iconic Angel known for her charisma.
- Lily Aldridge, Lais Ribeiro, Elsa Hosk, Jasmine Tookes, Sara Sampaio, Martha Hunt, Taylor Hill, Stella Maxwell, Romee Strijd, Josephine Skriver – representing a dynamic cross-section of both senior and newer Angels.
- Behati Prinsloo and Candice Swanepoel missed the event due to maternity, reflecting the genuine life changes of these model celebrities.
- PINK spokesmodels such as Rachel Hilbert, Zuri Tibby, and Grace Elizabeth offered youthful energy.
Notably, Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner made standout appearances, contributing to viral moments and attracting widespread media attention. Fresh debuts enlivened the show with diversity and freshness.
Runway Themes and Outfits: A Visual Feast
Every year, Victoria’s Secret pushes creative boundaries with themed runway segments. The 2016 show delivered a spectacular array of styles and motifs, combining innovation with brand tradition. Standout themes included:
- Bright Night Angel – Jewel-toned wings and glittering bras dazzled under the Parisian lights.
- Mountain Romance – Rugged, folkloric elements blended luxury with fantasy, featuring embroidered details and plush textures.
- Secret Angel – Classic black lace and sultry silhouettes paid homage to the essence of Victoria’s Secret allure.
- PINK Nation – Streetwear-inspired looks brought youthful energy, logo prints, and sporty details to the runway.
- Road Ahead – Inspired by international adventure, with intricate bodices, layered elements, and vivid color schemes.
- Dark Angel – Edgy black feathers, studded harnesses, and leather details evoked a sense of modern gothic glamour.
- The Bright Night Fantasy Bra – Jasmine Tookes electrified the stage in this masterpiece adorned with 9,000 precious gemstones.
Wings & Iconic Looks: Symbolism and Craftsmanship
Wings are a signature element of the Victoria’s Secret runway, representing transformation and fantasy. In 2016, Swarovski crystal wings added sparkle, while oversized feather and metallic wing designs captivated audiences.
Innovative textures, handcrafted details, and luxury embellishments were hallmarks. Each segment featured unique outfit architectures—from bold harnesses to ethereal lace and futuristic metallics.
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Model Spotlights: Angel Appearances and Outfits
| Model | Segment Highlights | Outfit Features |
|---|---|---|
| Adriana Lima | Dark Angel, Bright Night Angel | Black feather wings, studded corsets, smoky eye makeup |
| Jasmine Tookes | Bright Night Angel | Fantasy Bra, jewel accents, dramatic wings |
| Gigi Hadid | Mountain Romance | Plush textures, folkloric embroidery, chic boots |
| Bella Hadid | Dark Angel | Edgy black lace, cutouts, bold choker |
| Kendall Jenner | Secret Angel | Luxe black lace, sleek hair, deep berry lip |
| Elsa Hosk | Road Ahead | Layered textures, vibrant colors, statement boots |
| Josephine Skriver | PINK Nation | Logo prints, sporty crop tops, playful accessories |
Beauty and Glam: Parisian Inspiration for Hair & Makeup
Paris shaped much of the hair and makeup philosophy for the 2016 show.
- Makeup artist Tom Pecheux designed looks that fused American glam with Parisian effortlessness, featuring smudged eyeliner, naturally glowing skin, and subtle lip stains.
- Hairstylist Anthony Turner championed “worn-in” hair, creating sporadic waves with minimal brushing for an authentic, lived-in effect.
- Signature products included Max Factor Miracle Touch Foundation and L’Oréal Pli Styling Spray for healthy, matte finishes.
- Color palettes favored nudes and soft pinks, furthering the natural aesthetic, contrasted by bold, smoky eyes for runway drama.
The overall effect celebrated individuality, highlighting each model’s unique beauty while contributing to a cohesive, glamorous lineup.
Musical Performances: Superstar Artists Electrify the Runway
No Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is complete without high-wattage entertainment.
