Latinas Dominate Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2025
New York City recently hosted a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show that will be remembered as a landmark event, not only for the return of the iconic spectacle but also for its powerful celebration of Latin talent and beauty.
Colombian singer Karol G spearheaded this evolution, making history as the first artist to perform a dual role: delivering an electrifying performance and gracing the runway with wings, symbolizing the brand's new era of inclusivity.
Alongside her, the runway showcased a constellation of Latina stars. Legends like Brazilian icons Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio made triumphant returns, adding a touch of timeless glamour. Meanwhile, rising star Valentina Castro showcased the dynamism of Colombia's next generation of models.
This year's show served as a powerful reminder that Latinas aren't just participants; they dominate the stage. While the event featured globally recognized models like Gigi and Bella Hadid, the night unequivocally belonged to the strength and influence of Latina women, who claimed a space historically reserved for a predominantly Anglo-Saxon aesthetic.
Even before Missy Elliott took the stage and the Hadid sisters walked the runway, the tone had been set: this was going to be a fashion show unlike any other. With its bold commitment to diversity and brilliance, Latinas planted their flag firmly under the spotlight of the year's most anticipated show.
Karol G ignited the crowd's enthusiasm as the first Latina headliner on this renowned stage. She performed her hits, dressed in a dazzling red catsuit with sheer panels, a slit skirt, and wings that punctuated her powerful performance. After her captivating show, she reappeared on the runway, solidifying a symbolic moment in the fashion show's history.
Joan Smalls, proudly Puerto Rican, returned to the role of Angel with grace and international presence, reminding us that Latinas have been leaving their mark on Victoria's Secret for years. Additionally, Mexican model Elsa Benítez, along with other Latina legends such as Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Lais Ribeiro, and Barbara Fialho, continue to be influential figures in the brand's Latina legacy.
This cultural richness extended behind the scenes, with bolder makeup choices, shimmering details on lips and cheekbones, and styling that celebrated Latin American nuances, aligning with the show's futuristic vision.
The fashion show's return aimed to reinvent itself with inclusivity and boldness; this year's edition amplified that commitment. By placing Latina figures at the heart of the spectacle, the brand not only responded to cultural shifts but visually led the way.
This Latina leadership, however, isn't confined to the runway. On social media, images of Karol G wearing wings in Spanish went viral. Many observers interpreted it as a clear message: Spanish, Latin rhythms, and mestizo aesthetics are no longer just an option; they're the emerging standard.
However, for this momentum to have a lasting impact, concrete actions must follow: greater Latina representation in campaigns, inclusion of Latin American designers, and authentic celebration of our roots that extends beyond a one-night show.
This particular Victoria's Secret Fashion Show didn't close doors; it opened them. Latinas didn't come to simply complement; they came to redefine. With their holistic presence—on stage, backstage, in viral moments—they demonstrated that they deserve the leading role.
For the Latin community in the U.S., this fashion show is a tangible reminder: the worlds of fashion and entertainment will become increasingly inclusive.
