Fashion Editorial Magic:
Let’s dive into something that’s always fascinated me about fashion—the way it turns into a story through editorial spreads and big runway moments. Fashion’s this wild, vibrant world where creativity runs free, and editorial spreads are like the ultimate playground for that. They mix art, style, and a whole lot of imagination to create something you can’t stop looking at. In this post, we’re going to zoom in on two standout events from the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and Chanel’s Airlines show—and explore how they brought storytelling, teamwork, and bold vibes to life. It’s a long one, so grab a coffee or a snack, and let’s get into it!
I’ve always loved how fashion can take you somewhere else, whether it’s flipping through a magazine or watching a runway clip online. Editorial spreads and shows like these aren’t just about clothes—they’re about building a world, pulling from the past and present, and giving you something to feel. Both Victoria’s Secret and Chanel put on displays that were pure creative gold, blending culture, fantasy, and a little edge. Let’s break down what made them so special and how they fit into that bigger editorial magic.
A Canvas for Creativity
Fashion editorial spreads are where designers, photographers, and stylists get to let loose, and Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a perfect example of that. Held in New York City, it aired later that December, and it was this massive celebration of glamour and fun. Picture this: 44 models strutting down a runway decked out in over-the-top lingerie, wings, and sparkles, with millions watching around the world. It wasn’t just a show—it was a visual feast that mixed fantasy with a bit of everyday charm, all wrapped up in that Victoria’s Secret vibe.
Then there’s Chanel’s Airlines show during Paris Fashion Week. Karl Lagerfeld turned the Grand Palais into a full-on airport terminal—think check-in counters, boarding signs, and models strolling through like they’re jetting off somewhere fabulous. It was high fashion with a twist, blending Chanel’s classic elegance with this playful, modern travel theme. Both events were like living editorial spreads—huge, bold canvases where every outfit, every pose, every detail told a piece of a story. They pulled from different worlds—Victoria’s Secret with its dreamy allure, Chanel with its chic sophistication—and made them feel alive and connected.
Telling Stories Through Style
What I love about these kinds of moments is how they weave tales without saying a word. The Victoria’s Secret show had six segments—Boho Psychedelic, Exotic Butterflies, Portrait of an Angel, Pink USA, Fireworks, and Ice Angels—each with its own mini-narrative. Take Exotic Butterflies—models like Behati Prinsloo rocked these colorful, fluttery looks with giant butterfly wings, turning the runway into this whimsical jungle vibe. It was fantasy dialed up to eleven, but it still felt personal, like you could imagine yourself in that playful, carefree headspace.
Chanel Airlines, on the other hand, spun a different kind of story—one about travel, luxury, and a jet-set lifestyle. Lagerfeld’s vision wasn’t just about showing off tweed suits and pearl necklaces; it was this whole airport fantasy where models like Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne strutted past “Chanel Airlines” signs in tailored jackets, wide-brimmed hats, and sleek skirts. It mixed the brand’s history—think Coco Chanel’s love for clean lines—with a futuristic twist, like you’re boarding a flight to somewhere glamorous. Both shows took clothes and turned them into characters in a bigger plot, bridging past vibes with what felt fresh and exciting .
A Team Effort That Shines
Behind every jaw-dropping moment in these shows was a crew of creative folks working together to make it happen. For Victoria’s Secret, you had executive producer Ed Razek calling the shots, alongside a team of stylists, makeup artists, and set designers who turned Lexington Avenue Armory into this dazzling wonderland. The Angels—like Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Candice Swanepoel—didn’t just walk; they brought the energy, working with choreographers to nail every step. Then there were the performers—Ellie Goulding, Selena Gomez, and The Weeknd—adding live music that synced up perfectly with each segment. Goulding stepped in last-minute for Rihanna, belting out “Love Me Like You Do” while models floated by in angel wings—it was chaos turned into magic.
Chanel’s Airlines show was just as much a group effort. Lagerfeld was the mastermind, but he had his usual squad—stylists picking out those iconic tweed looks, hair and makeup teams crafting sleek updos and bold lips, and a set crew building an airport from scratch. Models like Edie Campbell and Stella Tennant didn’t just wear the clothes—they played the part, strolling through the terminal with this cool, confident swagger. Everyone pitched in their own flair—whether it was a photographer catching the perfect angle or a designer tweaking a skirt—and that teamwork made both shows feel like a living, breathing editorial spread. It’s that mix of talents that takes an idea and turns it into something you can’t look away from.
Highlights That Stole the Show
Let’s zoom in on some standout moments because both events had scenes that felt straight out of a magazine spread. For Victoria’s Secret, Lily Aldridge wearing the Fireworks Fantasy Bra was a total highlight—$2 million worth of diamonds and gems, 6,500 of them, draped over a lingerie. She walked out in the Fireworks segment with these massive, glittery wings, and it was like the whole room lit up—literally and figuratively. Another gem was Selena Gomez performing “Hands to Myself” in the Pink USA segment, surrounded by younger models like Taylor Hill and Romee Strijd in sporty, flirty looks—it brought this fun, youthful energy that matched the vibe perfectly.
