5 Shocking Secrets Behind Kendall Jenner's Absence From The 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Comeback

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (VSFS) made its triumphant return in October 2024, after a six-year hiatus and a radical rebrand, yet one of its most recognizable modern-era supermodels, Kendall Jenner, was conspicuously absent. This shocking no-show immediately became one of the biggest talking points of the highly anticipated event, sparking intense curiosity among fans and fashion critics alike, especially given her history with the brand and the massive media coverage surrounding the show's comeback. The truth behind her decision reveals a significant shift in her career priorities as of late 2024, moving far beyond the runway glamour that first cemented her status as a global icon.

The absence of the reality TV star turned high-fashion model signals a definitive close to one chapter of her career and the bold beginning of another. When you look back at her iconic walks in 2015 and 2016, where she shared the stage with fellow 'Instagirls' like Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid, her presence was synonymous with the brand's attempt to connect with a new, social media-savvy generation. Her decision to skip the 2024 event, which was held in New York City, is not just a scheduling conflict; it’s a powerful statement about her personal brand evolution, her burgeoning business empire, and the changing landscape of the fashion industry itself. We delve into the five core reasons behind this pivotal moment.

Kendall Jenner: Full Biographical Profile & Career Milestones

Kendall Nicole Jenner is an American model, media personality, and businesswoman who has redefined the term "supermodel" for the digital age. Born into one of the world's most famous families, her career trajectory has been a masterclass in leveraging reality TV fame into high-fashion credibility.

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• Full Name: Kendall Nicole Jenner
• Date of Birth: November 3, 1995
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Parents: Kris Jenner (mother) and Caitlyn Jenner (father)
• Siblings: Kylie Jenner (full sister), and half-siblings Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian, as well as Burt, Casey, Brandon, and Brody Jenner.
• Rise to Fame: Began appearing on the reality television show Keeping Up with the Kardashians in 2007.
• Modeling Debut: Signed with Wilhelmina Models at age 14 in 2009.
• High Fashion Breakthrough: Her career exploded in 2014 when she walked for major designers like Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, and Chanel.
• VSFS Appearances: Walked in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2015 and 2016.
• Business Ventures: Co-founded the clothing line Kendall + Kylie with her sister and, notably, launched her own tequila brand, 818 Tequila, in 2021.
• Major Accolades: Has consistently been one of the world's highest-paid models since 2017.

The Glory Days: Kendall Jenner’s Iconic Victoria’s Secret Runway Era

Kendall Jenner's association with the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is a defining chapter in her modeling career. Her appearances were highly anticipated, marking her transition from a reality star to a legitimate runway supermodel. This era was crucial for both Jenner and the brand, which was attempting to maintain cultural relevance in the mid-2010s.

2015: The Runway Debut in New York

Jenner made her highly publicized Victoria's Secret Fashion Show debut in 2015, walking in the New York show alongside her best friend, Gigi Hadid. Her debut was a major media event, signifying the brand’s embrace of the 'Instagirl' phenomenon—models whose massive social media followings translated directly into cultural power and consumer reach. For her first show, she wore two looks, one featuring a vibrant pink and orange ensemble with a flowing train, instantly becoming a fan favorite.

2016: Earning Her Wings in Paris

The following year, the stakes were higher, and the location was more glamorous: Paris. In 2016, Kendall Jenner officially received her coveted "Angel Wings," a symbolic milestone for any model walking the VSFS runway. She modeled two looks, including a dramatic black-and-white ensemble that showcased her status as a top-tier model. Her 2016 walk cemented her as one of the most bankable faces in the fashion industry and a key player in the VS ecosystem.

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The energy of the 2015 and 2016 shows, featuring the triumvirate of Kendall, Gigi, and Bella Hadid, marked the peak of the VSFS's social media dominance before its eventual decline and subsequent hiatus. These walks are still heavily referenced and represent the pinnacle of her mainstream modeling career.

