The annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its Asia debut in Shanghai Monday night. The epic show was the most diverse in its 22-year history with models from across the globe, including a record number from China, hitting the runway.
CGTN Digital was backstage during the hair and makeup preparations and got a chance to speak with some of the models.
Model He Sui in the Victoria’s Secret Show in Shanghai. /Photo from Victoria’s Secret
“No other runway show can match Victoria’s Secret,” model He Sui told CGTN Digital.
Among the new faces adding to the historic show was newcomer Estelle Chen, a model from France of Chinese descent. "There’s like so many nationalities so I am really happy about that especially since it’s in Shanghai. I think they've never been before to China," she said. "So it is great so many diverse models are walking."
The models were not the only ones in the spotlight at Shanghai’s Mercedes-Benz Arena. The night’s musical lineup included pop singer Harry Styles and R & B singer Miguel along with "Hamilton" musical cast member Leslie Odom Jr and China superstar Jane Zhang.
When the spotlights illuminated the runway, the 55 supermodels made sure they captivated fans with 87 different looks.
Model Estelle Chen in the Victoria’s Secret Show in Shanghai. /Photo from Victoria’s Secret
The models presented six major themes – Nomadic Adventure, Goddesses, Winter’s tale, Porcelain Angels, Punk Angels and Millennial Nation.
Brazilian model Lais Ribeiro was chosen to wear this year’s opulent two million US dollar fantasy bra laced with diamonds, sapphires and blue topaz in 18-karat gold.
"It was a surprise for me, so I cried a lot," she told CGTN Digital backstage. "It was a lot of emotions at the same time I was very proud of myself, very thankful."
Model Lais Ribeiro wearing ‘fantasy bra” in the Victoria’s Secret Show in Shanghai. /Photo from Victoria’s Secret
A number of celebrities in attendance for one of fashion’s biggest nights raved over their China visit.
"I think this has been amazing," actor Godfrey Gao told CGTN Digital on the show’s pink carpet.
Even Victoria’s Secret models gushed over their China experience. "I've been here for 10 days. Thank God, I had a chance to see a lot of stuff," Ribeiro said. "My dad and brother are here too. The city is so beautiful."
Ribeiro said she was fascinated by China’s rich heritage. "The thing I like most was a tea ceremony. They were explaining to you what type of tea is used for what part of the body," she said. "We did a lot of stuff here so it was great. I love Shanghai."
