Reality television personality and cosmetics mogul Kylie Jenner made her runway debut for Victoria’s Secret on Sunday night, stepping onto the catwalk in a custom $50 million Fantasy Bra during the brand’s fashion show at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California.
The appearance marked the return of the lavish, gem-studded piece after an eight-year hiatus, according to Business Insider. Created in partnership with luxury jeweler Jacob & Co., the piece stands as the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever produced by the lingerie retailer. It features an array of 4,410 natural diamonds anchored by a central 75-carat radiant-cut yellow diamond, requiring more than 1,000 hours of craftsmanship by 15 artisans, Fox News and Radar Online reported.
Praise and Backstage Discontent
Jenner’s selection for the presentation’s marquee look drew immediate attention both in the arena and across social media. Watching from the audience were her mother, Kris Jenner, and her boyfriend, actor Timothée Chalamet. On social media, Jenner described the evening as an unforgettable moment, while her sister Kendall Jenner praised her look online.
Victoria’s Secret Chief Creative Officer Adam Selman defended the casting, telling Vogue that the 29-year-old businesswoman “really extends beyond fashion, beyond culture, beyond TV, beyond one singular thing.” He added that the large-scale production is focused on entertainment, calling Jenner a compelling catalyst for that mission.
However, the Daily Mail reported that the closely guarded decision surprised veteran catwalk figures backstage. According to an unnamed source cited by the outlet, several established models felt frustrated that the evening’s centerpiece went to a social media entrepreneur who is not a full-time runway model, rather than long-serving Angels such as Candice Swanepoel or Elsa Hosk. Hosk had previously worn the last Fantasy Bra featured by the company in 2018.
Online Debate Over Runway Standards
Online viewers also shared sharp criticisms of Jenner’s appearance. Radar Online reported that numerous commentators on social media questioned Victoria’s Secret for overlooking experienced supermodels in favor of Jenner, with several users criticizing what they characterized as surgical enhancements and debating whether cosmetic procedures belong at the center of the brand’s aesthetic.
Despite the chatter, Jenner was joined on the catwalk by several prominent figures, including Bella Hadid, who opened the presentation, as well as Gigi Hadid, Alessandra Ambrosio, Adriana Lima, and model Barbara Palvin, who walked just six weeks after welcoming her first child. Musical performances throughout the evening included sets from Tate McRae, Megan Thee Stallion, Megan Moroney, and Katseye.
The Los Angeles event represented the latest effort by Victoria’s Secret Chief Executive Officer Hillary Super to revitalize the label’s heritage after canceling its traditional shows in 2019 and reintroducing runway formats two years ago, Business Insider reported. Representatives for Jenner, Hosk, and Swanepoel did not publicly respond to requests for comment regarding the backstage atmosphere.