Over at Chanel Airlines, the set itself was a star—check-in desks with “Chanel” logos, departure boards, even a fake runway outside the Grand Palais. Kendall Jenner opened the show in a white tweed suit with a wide hat, looking like she was about to jet off to some chic destination, while Cara Delevingne closed it with this bold, travel-ready ensemble that screamed confidence. The models carried quilted luggage and rolled suitcases, turning the runway into this stylish airport scene. Both shows had these big, editorial-worthy moments—Victoria’s Secret with its fantasy sparkle, Chanel with its luxe travel tale—that showed off how fashion can tell a story in a single frame.
Pushing the Boundaries
These events weren’t afraid to shake things up, and that’s what makes editorial spreads and runway shows so exciting—they’re where fashion gets to experiment. Victoria’s Secret leaned hard into fantasy with those wings and over-the-top lingerie sets. The Ice Angels segment had models like Martha Hunt and Elsa Hosk in icy blue outfits with snowflake-inspired accessories, turning the runway into a winter dreamland. It was bold—some might say too much—but it worked because it wasn’t trying to be everyday wear; it was pure spectacle, pushing the limits of what lingerie could look like.
Chanel Airlines took a different tack, playing with this airport concept that was quirky but still classy. Lagerfeld mixed classic Chanel pieces—like tweed jackets and pearls—with modern travel gear, like metallic skirts and futuristic sunglasses. It wasn’t just about showing clothes; it was about building a whole aesthetic, a vibe that felt both nostalgic and forward-thinking. I’ve always loved how fashion can take a weird idea—like turning a runway into an airport—and make it cool, and both these shows nailed that. They weren’t playing it safe—they were stretching what a fashion narrative could be.
Bringing Everyone In
Another thing that ties these events to the editorial spread spirit is how they started nodding toward inclusivity, even back. Victoria’s Secret was still heavy on its Angels—tall, slim, mostly white models like Adriana Lima and Candice Swanepoel—but there were hints of change. Maria Borges made waves by walking with her natural hair, a short afro, breaking from the usual long, wavy look. She’s said she pushed for it because she wanted to show her real self, and it was a small but big step for a show known for a pretty narrow beauty standard.
Chanel’s Airlines spread didn’t go wild on diversity—it was still high fashion’s usual crowd—but it played with identity in its own way. The travel theme brought in this global feel, with models like Soo Joo Park adding a bit of cultural mix to the lineup. Lagerfeld’s vision was less about challenging norms and more about a universal jet-set fantasy, but it still felt like a step toward something broader. Both shows were part of a bigger shift—editorial spreads and runways starting to reflect more faces, more stories, even if it was just a start.
A Tapestry of Past and Present
What’s cool about these moments is how they pulled from the past while looking ahead. Victoria’s Secret leaned into its history of glamour—those Angels and wings go back to the ‘90s—but spiced it up with flair. The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face” blasting during the Fireworks segment? Total modern pop energy mixed with that classic VS sparkle. It was like a bridge between the brand’s big, bold roots and what was hot right then, keeping it fresh for a new crowd.
Chanel Airlines did the same, just fancier. Lagerfeld was channeling Coco Chanel’s love for clean lines and luxe fabrics—tweed’s been a thing since the 1920s—but he threw in this airport twist that screamed jet-set cool. The suits had that old-school elegance, but the metallic accents and travel gear felt current, like something you’d see in a glossy mag that year. Both shows were this mash-up of where fashion’s been and where it’s going, making them feel rich and layered—like an editorial spread you’d pore over for hours.
Why It Matters
These highlights—the Victoria’s Secret extravaganza and Chanel’s airport fantasy—show what fashion can do when it goes all out. They’re not just about selling clothes or lingerie; they’re about creating something bigger, something that sticks with you. Victoria’s Secret brought 10.1 million viewers that year (down from its peak but still huge), proving it could still pull a crowd with its mix of fantasy and fun. Chanel’s show had fashion insiders buzzing, cementing Lagerfeld’s rep for turning runways into art. For me, it’s personal too—I’ve got a friend who’s nuts for VS shows, and she still talks about that one like it was yesterday. I’ve flipped through Chanel pics from that year and felt that same pull—like I’m part of the story, even just watching. They’re editorial spreads in motion, full of creativity, teamwork, and this push to mix things up while keeping it real. They’re why I love fashion—it’s not static; it’s alive, telling tales that bridge yesterday and tomorrow.
So, that’s my take on how the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and Chanel Airlines event captured that editorial spread magic. From wild wings and fantasy bras to tweed suits in an airport wonderland, they showed off storytelling, collaboration, and a bit of boundary-pushing flair. They pulled from the past—VS’s glamour roots, Chanel’s luxe legacy—and gave it a spin, celebrating style with a nod to everyone watching. What do you think—caught either of these back in the day? Got a favorite runway moment that stuck with you? I’d love to hear about it—drop a comment and let’s chat. For now, I’m off to daydream about strutting through an airport in Chanel or rocking some VS wings. Here’s to fashion that tells a story, one look at a time!