The 4.1 inch stiletto that defined the 2026 Victoria’s Secret return

Megan Moroney stepped onto the pink carpet in Culver City wearing a pair of silver satin sandals that cost $1,870. It was a deliberate choice. The singer, who performed at the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, selected the Cleo silhouette from Rene Caovilla, a brand that had partnered with the lingerie label for the previous two years. The shoe features winding straps adorned with hand-applied rhinestones that caught every flash of the cameras. It was a look that screamed old Hollywood glamour, fitting for an event returning to Los Angeles for the first time since 2007.

The return to the West Coast marked a significant moment for the brand. After a six-year hiatus, the show revived in 2024 and has since become a major cultural event again. This year’s edition brought back many of the original Angels who made the show famous in the early 2000s. The atmosphere was electric, blending nostalgia with a fresh wave of talent. The footwear choices on the carpet reflected this duality, mixing classic silhouettes with modern, high-shine finishes that demanded attention.

A Nostalgic Return to the West Coast

The last time Victoria’s Secret held its fashion show in Los Angeles was in 2007. That year, Heidi Klum hosted the event, and Adriana Lima opened the runway. The show also featured the debut of Candice Swanepoel as an Angel. The soundtrack included live performances from Will.I.Am, Seal, and the Spice Girls. It was a pinnacle of the brand’s influence on pop culture and fashion.

Fast forward to October 18, 2026, and the scene was remarkably similar in its ambition. The show took place at Sony Pictures Studios, drawing a massive crowd and a global audience. The brand had spent the last few years rebuilding its reputation, and this event was a statement of confidence. The presence of both veteran models and new faces signaled a bridge between the past and the future. The pink carpet served as the first stage for this narrative, where celebrities and models alike competed for the spotlight with their most glamorous looks.

The Footwear That Set the Tone

While the runway models wore the Amina Muaddi partnership pieces, the showgoers made their own statements with their footwear. Megan Moroney’s choice of Rene Caovilla sandals was particularly striking. The Cleo style features a 4.1 inch stiletto heel and a rounded open toe. The straps are designed to snake around the foot, creating a visual effect that is both delicate and bold. The rhinestones are applied by hand, adding a layer of craftsmanship that elevates the shoe beyond a simple accessory.

Other attendees followed a similar trend of high-shine platform heels. Tinashe wore shimmering dark silver platform heels with pointed peep-toes and thin ankle straps. The platform stood at around 4 to 5 inches, providing height without sacrificing the sleek line of her ensemble. Haley Kalil chose black platform sandal heels with glossy vinyl uppers and rounded peep toes. These choices reflected a broader shift in fashion, where height and shine are used to create a sense of occasion and drama.

Celebrity Style on the Pink Carpet

Romy Mars brought a different energy to the carpet with a Gen Z take on the Y2K sheer skirt trend. She wore a bodycon top with a plunging neckline paired with a black mesh skirt covered in beads threaded into a floral pattern. The beaded fringe finished the look, catching the light in shades of pink, purple, orange, and white. Her jewelry included diamond-embedded hoop earrings, rings, bangles, and a pendant, adding to the sparkle. The look was youthful and energetic, contrasting with the more classic glamour of the other attendees.

Tinashe’s outfit was a study in contrast. Her bright ballet-inspired ensemble was juxtaposed with dark silver platform heels. The angular shape of the shoe added a sharp edge to the softness of her clothing. Her chain pendant and sparkling nails coordinated with the metallic finish of the footwear, creating a cohesive look. This attention to detail is what makes the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show more than just a runway event. It is a showcase of how fashion and celebrity culture intersect in the most visible way possible.

The Model Lineup and Its Significance

The runway featured a mix of established Angels and new talent. Adriana Lima, who made her debut for the brand in 1999, returned for her third consecutive show. Alessandra Ambrosio, another Brazilian icon, also walked the runway, bringing with her a history that spans more than two decades. Candice Swanepoel, who debuted as an Angel in 2007, was back on the catwalk, closing the circle on the show’s history in Los Angeles. These returns were symbolic, representing the brand’s commitment to its legacy.

Newer faces like Amelia Grey Hamlin, Abby Champion, and Precious Lee made their sophomore appearances, showing that the brand is investing in the next generation of models. Elsa Hosk returned after an eight-year hiatus, adding to the sense of reunion. The lineup of 22 confirmed names reflects a strategy that balances nostalgia with innovation. This approach has helped the brand regain relevance in a fashion landscape that has shifted significantly since the early 2000s.

The Future of Glamour

The 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was more than a nostalgia trip. It was a declaration that the brand is still a force in fashion. The return to Los Angeles, the mix of veteran and new models, and the high-shine footwear choices all pointed to a future that is both rooted in the past and looking forward. The event demonstrated that glamour and sensuality are still central to the brand’s identity, even as it evolves to meet the expectations of a new generation.

As the show ends, the images of Moroney in her silver sandals and Lima on the runway will linger. They serve as a reminder of what Victoria’s Secret has always stood for: the celebration of the female body and the power of self-expression. The 2026 show may be the start of a new era, but it is clear that the brand’s core values remain intact. The future of glamour is bright, and it is wearing 4.1 inch stilettos.