Here’s what the Victoria’s Secret models have been up to in Shanghai

The Victoria’s Secret (VS) angels have descended in Shanghai.

Last night (Nov 20), they made fashion history as they power-walked down the runway at Shanghai’s Mercedes-Benz arena – the first time ever the US lingerie giant is having a show right here in Asia. 

This move to hold its biggest show of the year in China is a business one – everyone wants share in the Chinese market – but it comes with its challenges. 

Just last Friday (Nov 17), Gigi Hadid announced her sudden withdrawal. No (official) reason was given but it came after Chinese internet users savaged the 22-year-old over a video clip showing her squinting her eyes in an apparently derogatory facial expression, reported AFP. 

That’s not all. Apparently, Katy Perry was also supposed to headline the show but her visa got rejected by China (as with many other models, we hear).

But it seems that’s not dampening the moods of the models who made safe passage into the land of opportunities – they have photos to prove it. 

Since landing in Shanghai for final fittings before the catwalk spectacular, VS angels such as Alessandra Ambrosio, Adriana Lima and Elsa Hosk have indulged in the likes of luxurious bubble baths, taking goofy selfies backstage pre-rehearsal and even getting cosy in their hotel rooms.

The curtains have finally drawn on the most glamorous fashion show of the year. It is scheduled to air on CBS on Tuesday, Nov 28 at 10pm ET/PT (Nov 29, 2pm in Singapore).

Take a look at what the VS models have been up to in Shanghai, from pre-show to the after-party.

Check out other stories on Victoria’s Secret here. 

Settling into their snug hotel rooms once touching down in Shanghai, on-demand Brazilian native model Samile Bermannelli as well as ‘It girls’ Georgia Fowler and Taylor Hill snuggled up in PJs and sweaters in the comfort of their own rooms. The perfect embodiment of the “calm before the storm”, this well-deserved tranquility gave the models some time to get themselves mentally riled up for the imminent show.

Walking for the world’s most spectacular lingerie show is bound to put pressure on these Angels’ shoulders. Supermodel and longstanding Victoria’s Secret Angel Alessandra Ambrosio, who had just recently announced that this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai will be her last, finds time to unwind before the show in a lush bubble bath back at her hotel. Similarly, this year’s $2 million Fantasy Bra bearer Lais Ribeiro and newcomer Josephine Skriver grabbed the opportunity for a relaxing soak in the tub to rid themselves of pre-show jitters.

While gallivanting about the biggest city in China, the models took a Victoria’s Secret-exclusive boat ride through the Huangpu river whilst admiring the Pudong skyline. Ming Xi, Josephine Skriver, Alessandra Ambrosio and Sui He seem to be having a blast, waving Victoria Secret flags gleefully while aboard the Angels-only vessel while Sara Sampaio and Lais Ribeiro posted individual shots of themselves against the famed skyline featuring the Oriental Pearl Tower.

Even when they’re 2 days away from the show, the Victoria’s Secret Angels are still in crunch mode. We completely understand the need to — considering the weight of those infamous VS wings; clocking from 20 to 60 pounds, they require a rock-solid core and a strong back to support their weight above some sky-high stilettos. Elsa Hosk brandishes her envy-inducing set of abs while getting ready for yet another strenuous session of workout just a couple days away from the show. We have to hand it to her — girl’s got resilience.

ALSO READ: HOW THE VICTORIA’S SECRET ANGELS ARE GETTING IN SHAPE FOR THE SEXIEST SHOW OF THE YEAR

Taylor Jill, Jasmine Tookes, Lily Aldridge, Josephine Skriver and Romee Strijd had some fun of their own a night before the actual show, frollicking around the quarters of their hotel and knocking up some mischief during their Angel Pajama Party. In the VS Official Backstage Robe, these angels sure know how to throw a grown-up version of a girls-only slumber party.

Leave it to Alecia Morais, Candice Swanepoel, Sara Sampaio and the other fun-loving VS models to inject fun and blithe to the already-bustling backstage prep before the show. Taking selfies and generally being angelic while glam teams do their hair and makeup, these models prove that they have just as much fun, if not more, backstage as on the runway.

And of course, we have the grand show itself. Here’s a little sneak peek at what yu can expect to see when the show airs. The show was divided into six sections which ranged in theme from dark, punk-rock Angels—well, they did collaborate with Balmain for that bit—to a floral-filled grecian goddess theme straight out from a fairytale. Karlie Kloss, who retired her wings a few years ago to study at NYU, made her return to the runway this year, along with longtime Angel Adriana Lima and Martha Hunt.

Then, there was the eagerly anticipated $2 million Fantasy Bra, which weighs more than 600 carats and is handset with diamonds, yellow sapphires, and blue topaz. The stunning Lais Ribeiro strutted down the runway in the opulent gold Fantasy Bra, delivering one of the greatest highlights of the show.

While strutting down the glossy runway, Chinese model Mingxi tripped on her long flowy robe and took a tumble. The 28-year-old took a moment to adjust her floral wings and was helped to her feet by fellow model Gizele Oliveira. Mingxi then continued to trot down the catwalk as the crowd and the Brazilian beauty cheered her on (see the full video here).

Embarrassing as it was, the little stumble reminded us that it’s okay to err once in awhile – even if you seem to be that perfect supermodel . Gizele’s kind act was an embodiment of girl-on-power power, and we’re all for it. Speaking to ENews after the show, Gizelle said, “Once she walked in, she started crying, and all the angels started cheering her up. She sat down, and I told her she had the most beautiful smile and that there was no need to cry because she’s the most beautiful thing!”

What an absolute sweetie!

The VS models work hard, train hard and they know how to party too.  Right after the show, this year’s catwalkers dropped their wings and swapped them in for soirée-ready ensembles to celebrate in Shanghai. On the famed ‘pink carpet’, these models commanded attention in an array of shimmering, slinky ensembles — sporting steamy, skin-baring looks even well after the show. Bella Hadid stepped up in a sexy red garb, while Romee Strijd, Stella Maxwell and Sara Sampaio opted for bold dresses with seductive cut-outs and numerous peek-a-boo features.

ALSO READ: SO WHAT IS VICTORIA’S SECRET? WE TRAINED LIKE A VICTORIA’S SECRET MODEL FOR 2 WEEKS TO FIND OUT

Photos: Instagram / Bella Hadid, Victoria’s Secret, Candice Swanepoel, Lais Ribeiro, Martha Hunt, Georgia Fowler, Taylor Hill, Alessandra Ambrosio, Adriana Lima, Karlie Kloss, Alecia Morais