The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is facing backlash after Kylie Jenner made her runway debut at this year’s event wearing the brand’s $50M Fantasy Bra. The show took place on October 18 in Los Angeles, but Jenner’s appearance quickly became a talking point online, with critics questioning why the reality star and beauty mogul was chosen for one of the brand’s most coveted moments.
The casting controversy comes after the show was already drawing criticism over its inclusion of influencers and so-called nepo babies. However, the decision to have the 29-year-old wear the Fantasy Bra appeared to intensify the debate, as some fans argued that the honor should have gone to an established runway model.
The Fantasy Bra returned to the show for the first time since 2018, when it was worn by supermodel Elsa Hosk. This year’s design featured more than 4,000 natural diamonds by JACOB & CO. and took over 1,000 hours to create.
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Kylie Jenner Slammed For Wearing $50M Victoria's Secret Fantasy Bra
During Jenner’s solo segment, the stage was shrouded in dark lighting and smoke, building anticipation as her silhouette approached the front. Once the lights flashed, Jenner was revealed wearing the elaborate diamond-covered piece, smiling as she walked onto the stage.
The bra was described as a fabric-free, high-jewelry bustier crafted entirely from 18-karat white and yellow gold and diamonds. At its center sat a striking 75.54-carat radiant-cut Fancy Vivid yellow diamond, reportedly valued at $22M on its own.
Despite the elaborate design, much of the online conversation focused less on the jewelry and more on Victoria’s Secret’s decision to give the mom of two the honor.
“Omg this is so embarrassing,” one person wrote on Instagram.
“Noooo supermodels are supermodels for a reason. It’s more than just whatever Kylie is doing. She looks like a kid doing a fake pageant show in her parents’ living room,” another commented.
“They rejected OG angels for this?? Lol,” a third person asked. “Get off the stage, Instagram model,” another critic wrote.
Some fans also blamed the brand’s changing direction for the decision. “Victoria’s Secret went down ever since the Kardashians started appearing in them,” one person claimed. “Take me back to the ’90s and real ‘supermodels’… embarrassing!!!” another added.
Internet Reacts
“Use real models, please,” one commenter demanded.
Others expressed sympathy for models who have spent years working toward the opportunity to walk in the show.
“I know this pissed off a lot of REAL MODELS that have worked HARD to be on the runway and weren’t picked,” one person wrote.
“You mean to tell me you couldn’t find anyone more deserving to walk this catwalk? You had to pick Kylie Jenner… give me a break, people,” another critic commented.
“That was an absolutely terrible decision from VS! Really disappointing,” one person said.
Another commenter questioned whether the Fantasy Bra still represented a modeling achievement, writing, “So wearing the Fantasy Bra isn’t about which MODEL deserves it the most anymore, it’s about whose family can pay the most. Got it.”
“She doesn’t deserve to wear it, other hardworking models do!” another person argued, while someone else summed up their reaction with, “Terrible choice!!!”
Although Jenner’s appearance brought major attention to the show, the response highlighted a broader debate among fans about the role of celebrities and influencers in fashion events traditionally associated with professional models. For some viewers, the Fantasy Bra remains a symbol of modeling prestige, making the choice of who wears it especially significant.