2016 featured performances from:
- Lady Gaga – Brought theatrical energy with hit songs, matching the high-fashion ambiance.
- The Weeknd – Injected sultry, modern vibes that resonated with dark, edgy runway themes.
- Bruno Mars – Contributed vibrant, funky music, energizing both the models and the audience.
Musical performances not only amplified the show’s emotional climax but also helped weave the event’s narrative, connecting visuals and sound.
Behind the Scenes: Preparation, Styling, and Collaboration
The show is the result of months of planning involving:
- Design teams crafting intricate outfits and angel wings.
- Artisans and stylists working tirelessly on fitting and customization.
- Makeup, hair, and creative directors collaborating with each model to highlight her signature look and personality.
- Choreographers and producers creating seamless transitions and cinematic runway segments.
Every model received personal attention with individualized beauty routines, ensuring the finished looks stayed true to her best features and personality.
The backstage buzz included last-minute touch-ups, high-energy camaraderie, and a focus on both public spectacle and private artistry.
Outfit Trends and Style Insights
- Lingerie as Statement Wear: Styles were bold; pieces were adorned with crystals, feathers, and metallic fabrics.
- Blend of Sporty and Sophisticated: Especially in PINK Nation, athletic elements met high-fashion materials.
- Vintage and Folkloric Motifs: Mountain Romance segment drew on folkloric embroidery and rich, tactile details.
- Dark Glamour: Black lace, harnesses, and leather finishes made the Dark Angel segment a highlight for those favoring edgy couture.
- International Inspiration: Road Ahead segment celebrated global adventure and multicultural aesthetics.
Segment Overview: Runway Themes in Detail
| Segment | Visual Motifs | Key Models | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Night Angel | Crystal embellishments, radiant wings | Jasmine Tookes | Fantasy Bra showcase |
| Mountain Romance | Embroidery, plush boots | Gigi Hadid | Folkloric influences |
| Road Ahead | Colorful layers | Elsa Hosk, Josephine Skriver | Global inspiration |
| Dark Angel | Feathers, harnesses | Bella Hadid, Adriana Lima | Edgy, gothic glamour |
| PINK Nation | Logo prints, crop tops | Grace Elizabeth, Rachel Hilbert | Sporty vibe |
| Secret Angel | Black lace, classic silhouettes | Kendall Jenner | Timeless allure |
Fashion Legacy: Cultural Impact and Style Influence
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has become a benchmark for creativity in lingerie and runway presentation. The 2016 Paris show reinforced key trends that rippled across mainstream fashion:
- Lingerie as outerwear gained prominence on red carpets and celebrity wardrobes.
- Statement accessories like wings and oversized jewelry became staples in editorial fashion.
- The blending of music and fashion set a precedent for future luxury collaborations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What made the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show special?
A: It was the first-ever VS Fashion Show hosted in Paris, featured top models, high-profile musical acts, and debuted Jasmine Tookes in the $3 million Fantasy Bra.
Q: Who wore the Fantasy Bra and what was its value?
A: Jasmine Tookes wore the Bright Night Fantasy Bra, which was valued at $3 million and adorned with over 9,000 gemstones.
Q: Which musicians performed at the 2016 show?
A: Lady Gaga, The Weeknd, and Bruno Mars performed live, enhancing the event’s spectacle.
Q: Which supermodels were absent and why?
A: Behati Prinsloo and Candice Swanepoel both missed the show due to pregnancy.
Q: What were the beauty trends from the show?
A: The show celebrated natural, glowy skin; sporadic, Parisian-inspired waves; and accents of smoky eyes and nude lips, all designed to highlight individuality.
Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of Victoria’s Secret’s Paris Runway
The 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Paris was more than a runway—it was a statement of glamour, global influence, and fashion-forward artistry. From the Angel lineup and elaborate wings to the inspired beauty looks and stellar music acts, the show remains a touchstone in modern fashion.
Its influence persists, inspiring designers, models, and audiences worldwide to embrace boldness, individuality, and the art of spectacle.
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