Fashion Voyeur

People will stare, make it worth their while.

Categories: Fashion, Models, Uncategorized

Elsa Hosk to Wear the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra

You know that saying “you look a million dollars”?  Well Elsa Hosk is about to become the very embodiment of that saying when she takes to the runway in the $1million Fantasy Bra.  The Swedish Victoria’s Secret Angel is consistent and her effort’s have earned her her wings pretty quickly; she started with the brand in 2011 as a Pink Ambassador and by 2014 she’d been given her wings and earned the Angel title.  This girl is a grafter, even Red Bull can’t give a girl wings that fast.  In 2016 she opened the Paris show and in 2017 she was given the Swarovski outfit, something it’s widely known that all the girls compete for.  Looking at those stats, all of the signs were there, 2018 was always going to be Hosk’s year.

Elsa Hosk has been selected to wear the 2018 Dream Angels Fantasy Bra this month when the Angels take to the stage for the hotly anticipated Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York.  she’s a favourite amongst the Victorias Secret models, with fans and other Angels taking to social media to praise the brand’s choice for 2018.

“This is the Fantasy Bra!  Holy shit!  It’s one of the most beautiful fantasy bras I’ve ever seen in my career and it fits my personal style so well. It’s very understated, but glamorous, it has a real ’90s throwback vibe to it and it’s all diamonds, which is perfect for me!”  Elsa Hosk on seeing her Fantasy Bra for the first time

The 2018 Dream Angels Fantasy Bra was designed by Swarovski and features over 21,000 diamonds with the centre piece alone weighing over 71 carats.  Valued at a cool $1 million, the bralette took four master craftsmen over 930 hours to create, and at no point was Hosk allowed to see what was being created for her until the grand unveiling.  On show day Hosk will also wear a matching Swarovski by Cristopher Kane body chain and bangles and in a first for Victoria’s Secret, customers will be able to purchase a specially produced replica version of the Fantasy Bra a much cheaper scale ($250) which will be available from November 29th.

Personally I feel like this style is a little more relatable, I mean these are show pieces created in a fake environment designed to draw the viewer into a fantasy land which is probably a little outdated now.  Everyone knows it and the Victoria’s Secret sales figures reflect this, but the brand seems to be making small steps in the right direction, it’s just whether they can do enough in the time they have available to begin draw in the right clientele.  Of course none of that has anything at all to do with the Fantasy Bra, or Elsa Hosk which are both freaking amazing no matter what…

Pixie

Categories: Fashion, Models, Uncategorized

Up Close & Personal at Victoria’s Secret

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is a huge deal in any fashion lover’s calendar, it’s become an unmissable fixture owing to its unobtainable glamour, its Angels old and new and those world famous wings.  The show has come a long way since it made its debut in New York showing little more than affordable basic pieces to the full blown spectacle it is today.

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Whilst you might be familiar with the show itself and be able reel off the names of its most famous assets, did you also know that some of those famous costumes are actually available to view up close and in person?  I was invited along to the newly refurbished and extended Victoria’s Secret Bond Street store in London to find out more.

The costumes and wings that aren’t repurposed and made into new pieces are held in a secret ‘Trophy Room” before being put on display.  Each piece is fitted to a mannequin in its original form before being adjusted for fit (some of them have to be made bigger to fit classic mannequin proportions) and assigned a tag which includes details of which show it was featured in, its wearer, and their home town.  These pieces tour the few flagship Victoria’s Secret stores for fans and wannabe Angels to visit and they’re only in each location for a limited amount of time before moving on to their next temporary home.

VS Traveller
VS Bejewelled

If you’re looking to feast your eyes on the best outfits from the most recent Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in person the you need to head to the flagship store on Fifth Avenue, New York.  With it’s secret Retrospective museum that tales up the whole third floor of the store, it’s the next best thing to a front row seat at the show.  In there you’ll find not only the outfits but a roster of every model to ever walk the show, and a set of ‘wall wings’ for your very own turn as a VS Angel, on Instagram at least.

Currently the Bond Street store is home to the show stopping outfits shown in Paris as well as a few other famous pieces from years gone by, if you’re looking for the Fantasy Bra section however then you’re headed for disappointment as these multi million dollar ensembles are put up for sale for a period of twelve months and if they aren’t sold, they’re broken down and repurposed.  Yes really.

Worn by Bella Hadid in Paris 2016
Worn by Bella Hadid in Paris 2016
Worn by Karlie Kloss in London 2014
Worn by Taylor Swift to perform in London 2014

So, what can you see at the Bond Street store?  Well, sadly you won’t be given access to the Trophy Room but in store you’ll be able to view iconic pieces from the Victoria’s Secret Hall of Fame such as Bella Hadid’s jewel encrusted two-piece with wings from the 2016 Paris Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and Karlie Kloss‘ controversial Tinkerbell wings from the 2014 show in London.  You’ll find Taylor Swift’s iconic Union Jack performance costume from the 2014 London show as well as some London themed accessories which were crafted specially for the show including white gloves and some fabulous “crown jewels” that you might have otherwise missed.

