Victoria’s Secret Shanghai Show: more Chinese Angels than ever, a runway fall and visa denials

Nov 21 , 2017

US model Martha Hunt (C) and fellow models acknowledge the audience at the end of the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai on November 20, 2017. Photo: AFP

The China debut of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show took place last night at Shanghai’s Mercedes-Benz Arena, which glowed in a pink hue to celebrate the occasion.

“The world’s sexiest show”, in which 55 supermodels showcased the American lingerie brand’s latest collection and luxury bras including a US$2 million Fantasy Bra, was the talk of the town.

Last night’s show was attended by invited guests only. Tickets were not officially for sale, but admission fetched up to 350,000 yuan (HK$411,700) online. While the show won’t be aired officially until November 29 on streaming sites such as iQiyi and Youku, the world is taking stock of the hits and misses of the much buzzed about extravaganza last night.

Chinese inspiration

As VS’s first show outside of the US and Europe, it was certainly inspired by Chinese aesthetics. The show featured six themes, including Nomadic Adventure, Goddesses, Winter’s Tale, Punk Angel, Millennial Nation and Porcelain Angels. The aptly named Porcelain Angels tapped the iconic Chinese porcelain theme as models strutted down the runway in blue-and-white ensembles.

Brazilian model Daniela Braga presents a creation during the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai on November 20, 2017. Photo: AFP

Home-grown Angels

In the 55-strong cast, seven Angels were from China – a record for VS shows. The Chinese Angels include VS regulars such as Liu Wen, He Sui, Ming Xi and Ju Xiaowen, as well as newcomers Xie Xin, Wang Yi and Estelle Chen.

Liu Wen at ackstage of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai on November 20, 2017.

Seven Chinese Victoria’s Secret Angels you need to know

US model Grace Elizabeth (L) and Chinese model Ming Xi present creations during the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai on November 20, 2017. Photo: AFP

Stellar Line-up

Harry Styles, Miguel and Leslie Odom Jr were flown in especially to perform at the show. Home-grown singer Jane Zhang Liangying also joined the line-up, which made her the first Chinese star to perform in a VS show. Famous Chinese pianist Li Yundi made a surprise appearance at the show.

US singer Miguel (R) performs next to New Zealand model Georgia Fowler during the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai on November 20, 2017. Photo: AFP

Balmain x VS

Luxury fashion house Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing was tapped to create a series of punk looks for the show. It featured lavish outfits that were checkered, studded and embellished.

Brazilian model Alessandra Ambrosio (L) and US model Lily Aldridge present creations during the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai on November 20, 2017. Photo: AFP

Fantasy Bra

This year’s Fantasy Bra was worn by Brazilian supermodel Lais Ribeiro, who has been a VS regular since 2010. The US$2 million dollar bra features over 6,000 precious stones including diamonds and sapphires. Apart from the Fantasy Bra, there’s also another set of luxury lingerie which is made of about 275,000 Swarovski crystals and modelled by Elsa Hosk.

Model Lais Ribeiro presents a creation during the dress rehearsal for the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai, China, November 20, 2017. Photo: REUTERS

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Epic fall

Model Ming Xi’s fall on the runway was unexpected, as she has been a Victoria’s Secret Show regular. Xi, who was wearing a floor grazing dress with sky-high strappy sandals, accidentally tripped on stage.

The beauty, however, quickly picked herself up. With help from a fellow model, Xi continued to walk the show.

Chinese model Ming Xi falls as she presents a creation during the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai on November 20, 2017. Photo: AFP

As many of you may already know, I fell during my 5th year walking at the Victoria's Secret show yesterday. It was no doubt one of the hardest moments I have ever had to go through in my career, especially since the show was taking place in my hometown, in front of my mother's and my people's eyes. However, the support I received from everyone yesterday was incredible and I am truly grateful to everyone who was there for me. @ed_razek Thank you for your supportive words and your continuous support throughout these 7 years. @giizeleoliveira Thank you for helping me up after the fall, it was a very selfless and loving act from you. Thank you to all the girls who rushed to comfort me at backstage after what had happened, you are all family to me. Lastly thank you to everyone who sent and left me supportive messages. I will pick myself up from where I fell, and I will keep going in order to repay all the support you all have given me!! ️️#vsfashionshow @victoriassecret

A post shared by Ming Xi (@mingxi11) on Nov 20, 2017 at 8:24pm PST

Visa controversy

Supermodel Gigi Hadid and pop diva Katy Perry, who had been rumoured to joined the Shanghai show, didn’t make it due to denied visas as reported by Chinese media.

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Fashion

The show lived up to expectations in general, apart from a minor accident