Barbie Ferreira, the 28-year-old former Euphoria actress, has described her impending appearance in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025 as a profound “pinch-me moment.” Ahead of walking the runway in Brooklyn, New York, on Wednesday, October 15, Ferreira expressed her exhilaration to Us Weekly, feeling as though she had stepped into an entirely different dimension. Her sentiment was playful yet earnest, pondering if this new experience might actually be her new reality.
The anticipation around her ensemble for the show was a highlight for Ferreira, who found herself "stunned" by her final look. She had initially wondered if she would be clad in underwear, a question confirmed when she saw the lingerie design. Her reaction to exhibiting her figure in the alluring attire was delivered with a hint of humor: "Jesus take the wheel," she quipped, fully embracing the moment.
Despite this being only her second major runway appearance, Ferreira is no stranger to modeling. She previously walked in a show at California State University approximately a decade ago. To prepare for this significant event, she trained with her friend Mark Sebastian, a former professional runway model in Los Angeles, and also received additional coaching at the event. The preparation underscores her dedication to this new chapter.
Ferreira reflected on the differences between her two crafts, noting that modeling has always been "fun" for her, contrasting it with the distinct demands of acting. While she cherishes acting and the ability to embody a character, she acknowledges that the "character" in modeling often leans towards a "sexier" portrayal. This perspective offers insight into her comfort with the Victoria’s Secret show’s aesthetic, a natural progression from her Euphoria character, Kat Hernandez, who famously pushed style boundaries with bold, revealing outfits.
Her participation in such a high-profile event marks a significant point in her career, especially following her decision to depart from HBO’s hit series Euphoria after its first two seasons. Ferreira addressed her departure in April 2023 on Dax Shepard’s "Armchair Expert" podcast, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. She explained that her character, whom she deeply admired, had reached a creative dead end. "I really wanted to stop being the fat best friend," she stated, conveying her desire for more complex and less stereotypical roles.
Ferreira further elaborated that she and series creator Sam Levinson, 40, faced challenges in establishing a consistent narrative for Kat. She felt she might have "overstayed my welcome" and concluded that any subsequent story arc would not serve the show or her character justly. Leaving on a "high note" and pursuing other ventures was her preferred course of action. Despite her departure, Ferreira maintains a close relationship with the Euphoria cast. She recently attended film premieres for Maude Apatow and Sydney Sweeney at the Toronto International Film Festival, with them returning the support for her own project, Mile End Kicks. She also confirmed her intention to watch the third season of Euphoria when it premieres in 2026.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is available for viewing at 7 p.m. ET across multiple platforms, including YouTube, Prime Video, Amazon Live, Instagram, and TikTok.