Gilded Angels 2014
2014 crown Jewels
VS Loves Kimono

If you’ve already visited the Bond Street store, you’ll know that the windows are filled with some of the more iconic (but less valuable) creations to appear in the show, these are moved once a year and no matter when you choose to visit, you’ll always find someone there photographing this awesome collection of bespoke, one of a kind couture.  Because that’s exactly what it is.  These pieces have been worn for a super limited number of times, and aren’t likely to be worn again, unless Ed Razek is planning some sort of Victoria’s Secret Greatest Hits / Alumni show at some point in the future – now how awesome would that be?!  I think I might be on to something here Voyeurs….

Pixie

Categories: Fashion, Models, Uncategorized

Victoria’s Secret fashion Show 2017

Well it took a year in the making, three months of hype and god only knows how many hours of Training Like an Angel but the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show finally hit Shanghai and the VS Angels slayed every inch of the glittering runway.

After a disastrous pre-show fortnight and the loss of six models from the roster due to visa issues, for a little while the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was in trouble but watching the show, you’d never have guessed it.  Rumours rumbled on about the performers for the show and after Taylor Swift was ruled out, then Katy Perry was banned from Shanghai, it seemed that Harry Styles might be up there on his own.  In fact, he might as well have been, at the final hour, a pretty sketchy list of four performers was pulled together and you only need to watch the pre-show highlights to see that the focus was on Styles and the others were just there to make up the numbers.

Group shot of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Class of 2017

So whilst 2017 was definitely not a highlight in terms of performers, it was the year that Victoria’s Secret stepped into the mainstream.  Making moves on the fashion industry has been high on the brand’s agenda for some time now and a partnership with Balmain on an exclusive runway and in-store collection was the boldest move to date by the lingerie giant.  We also saw the largest number of non-white models on the Victoria’s Secret runway so far indicating that the brand is embracing inclusivity.  Gone is the signature Angel look of the noughties, doe-eyed, blonde tousled waves and white skin, 2017’s Angel is anyone and everyone – providing they have a teeny tiny rock hard body of course.

If you’re a fan of the show then you’ve no doubt already watched it online, if not then you’ll have to wait until early December if your in the UK when it hits E4.  Either way you’re bound to have heard that for the first time ever, a model fell on the runway.  But it wasn’t all about the fall, whilst the gasps of the audience were audible, it’s what happened next that was incredible; as Ming Xi took a tumble slipping on her own cape, she smiled ear to ear, picked herself up with the help of a passing model and walked the rest of the runway to rapturous applause and the biggest smile of the show.  Not the greatest way to make history in the show, but definitely the most admirably recovered.

But you’re just here for the pictures right?  Well there are so many gorgeous images from the most colourful Victoria’s Show yet, and so many memorable moments.  From the awkward moment that nobody at all missed Gigi (Huffy) Hadid or Kendall Jenner, though to the moment veteran Victoria’s Secret Angel Alessandra Ambrosio announced her imminent retirement with a heartfelt speech, the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was awesome for all the right reasons.  More real, more current and more vibrant than ever before (we’ll just gloss over the performers for now and hope for better from 2018), it’s time the fashion industry sat up and took notice of this powerhouse….

Pixie x

Categories: Beauty, Fashion, Models, Uncategorized

Karlie Kloss Confirmed for VS Fashion Show 2017

Hold the phones Voyeurs, remember we said we had a feeling Klossy would be breaking her hiatus to make a return to the runway for the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?  Well goddammit we were right!  If you’re catching up on all things Victoria’s secret fashion Show 2017 then there’s also posts ‘What We Know So Far‘ and ‘Hailey Baldwin for VS Fashion Show 2017‘ to read, so get caught up!

Gilded Angel

Set to break her retirement and don her wings once again, glamazon Karlie Kloss has been confirmed for the 2017 VS Fashion Show.  Spotted leaving a fitting in NYC this morning the model was spotted with strap like marks on her calves and shins suggesting she’ll be wearing those signature gladiator style heeled boots in the show.  Having last walked for the lingerie label in their 2014 London Fashion Show (I was there, read my report here), Klossy hung up her wings to concentrate on fashion projects and her ‘Code with Karlie’ Academy.  Now, after the shortest retirement (and probable huge case of FOMO) in VS Angel history, she’s back for more!

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Kloss has been through something of a transformation since she last walked the VS Fashion Show in 2014, with uber bleached hair and more piercings she’s definitely pushing her off duty look in a more urban direction.  We all remember THAT haircut that propelled her to superstar status and was the inspiration for this piece), in fact, her turn on the 2012 VS Fashion Show runway was one of the most memorable given that most VS Angels have to have below collar-bone length hair.  Kloss changed that, she gave the label street cred and urban appeal alongside as its own signature glamour.

At 6ft 1″ Karlie Kloss is one of the VS Angels at the taller end of the scale, the average and most preferred height for the show is 5’10” so she already stands out.  Personally I’m psyched about seeing her back on the runway for Victoria’s Secret, she doesn’t look like the typical VS angel (in a good way) and that’s a great way of bringing in younger fans and followers from non traditional VS tribes.  When Kloss moves on the runway she moves like a swan, she’s typical high fashion stock and an awesome fashion model.  She can be sexy, goofy, serious – all in the blink of an eye and whilst this may sound like a bi-polar quality, in modelling it’s priceless.

