Gigi Hadid is stepping back into the spotlight. She feels proud to return as a “Victoria’s Secret Angel.” The model, who is 30 years old, recently opened up about the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025. This big event is set for October 15.
Hadid shared her feelings in an Instagram video. It was posted on the brand’s page on Friday, October 10. The video showed behind-the-scenes moments from one of her fittings. She got very honest about her first show in 2015. She also talked about the harsh reactions she faced after her big debut.
“I tried out two or three times before I got it,” Hadid confessed, getting emotional. “So imagine how I felt when I finally got my first show. Oh my goodness, my heart is beating so fast just thinking about it.” She then said about her younger self, “I am so happy for her, she really wanted it so badly,” with tears in her eyes.
She wiped a tear and continued, “I was thinking about that today. Now I see photos from that time. The world was so hard on her. And not just me, it’s hard on girls in general. You look at those photos now and think, ‘I deserve to be there.'”
After her first show, Hadid fired back at critics. She used Instagram to address comments about her body.
“No, I don’t have the same body type as other models in the shows,” she wrote back then. “No, I don’t think I’m the best at any show. Yes, I want to have a unique walk, but I also know I need to improve. No, I’m not the first or the last model of my type in this industry.”
She then told her critics, “You can make up all the reasons you think I am where I am. But really, I am a hard worker and confident. I came at a time when the fashion industry was ready for a change.” Hadid felt lucky for the support she received. “I have the support of the designers, stylists, and editors who back me. They know this is fashion, it is art; it can never stay the same.”
She added, “Yes, I have breasts. I have abs. I have a butt. I have thighs. But I am not asking for special treatment. I fit the sizes.”
“Your cruel comments do not make me want to change my body,” Hadid continued firmly. “They do not make me want to say no to designers who ask me to be in their shows. And they definitely do not change designers’ opinions of me. If they want me in their show, I am in; if not, I am not.”
During her fitting for the upcoming show, Hadid mentioned her joy. She’s happy for that “girl who got the first show.” She’s happy for her “teenage self” too. That younger self used to look up to models walking in lingerie with those famous angel wings.
“I think the VS show is still one of those things that still makes my heart beat very fast,” she said with excitement. “I look back and feel that, with each show, I am a different, new version of myself. VS has always inspired me so much. It’s not what people think. It’s not just about lingerie and looking attractive.”
The brand also celebrated her return on their post. They wrote, “Did you think this year’s show would be without @gigihadid? This full-circle moment is for all the people who ever dreamed of wings.” Fans quickly shared their excitement for Hadid’s spot in the 2025 show in the comments.
“Welcome back, Gigi!!! You deserve it 🥹💖,” one person wrote. Another commented, “You are a living Barbie ❤️.” A third fan happily added, “Welcome back, Queen Gigi 🩷🪽.”
Last year, at the 2024 show, Hadid was a standout. She opened the runway in a bubblegum pink silk jumpsuit. It featured a deep neckline and hot shorts. She added even more drama to her look. She wore enormous mechanical wings that opened and closed as she walked.