The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show saved its biggest surprise for last.
It wasn’t one of the famous Angels who wore the Fantasy Bra.
It was a reality star and beauty mogul making her runway debut.
And the bra she wore is the most valuable ever made.
The 2026 show took place at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, Los Angeles, on Sunday, 18 October.
In South Africa, it streamed live on YouTube in the early hours of Monday, 19 October.
KYLIE JENNER’S SURPRISE DEBUT
The night’s biggest moment came at the end of the show, when Kylie Jenner, 29, stepped onto the runway in the Fantasy Bra.
The diamond-covered piece is valued at $50 million (about R823 million), making it the most valuable Fantasy Bra ever made.
According to reports, Jenner is the first model outside the official Victoria’s Secret line-up to wear it.
She paired it with white angel wings, while boyfriend Timothée Chalamet and mom Kris Jenner watched from the audience.
THE RETURN OF THE FANTASY BRA
It’s the first time a Fantasy Bra has appeared on the runway since 2018, when Swedish model Elsa Hosk wore it.
The tradition dates back to 1996, when supermodel Claudia Schiffer wore the first one.
This year’s bra was created with a luxury jewellery house, and features diamonds in a range of shapes and sizes.
Its centrepiece is a yellow diamond, reportedly worth around $22 million (about R362 million).
Not everyone was impressed.
Some fans took to social media to question why the honour went to Jenner, rather than one of the show’s long-time models.
MZANSI’S ANGEL SHINES
South Africa had its own star on the runway.
Candice Swanepoel, who grew up in Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal, wore several looks during the show, including a gleaming gold number.
She walked alongside fellow Victoria’s Secret favourites, including Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio and Joan Smalls.
Other big names on the runway included Gigi Hadid, Ashley Graham, Paloma Elsesser, Anok Yai, Liu Wen and Alex Consani.
WHO PERFORMED AT THE VICTORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW?
The music was just as star-studded as the runway.
- Megan Thee Stallion performed her hit Body as models walked alongside her.
- Tate McRae performed Sports Car, and sang her new single Housewife live for the first time, as Gigi Hadid returned to the runway.
- KATSEYE brought the pop-star energy.
- Megan Moroney also performed.
WHO WAS IN THE AUDIENCE?
Besides Chalamet and Kris Jenner, the crowd included actress Nicole Kidman and singer Tinashe.
One notable absence was Kylie’s sister, Kendall Jenner, who has walked for Victoria’s Secret in the past.
A RETURN TO LOS ANGELES
This year’s show marked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show’s return to Los Angeles for the first time in 19 years.
It’s the third show since the brand relaunched its runway event in 2024, after a break of several years.
I’ll admit, I didn’t see the Kylie Jenner moment coming.
But my favourite part of the night? Seeing Candice Swanepoel on that runway, still flying the flag for Mzansi.
From Mooi River to Los Angeles, she’s proof that South African talent can shine on any stage.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENT FROM THE VICTORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW?
Let us know in the comments below…