Who Opens the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

The Opening Role at the VS Fashion Show

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has featured a range of opening acts across its history, from celebrity guests and musicians to returning models who set the tone for the iconic runway. The person who opens the show is selected to anchor the visual narrative and introduce the first segment, often reflecting the show’s thematic direction that season. While early editions leaned heavily on mainstream stars to broaden appeal, later shows emphasized brand-centric storytelling with returning faces and high-impact performers aligned with the lingerie and fashion elements.

How the Opening Role Is Chosen

Casting for the opening position involves collaboration between Victoria’s Secret executives, creative directors, producers, and the show’s choreographers. The priority is a candidate who can embody the desired mood—whether that’s high energy, elegance, or theatrical spectacle—while also fitting the show’s production requirements such as runway presence and comfort with complex staging. The brand balances audience draw with symbolic meaning, often selecting individuals who reinforce the fantasy and empowerment narrative the show aims to project.

Variety in Opening Talent

Over the years, the opening role has been filled by a diverse mix of musicians, actors, and models. Musicians have frequently led the show with high-energy performances, leveraging their catalog and star power to set an immediate tone. Meanwhile, well-known actors and long-time Victoria’s Secret Angels have occasionally opened segments or the entire show, serving as bridges between fashion and mainstream entertainment. The specific assignments vary by edition, guided by creative vision, availability, and how each talent aligns with the season’s storyline.

Notable Openers and Defining Moments

Certain openings have become memorable due to their scale, surprise elements, or cultural relevance. These moments often coincide with major musical performances and elaborate set pieces, reinforcing the show’s status as a global televised event. Recurring names appear across different eras, underscoring how individual personalities can become synonymous with the spectacle itself. Documenting these choices helps trace how the brand’s image and casting priorities shifted over time.

Illustrative Timeline of Opening Choices

Behind the Scenes and Production Considerations

Choosing who opens the show requires detailed logistical planning, including choreography, timing, and integration with lighting, sound, and set design. Performers must navigate complex runway layouts while maintaining the energy expected of a global broadcast. Rehearsals are extensive to ensure that entrances, costume changes, and cues align seamlessly. The brand also evaluates how each opener will translate on camera, balancing close-up aesthetics with wide-shot spectacle.

Coordination Factors

• Runway flow and camera blocking to highlight key talent
• Music synchronization and staging complexity
• Timing within the broader show sequence
• Talent comfort with live television and large-scale production

The Evolving Role of the Opener in Brand Storytelling

As the Victoria’s Secret brand recalibrates its identity, the function of the opener has shifted from pure star power toward deeper narrative integration. Recent approaches favor cohesive storytelling where the first moments establish character arcs and thematic throughlines for the entire show. This evolution reflects broader changes in fashion show formats, with a focus on inclusivity, diverse representation, and audience connection beyond traditional celebrity appeal.

Strategic Goals for Present and Future Openers

• Set an immediate emotional or visual hook for viewers
• Signal the collection’s inspiration and key motifs
• Balance star visibility with brand-centric messaging
• Enable flexible casting aligned with season concepts

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the same person open every show? No, the opener varies by edition based on creative direction, availability, and production needs.
• Are Victoria’s Secret Angels always the opener? Angels have opened segments historically, but musical performers and other guests are also common openers.
• How is the opener chosen? Through collaboration among creative leads, producers, and brand stakeholders aligned with each season’s narrative and production logistics.
• Has the opener role changed over time? Yes, the focus has moved from broad celebrity appeal to tighter integration with show storytelling and brand evolution.
• Can fans influence who opens the show? While fan sentiment matters in broader marketing decisions, casting is primarily driven by creative and production criteria.

Conclusion

The identity of who opens the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show reflects a blend of talent, timing, and narrative intent. By balancing star power with brand alignment, the opener establishes the tone for an event designed to resonate globally. As production approaches new models for engagement, the role will continue to adapt—shaped by audience expectations, performance logistics, and the ongoing transformation of the fashion show itself.