The iconic "VS Angels List" is officially a relic of fashion history, marking one of the most significant and dramatic rebrands in the retail world. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the era of the winged supermodels has been formally retired, replaced by a new, diverse, and activist-focused group known as the "VS Collective." This shift is not just a marketing pivot; it represents Victoria's Secret's fundamental re-angling away from the singular "bombshell aesthetic" to embrace a "true spectrum" of women, values, and body types, a necessary move to address modern consumer expectations and cultural shifts.
This comprehensive article dives deep into the legacy of the legendary Angels, provides a definitive list of the most iconic members, and introduces you to the powerful women of the current VS Collective who are now shaping the brand's future, complete with the latest updates from the 2024/2025 runways. The change is stark, moving from models whose primary role was to sell a fantasy to ambassadors whose mission is to drive cultural conversations about women's empowerment, a monumental transformation for the lingerie giant.
The Golden Era: A Definitive List of the Most Iconic Victoria's Secret Angels
The Victoria's Secret Angels were more than just models; they were global superstars and a core part of the brand's identity, especially through the highly-anticipated annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which often featured the coveted "Fantasy Bra." The title of "Angel" was a prestigious, lucrative, and exclusive contract reserved for a select few. The Angels era is generally considered to have run from the late 1990s until the final official Angels were retired around 2019.
Here is a list of the most influential and longest-serving Angels who defined the brand's aesthetic:
- Adriana Lima: The longest-serving Angel, known for her powerful walk and wearing the Fantasy Bra multiple times. Her tenure spanned nearly two decades, making her the face of the brand for a generation.
- Alessandra Ambrosio: A Brazilian icon who served as an Angel for 17 years. She was the first face of the PINK line and a co-wearer of the 2014 Dream Angels Fantasy Bras.
- Heidi Klum: A foundational Angel of the late 90s and 2000s, who worked with the brand for 13 years and hosted the Fashion Show multiple times.
- Gisele Bündchen: The highest-paid model in the world for years, her contract with VS solidified her supermodel status in the early 2000s.
- Tyra Banks: One of the original Angels of the 1990s, who paved the way for the supermodel status associated with the brand.
- Candice Swanepoel: A South African model known for her classic bombshell look and wearing the 2013 Royal Fantasy Bra.
- Miranda Kerr: An Australian model who became an Angel in 2007 and was known for her girl-next-door charm.
- Doutzen Kroes: A Dutch model who held the Angel title and was a consistent presence on the runway.
- Karolina Kurkova: A Czech model who joined the ranks of the most famous Angels in the early 2000s.
- Selita Ebanks: A Caymanian model who was part of the iconic group of Angels in the mid-2000s.
- Izabel Goulart: A Brazilian model known for her incredible physique and long tenure walking the show.
- Karlie Kloss: A modern-day supermodel who was an Angel for a shorter period, leaving to pursue other interests and education.
- Taylor Hill: One of the youngest Angels appointed, representing the final generation of the traditional model.
The End of an Era: Why the Angels Were Grounded
The decision to disband the Angels was a direct response to years of declining sales, cultural backlash, and a growing perception that the brand's image was outdated, exclusionary, and misogynistic. The "bombshell aesthetic" and the focus on an unattainable ideal of beauty no longer resonated with a consumer base demanding authenticity, body positivity, and diversity.
In 2021, Victoria's Secret officially closed the book on the Angels, announcing a sweeping re-brand to focus on female empowerment and inclusivity. The company chose to replace the models who had previously been the face of the brand with a group of diverse women celebrated for their achievements, not just their bodies. This strategic pivot was crucial for the brand's survival in a landscape dominated by inclusive competitors.
The New Faces of Victoria's Secret: Meet the VS Collective
The "VS Collective" is the brand's new ambassador program, consisting of women from various fields—from sports and activism to entrepreneurship and modeling—who share a common passion for driving positive change. They serve as partners, collaborators, and faces for the brand, helping to shape its product lines and messaging. This is a fundamental change, shifting the focus from fantasy to advocacy.
As of 2024/2025, the VS Collective features a powerful and diverse lineup of women, ensuring the brand's advertisements reflect a truer spectrum of womanhood.
Key Members of the VS Collective (2024/2025)
- Megan Rapinoe: Olympic gold medalist, two-time World Cup champion, and outspoken advocate for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. Her inclusion signals the brand's commitment to activism.
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas: Global superstar, actress, and entrepreneur who champions women's rights and education.
- Paloma Elsesser: A groundbreaking plus-size model and activist who has significantly pushed for body diversity in the fashion industry.
- Valentina Sampaio: A Brazilian model who made history as the brand's first openly transgender model, promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion.
- Naomi Osaka: Tennis champion and mental health advocate, bringing a focus on wellness and vulnerability to the brand.
- Eileen Gu: World Champion freestyle skier, representing the intersection of sports, culture, and high achievement.
- Hailey Bieber: Model and entrepreneur, who brings a modern, high-fashion sensibility to the brand's campaigns.
- Adut Akech: A South Sudanese-Australian model and refugee advocate, known for her powerful presence in high fashion.
- Amanda de Cadenet: Journalist, photographer, and founder of #Girlgaze, focusing on female storytelling.
- Sofia Jirau: The brand's first model with Down syndrome, a powerful symbol of radical inclusion.
- Imaan Hammam: A Dutch-Egyptian-Moroccan model who promotes diversity and cultural representation.
The Future: A Blend of Nostalgia and New Inclusivity
The "VS Angels List" may be retired, but the legacy of the supermodels is not entirely gone. Recent fashion events, including the return of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (or equivalent runway events) in 2024 and 2025, show a clear strategy of blending the brand's nostalgic past with its inclusive future.
These recent shows featured a diverse mix of models, including the return of legendary former Angels like Adriana Lima and Candice Swanepoel, alongside new, groundbreaking faces who embody the spirit of the VS Collective, such as Ashley Graham, Devyn Garcia, and Barbie Ferreira. This approach acknowledges the brand's heritage while firmly committing to a diverse, body-positive future. The new Victoria's Secret is betting that empowerment, authenticity, and a broad definition of beauty—championed by the VS Collective—will ultimately be more powerful than the exclusive fantasy once sold by the Angels.
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