By Layla Bazan | Photographer
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has been one of the most exciting and easily recognizable events in the fashion industry. The show is known for its extravagant wings, beautiful runway models, unique clothing pieces, the iconic blowout and all the glitter.
The show built a notable reputation of different supermodels wearing the show closing Fantasy Bra: a bra designed and created with diamonds, rubies and other precious stones to showcase a unique and different kind of beauty.
Throughout the show, anticipation quickly rose in curiosity of who would be the one wearing this year’s Fantasy Bra. Many speculated former runway model Heidi Klum, others thought Gisele Bündchen would make her runway comeback, but most were disappointed to see reality TV show star and business woman Kylie Jenner.
The history and significance of wearing the custom designed undergarment is more than simply putting on an expensive outfit. In this case, it means wearing a $50 million outfit.
Her appearance raised questions about celebrity influence, experience in the modeling industry and the values that have been expected when wearing something as significant and iconic as the Fantasy Bra. Before her appearance on the Victoria’s Secret runway, she has had no significant experience in modeling, unlike her supermodel sister Kendall Jenner.
The decision to bring in Jenner was a mixture of good and bad. It’s good in a sense to connect with a younger audience by showing someone they may be a little more acquainted with, such as Kylie Jenner. Whether it’s from the brand she owns to the reality TV show that she stars in, Generation Z knows Jenner.
On the other hand, her wearing the Fantasy Bra was not the way to go on Victoria’s Secret end. To preserve the tradition of the Fantasy Bra I believe it should’ve went to a veteran model such as Adriana Lima or Gisele Bündchen. These two names alone are some of the most iconic runway models who have worn the bra in the past and have played a big role in putting Victoria Secret on the map.
Ultimately, Jenner’s supporters could argue that the fashion industry is constantly changing and that celebrities could bring in new audiences while others could argue about preserving an already successful tradition in the fashion industry.
By prioritizing experienced models with strong connections to the Fantasy Bra, the company could still maintain tradition while also finding creative ways to work with celebrities, such as the guest performers or guest models.
When it comes to any legacy fashion item, the piece should be worn with those who have earned the respect of it.