The Shock of Absence: Why Kendall Jenner Skipped the 2024 VS Fashion Show Comeback

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show returned in October 2024 after a six-year break, rebranded and focused on inclusivity and diversity. Despite intense rumors and the presence of other high-profile models, Kendall Jenner was a notable omission. Her absence was intentional, reflecting a strategic pivot in her professional life.

1. Focus on the 818 Tequila Empire

Since its launch in 2021, Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila has become a massive, multi-million dollar business venture that demands her full attention. As a businesswoman, her focus has shifted from being the face of other brands to building her own empire. The time and energy required for VSFS rehearsals, fittings, and the show itself would detract from her responsibilities as the founder of a rapidly expanding company. This prioritizes entrepreneurship over pure modeling.

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2. The Shift to High Fashion & Exclusivity

While the VSFS was a career highlight, Jenner's current modeling work is heavily concentrated in the world of high fashion and luxury campaigns, such as Gucci, Versace, and Calvin Klein. Many elite models view the Victoria's Secret runway as a stepping stone, and once they reach the pinnacle of the industry, they often distance themselves to maintain an air of exclusivity. Her absence from the 2024 show reinforces her status as a top-tier model who chooses her appearances selectively.

3. The Brand Rebrand and 'VS Collective'

Victoria's Secret's 2024 comeback was centered on a major rebrand, moving away from the "Angel" concept and focusing on a diverse group of spokespeople known as the 'VS Collective.' While Jenner has worked with the brand since the rebrand, her career trajectory has moved beyond the need for a major, televised fashion show. The new show's focus on a diverse range of models and artists may have simply not aligned with her current brand strategy, which is more focused on global luxury campaigns.

4. Personal Career Evolution and New Ventures

Beyond 818 Tequila, sources suggest Jenner is exploring other creative avenues, including a new design career. Her career evolution is a conscious move from being solely a model to a multi-hyphenate creator and entrepreneur. Skipping the VSFS is a clear signal to the industry that she is no longer defined solely by her runway work, but by her broader influence and business acumen.

5. Avoiding the Media Scrutiny

The return of the VSFS in 2024 was under intense media scrutiny, with critics and fans eager to see if the rebrand would be successful. By not participating, Kendall Jenner avoids the intense pressure and potential negative backlash that often accompanies such a high-stakes, highly scrutinized event. Her decision allows her to maintain control over her public image and focus on positive, self-driven narratives.

Beyond the Wings: Kendall’s Post-VS Era and New Business Empire

The post-Victoria's Secret Fashion Show era for Kendall Jenner is defined by diversification and strategic business moves. Her career trajectory is representative of the modern supermodel, who is not just a face but a brand CEO.

The Power of the 818 Tequila Brand

Launched in 2021, 818 Tequila has been a phenomenal success, allowing Jenner to transition from a model who endorses products to a principal who owns the product. The brand's rapid growth has positioned her as a serious player in the beverage industry, a sector far more lucrative and stable than the often-fickle world of high fashion runways. This business focus is the primary reason she has stepped back from high-commitment modeling gigs like the VSFS.

The Influence of the 'Instagirl' Generation

Jenner, alongside models like Bella Hadid and Gigi Hadid, pioneered the 'Instagirl' movement, proving that social media following could translate into modeling power. Today, she is leveraging that massive 300+ million person reach to promote her own products and maintain highly selective, high-paying contracts with global luxury houses. This self-driven career management means she no longer needs the publicity boost of a major televised event like the VSFS to validate her status.

In conclusion, Kendall Jenner’s absence from the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was not a missed opportunity, but a calculated power move. It confirms that her career has officially moved "beyond the wings," prioritizing her role as a successful businesswoman and high-fashion elite over her previous identity as a VS Angel. Her iconic 2015 and 2016 walks will forever remain a part of VSFS history, but her future is clearly focused on building her own legacy.