Victoria’s Secret has always understood the power of an OG. Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Heidi Klum—these women became synonymous with the brand, their faces as recognizable as the wings and bombshell bras themselves. For years, keeping a beloved Angel around past the fashion industry’s notoriously short shelf life was less an act of rebellion as it was a smart business decision. They were bankable, iconic, and capable of making a glittery bra and costumey wings into a cultural event. But at the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, the OGs, now all women of a certain age, were the absolute pinnacle of the viewing experience.
It’s one thing to bring back a familiar face for a nostalgia hit; it’s another to embrace the idea that sexiness doesn’t expire. It was absolutely refreshing to see the mix of seasoned faces amid the younger ones.
And VS isn’t the only one hitting this mark recently. Mature models are increasingly appearing on major runways. Designers are revisiting familiar faces, casting cultural icons, and recognizing that a compelling woman doesn’t suddenly become less interesting after 30 or after her kids grow out of the toddler phase. (For what it’s worth, motherhood was a huge theme of the show last year, and this year we did also see a six-week postpartum Barbara Palvin.)
