Reality television sensation Kylie Jenner has ignited a fiery debate across the fashion and entertainment worlds following her runway debut at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Sunday.
Modelling a lavish $50m Fantasy Bra, the 29-year-old make-up mogul and star of The Kardashians left audiences stunned.
Designed in partnership with luxury jewellery house Jacob & Co, the show-stopping piece was crafted from 18-carat gold and embellished with 4,410 diamonds, making it the most valuable Fantasy Bra in the brand’s history after requiring 15 artisans and more than 1,000 hours of meticulous work.
Historically, donning the coveted Fantasy Bra has stood as a career-defining pinnacle traditionally reserved for seasoned supermodels.
While Jenner’s star appearance thrilled millions of devoted followers, it triggered immediate pushback from fashion purists who argued that the legendary showcase should have been awarded to a veteran catwalk star.
Outrage across social media
The storm erupted across digital platforms after Victoria’s Secret shared an unveiling clip on its official Instagram page.
Disappointed viewers condemned the casting choice as pure disrespect towards professional models, asking why Jenner was selected from a room full of runway talent.
One viewer lamented that the catwalk had transformed from iconic glamour into an influencer circus, arguing that social media clout and performative inclusivity had eclipsed genuine modelling talent, elegance, and presence.
Defending the high-profile casting, Adam Selman, chief creative officer at Victoria’s Secret, told Vogue that Jenner was chosen as an undeniable cultural powerhouse.
He explained that her star power transcends fashion, television, and single industries, highlighting that the spectacular production is built on pure entertainment and that Jenner serves as a perfect catalyst for the event.
A new era for catwalk stardom
Weighing in on the spectacle, Joel Marlinarson, social media and marketing expert, noted that the headline-grabbing moment was cleverly engineered to spark wider discussion surrounding the future of social media and modelling.
He explained that Jenner epitomises a new era of celebrity wherein major brands prioritise digital reach and audience attention above traditional definitions of a model.
He observed that while younger generations feel closely connected to Jenner through her reality series and social media presence, audiences nostalgic for the iconic Naomi Campbell era of fashion might perceive her inclusion as a betrayal.
He added that legacy houses like Victoria’s Secret prefer to minimise risks by enlisting mega-stars capable of driving massive headlines.
Offering an insider perspective, Summer Nesbeth, British model, said the label’s decision reflected a push to stay relevant with younger audiences.
The 25-year-old catwalk star, who has walked at New York Fashion Week, acknowledged Jenner’s immense influence in today’s digital landscape.
However, Nesbeth expressed concern that celebrating a $50m garment highlights how detached the industry can be from everyday realities, noting that many ordinary people are currently struggling to afford food and power their homes.
Rebranding the iconic runway
The high-glamour showcase made its return after the original catwalk event was axed following its 2018 edition, which suffered from plummeting ratings and sharp criticism over sexism, outdated beauty standards, and a lack of diversity.
The brand staged a comeback in 2024 under a fresh pledge to celebrate all women, incorporating a broader spectrum of talent, such as plus-sized model Ashley Graham. BBC Newsbeat has contacted Victoria’s Secret for comment.
