Fashion
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Gift Guide
The 2014 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show finally premiered last night and it was absolutely everything the sneak peeks said it would be. I would know, considering I watched it three times. All in the name of research, my friends. All in the name of research. It is all too fitting that the event took place in London because the full show was regal — basically a dream world of fluffy tulle, glittery rhinestones, luxurious laces and, of course, magnificent wings. Supermodels and beautifully modern lingerie were also highlighted with some killer musical performances by not only Taylor Swift, but also Ed Sheeran, Ariana Grande and Hozier — the combination of which captured the current zeitgeist and solidified the lingerie giant's cool-factor.
Obviously, Swift was something special, her debut of Style only one-upped by her angel-like black lace ensemble and runway walk with Karlie Kloss. She also had an adorable interaction with Alessandra Ambrosio on stage and since the Brazilian bombshell is angel royalty (seriously, like the Beyonce of the lingerie world), I'd say Swift is officially part of the family. Hozier's performance was certainly one of the most musically impactful of the night; and then there was that time he casually waved at Lindsay Ellington like she was the neighbor lady grabbing her newspaper (which was super cute). Needless to say, the team at Victoria's Secret pulled off another show like only they could, and one that was definitely fit for London.
While there were a lot of great moments, the spotlight still shown bright on the lingerie — because some things simply can't be outdone. I personally think the bras and panties stole the show this year, with Victoria's Secret's new designer collection having a truly spectacular moment. It's a little pricey, but hey. You were good this year, right? You deserve something bright, shiny and lacey under your tree.
The various themes of the show were expertly styled with pieces from both staple collections and new ventures for the brand, but epic nature of the show aside, how do you know which items the ladies actually wore?! Victoria's Secret has started breaking down all the runway looks on their website, both a brilliant marketing move and a great service to shoppers. But below are my thoughts on the top looks of the night. From Behati Prinsloo opening the show to Kloss kicking off the finale, I present you with a field guide to the VS Fashion Show, full of gifts perfect for any of the angels on your list this year!
FOR THE GILDED ANGEL:
The first Gilded Angel to set foot on the runway looking gorgeously golden was Prinsloo, and she killed it. Candice Swanepoel, however, was hot on her heels in one of my very favorite bras of the night. The perfect cross between ethereal angels and Greek goddesses, the ladies made an eye-opening entrance, showing off pieces sure to be coveted by angels who like a little opulence.
Very Sexy Push-Up Bra, $48-82, victoriassecret.com
Karlie Kloss glides across the stage in her golden wings, showing off the new lace and tulle Dream Angels Bra.
Dream Angels Lace & Tulle Push-Up Bra, $80-90, victoriassecret.com
Dream Angels Lace-Trim Cheekini Panty, $13-15, victoriassecret.com
FOR THE DREAMER:
Taylor Swift may have opened the "Dream Girls" section with "Blank Space" in the prettiest pink pajamas, but Doutzen Kroes was the main event. It's hard to outshine an angel, especially a dream angel. While TSwift sang, the ladies of the dream theme took their turn on the catwalk in some of the most traditionally feminine lingerie of the evening, boasting a soft pink color palette, tulle and rhinestones in all the right places and beautiful black contrast laces. Kroes' look was the winner in my mind, the tulle bows and pale pink lace making the perfect gift for the girliest angel.
Dream Angels Embellished Plunge Bra, $78-98, victoriassecret.com
Dream Angels Embellished Tulle V-String Panty, $28, victoriassecret.com
FOR THE EXOTIC TRAVELER:
Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima dazzled as the million-dollar bra duo, starting the "Exotic Traveler" segment off on a bejeweled note and paving the way for bright colors and super sexy silhouettes. Ed Sheeran, who was arguably the happiest man in London last Tuesday evening, drew us into the multi-cultural myriad of color while singing "Thinking Out Loud." The rich color scheme allowed the designer Chantilly lace collection to have a standout moment, while swagger came in the form of a limited edition Very Sexy Push-Up bra. All looks begging to be worn by an adventurous angel.
Designer Collection Chantilly Lace Demi Bra, $198, victoriassecret.com
Designer Collection Chantilly Lace V-String Panty, $98, victoriassecret.com
Channeling an exotic locale, Jourdan Dunn shows off the new limited edition Very Sexy Push-Up Bra and V-String Panty.
Very Sexy Limited Edition Push-Up Bra, $60-62, victoriassecret.com
Very Sexy Scandalous V-String Panty, $19, victoriassecret.com
FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF PINK GIRL:
PINK made collegiate fresh, yet again, with a bevy of looks that took sport chic to the next level. Sure, Elsa Hosk may have wing-whacked Ariana Grande, but more importantly, she embodied a PINK superhero. The design team has mastered metallics, giving their core zip hoodie an upgrade, and channeled old-school logo styling for a racerback bra and panty set that will be on every PINK girl's wish list.
PINK Logo Racerback Bra, $20, victoriassecret.com
PINK Logo Cheekster Panty, $11, victoriassecret.com
PINK Full Zip Hoodie, $90, victoriassecret.com
FOR THE FAIRYTALE ANGEL:
The angels took us into the woods when they transformed into fairies, showing us a magical collection. Hozier lent a haunting aura to a segment full of whimsical lingerie with his performance of "Take Me To Church" that would prove to be cooly contradictory. The unlined laces that donned the angel fairies are both shimmery and sultry, making excellent gifts for angels who are both sweet and seductive.
Designer Collection Unlined Lace Demi, $198-258, victoriassecret.com
Designer Collection Lace Cheekini, $98-198, victoriassecret.com
FOR THE ANGEL BALL:
Taylor Swift debuted "Style" with BFF Karlie Kloss, kicking off what proved to be a bombshell finale. Not only would it be cliche to say Lily Aldridge was the belle of the angel ball, it would also be inaccurate because Aldridge was fierce, channeling her husband's rockstar persona in a glam meets edgy balconet bra. This brilliant bombshell look carried through the finale collection, ending the night on a dark and dreamy note with Kloss stunning in a designer black lace teddy. If you're in the market for something a little racier than a bra and panty combo this holiday, you have found the piece de resistance.
Very Sexy Long Line Push-Up Balconet Bra, $58-65, victoriassecret.com
Karlie Kloss kicked off the finale with Taylor Swift in a black lace teddy and dramatic cape.
Designer Collection Embellished Lace Teddy, $258, victoriassecret.com
Overall, the designs and the dream world that was created to support them were so spectacular we could likely swoon over them for months to come. But, nobody has time for that! There are only 14 shopping days until Christmas, so let's get shopping for something sexy!
Happy Holidays, Angels!
Images: Getty; Victoria's Secret