Photos by Gerson Lirio
For the first time in over two decades, the Victoria's Secret caravan made a spectacular entry into Asian. The geography of the fashion show came with drawbacks; however, the visa process being the biggest point of contention.
The Chinese government refused entry visas to models, journalists, bloggers and professionals working in the fashion industry, among them the Russian models Julia Belyakova, Kate Grigorieva and Irina Sharipova, as well as Ukrainian model, Dasha Khlystun. Citizens of former Soviet countries had trouble obtaining entry visas to China.
American singer Katy Perry had the same problem – credited to her decision to wear a sunflower-adorned dress during a concert in Taiwan in 2015. Another great missing was Gigi Hadid, who could not get the visa. In February, Hadid posted a video on Snapchat in which she squinted her eyes imitating the Chinese people while in a restaurant with some friends. The video received severe criticism from Asian people. Despite a public apology, the Chinese government did not relent. The multi-millionaire Mohammed Hadid (Gigi’s and Bella's father) attended the show, spotted in the front row with his girlfriend, Shiva Safai among the distinguished guests in the Mercedes Benz arena.
Victoria's Secret runway has become the meeting point of the exes. Last year, Bella Hadid walked the runway during the The Weekend’s (her ex-boyfriend). This year it was Georgia Fowler’s and Harry Styles' turns to meet each other. The British singer and former One Direction member composed the song "Kiwi" for Fowler.
Bella Hadid had a nip slip in her second look while dancing on the runway with the American model, Zuri Tibby. Hadid wore the angel wings for the first time.
The audience cheered loudly during the catwalk of each Chinese model, unfortunately the much-loved Ming Xi stumbled on the runway. She recovered professionally with grace and applause of the guests and the support of Brazilian Gizele Oliveira.
The first collaboration of Victoria’s Secret with an haute couture fashion house, Balmain, brought together a very selective public, the wealthiest people in Asia, some famous millennials, “it” girls, fashion bloggers and influencers. Harry Styles was very elegant in a Givenchy suit. Attendees Miguel, Jane Zhang and Leslie Odom Jr. appreciated the 55 models from 20 different countries, including more than 10 newbies models. There were 88 looks, 38 pairs of Angels wings, a $2 million fantasy bra worn by Brazilian model Lais Ribeiro and a custom Swarovski look for Swedish model Elsa Hosh. Designed by Kirk Maxson for Sanne Vloet's wings were made with 2,300 olive leaves and 25,000 Swarovski crystals.
This great event which the biggest fashion show ever produced in Asia cost more than $50 million to the prestigious lingerie brand that once again presented the best fashion show of the year. On Wednesday, November 29, all the Olivier Rousteing's designs for Victoria's Secret will be available for sale.