Victoria's Secret Model Details Grueling Casting Amid Backlash Over 'Nepo Babies'

Victoria's Secret is facing renewed criticism after several long-standing models, known as Angels, were reportedly excluded from the recent show in favor of influencers and 'nepo babies.' Amid the backlash, former Angel Devon Windsor has detailed the rigorous casting process required to secure a place in the highly anticipated event.

Windsor, who has walked in six Victoria's Secret shows, outlined the multi-stage casting in a Substack post. The process begins with an initial casting involving the stylist, casting director, and a Victoria's Secret representative. Those who advance are then invited to a main casting session, which typically spans two to three days. During this phase, hundreds of models present themselves to a panel, demonstrating their runway walk in a brief 30-second window.

Models who successfully pass the casting then undergo days of fittings, rehearsals, and choreography practice leading up to the show itself.

The controversy intensified with the casting of Kylie Jenner, who, despite lacking extensive runway experience, was featured on the catwalk and had the honor of wearing the $50 million Fantasy Bra. This was the first time the iconic bra had been showcased on the runway since 2018, and Jenner is the first non-Angel to model it. The bra itself is valued at $50 million, featuring a $22 million yellow diamond centerpiece and 4,410 other diamonds. Past wearers of the bra include Gisele Bündchen, Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, and Tyra Banks.

Victoria's Secret Chief Creative Officer Adam Selman defended Jenner's casting, stating that her influence extends beyond fashion and culture, aligning with the brand's broad appeal. However, fans expressed outrage online, questioning the decision to overlook experienced models in favor of Jenner, given her limited modeling background.

Several former Angels have publicly shared their disappointment about not being cast. Dutch model Romee Strijd expressed heartbreak in a tearful TikTok video, revealing she had attended a casting in September but was not informed of her status until a week before the show. Strijd, who had walked in the show from 2014 to 2018, described the experience as a "roller coaster mentally" and felt she was not given a clear explanation for her exclusion.

Fellow former Angel Frida Aasen also commented on Strijd's video, stating she had also attended the casting and received a "no." Danish model Josephine Skriver, a veteran of ten Victoria's Secret shows, shared that the brand was "going a different direction" but would be cheering on the other models.

Fans also noted the presence of "nepo babies" on the runway, including Amelia Gray, daughter of Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna, and Natalia Bryant, daughter of the late Kobe Bryant.

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has undergone significant changes since its cancellation in 2019, following criticism for its lack of diversity. The brand has since made efforts to be more inclusive, featuring transgender models like Valentina Sampaio and Alex Consani, as well as plus-size models such as Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsesser. The 2024 show also featured an all-female musical lineup with Cher, Lisa of Blackpink, and Tyla.

Despite these efforts toward inclusivity, the recent show has drawn criticism for its perceived toned-down production and the casting choices, with some branding it "boring" and lacking the 'glitz' of past events. This contrasts with the brand's stated intention, articulated by CEO Hillary Super, to return to its "unapologetically sexy" branding after a period of moving toward comfort-focused apparel.