There’s just one thing I ask, Please Ed, let’s see Klossy with short hair on the runway again, and I’m gonna put it out there right now Voyeurs, I reckon we might just see Klossy in the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra…..

Pixie xo

 

 

Categories: Fashion, Models, Uncategorized

Introducing The 2016 VS Fashion Show Rookies

We know that it’s just days until the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show takes place at Paris’ Grand Palais, home to the famous Chanel runway show during Paris Fashion Week and with it come a whole new pack of Angels for us to adore.

That’s right Voyeurs, the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will feature eighteen rookies and it’s all part of a plan masterminded by Ed Razek to win back fans and viewers after 2015’s slump.

We’ve all seen the casting videos for the show but who’s earned their wings?  Lets find out…

1.Bella Hadid

Everyone in the world knows that Bella made it through the process and will appear on the runway.  In lingerie.  With her recent ex-boyfriend performing live.  And her sister, who is rumoured to be pissed about the whole thing.  Awks.

2. Alanna Arrington

Super in demand runway model whose stock is rising.  With every runway season Arrington grows in popularity, if you think she looks familiar that’s because she was a regular fixture on the runways of NYC, London, Paris and Milan during Fashion Month SS17.

3. Brooke Perry

Hailing from Montana, Perry is the quintessential girl next door.  She’s been the face of Victoria’s Secret Pink  for just over a year now so was an easy choice for the VS Fashion Show.

4. Camille Rowe

Another girl already familiar to Victoria’s Secret having featured in several of the brands lingerie campaigns and instore visuals.  Looks a little like Behati Prinsloo no?

5. Dilone

Dilone is a force to be reckoned with in the modelling industry.  Ruling the runway by day and rapping by night, that’s right Voyeurs, this girls got skills!  She brings the cool points as the urban choice for the VS Fashion Show

6. Georgia Fowler

New Zealand born Fowler has tried out for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show five times already and cried for two straight days when she found out she’d made it through.

7. Grace Elizabeth

A regular in Vogue, this rising star covers both commercial and editorial modelling work, something only a few can do well.

8. Herieth Paul

You’ll recognise her from the Maybelline New York campaign, she’s no stranger to modelling with six years of experience under her belt.

9. Irina Shayk

As famous for her love life as she is for her modelling career, Shayk is no stranger to the runway.  Famously binned Ronaldo for Bradley Cooper, well, you would wouldn’t you?

10. Jourdana Elizabeth

A recent change to Jourdana’s appearance has seen her propelled into the limelight, much the same as when Karlie Kloss cut off her long locks, Jourdana sheared her long dark curls, reached for the bleach and earned herself a spot in Antony Vaccarello’s first runway show for Saint Laurent.

11. Keke Lindgard

A regular on the campaign circuit, Keke has already appeared in major billboard campaigns for DKNY, Gucci and Ralph Lauren, the Victoria’s Secret gig looks set to push her into the mainstream.

12. Lais Oliveira

Another Brazilian beauty joins the line up, already a regular in the Victoria’s Secret catalogue, Oliveira has dreamt of donning the famous wings since she was 13 years old, which, coincidentally is when her modelling career began.

13. Lameka Fox

Only 18 years old, Fox was scouted through the Instagram We Love Your Genes campaign.  Since then she’s walked the runways of major designers such as Burberry, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger and Miu Miu.  She also opened the SS17 Yeezy runway show.

14. Luma Grothe

Brazilian, beautiful and with cheekbones and brows to die for.  Convinced by a friend to enter a local modelling competition the rest is history.  Grothe is currently a L’Oreal spokesmodel and has featured in a Dolce & Gabbana billboard campaign.

15. Maggie Laine

After being spotted on FaceBook Maggie was given a model contract and said at the time that she’d set herself a goal of walking the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.  Achieved within two years, this all American girl looks set to go far.

16. Megan Williams

Williams needs no introduction, already known for being a Guess Girl, British born Williams regularly appears in Sports Illustrated.  She’s no stranger to getting her kit off.

17. Xiao-Wen Ju

In July 2012 Ju was ranked 22 on the models.com Top 50 Models list, she’s a seasoned pro and has already walked for Thierry Mugler, Luis Vuitton, Prada, Dior and Kenzo.

18. Zuri Tibby

The first black model for Victoria’s Secret Pink line, Tibby is fun loving and fresh looking.  She was discovered in a shopping mall and says that walking the VS Fashion Show is a dream come true.

So there we have it, a record number of eighteen new recruits have earned their wings in the Class of 2016 and you can watch the full show in early December.  If you’re in the US, CBS will screen the show at 10pm on Tuesday December 8th.  While the UK will have to wait an extra day to catch up on Wednesday December 9th when the show will air on 4Music at 9pm.

In the meantime, if you just can’t wait and need a little VS fix, check out my posts on the 2014 VS Fashion Show, The History of the Fantasy Bra, and Everything we know so far about VSFS 2016.

Ciao for now!

Pixie xo

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