It’s that time of year again. The fashion equivalent of the Super Bowl, if you will. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned, and with it, the Angels descended once more.

And where better for the glitterati to put down roots than the City of Angels itself? Historically a New York affair, this year Los Angeles became the backdrop against which the Angels stormed the runway. Heaven, it seems, has a new postcode.

With musical performances from Megan Moroney, KATSEYE, Tate McRae and Megan Thee Stallion, the line-up was nothing short of stacked, which begged the question: is Victoria’s Secret well and truly back? 

By now, the show has become something of a cultural spectacle, perhaps even more so than a fashion one. With the public already tuning in to Victoria’s Secret’s Angels Among Us, there was an added layer of pressure to get it right. The global search invited women from around the world to throw their hats—or halos—into the ring for the opportunity to become an angel and secure a signing with IMG Models. 

Thousands auditioned, but only three finalists made the cut: Solange Omon, Andreína Martínez Fournier, and Tatyana Tinsley. Viewers were promised a winner on the night, and, amidst a soundtrack that could only be described as heavenly, it was Omon who took her new wings for a spin; and an Angel was born. 

Every level of angel, every iteration of fantasy. The names we are becoming increasingly familiar with:  Yasmin Wijnaldum, Alex Consani, Anok Yai, Paloma Elsesser, Precious Lee, commanded the catwalk with an effortless finesse. 

Bella Hadid opened the show as a floral dream, while Gigi Hadid delivered her trademark smirk. And, of course, Barbara Palvin returned to the runway just six weeks after welcoming her first daughter.

For all the new talent, the Victoria’s Secret heavyweights were not forgotten. Candace Swanepoel, Jasmine Tookes, Liu Wen, Irina Shayk, Joan Smalls and Elsa Hosk made for a legendary line-up. And after 16 years away, British bombshell Rosie Huntington-Whiteley made her grand return to the runway, proving that some names are simply synonymous with wings. 

The show’s pioneers also took to the catwalk: Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio brought a combined 41 years of experience, joined by seasoned veteran Doutzen Kroes.

Then, three-quarters of the way into the show, came a name not often seen in conjunction with a catwalk. Or, more specifically, a first name not often seen on this catwalk. 

Kylie Jenner. 

As the stage lit up to the sound of JADE’s Angel of My Dreams, Jenner was front and center in the Fantasy Bra. Created in partnership with Jacob & Co., the crystal-encrusted bra was valued at a cool $50 million. Supported by boyfriend Timothée Chalamet and momager, Kris Jenner, Kylie really was the angel of our dreams. 

The show also welcomed internet superstar, Quenlin Blackwell, Natalia Bryant and soccer star Trinity Rodman. Victoria’s Secret brought together women from every (cat)walk of life. 

Which brings us back to our original question: Is Victoria’s Secret well and truly back? 

One glance at this year’s show and you’ll have your answer. 

All images courtesy of Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret