Victoria’s Secret Show Welcomes Silver Models—But Is It Enough?

The recent Victoria’s Secret fashion show aimed to capture attention with a headlining surprise: the return of iconic supermodels Tyra Banks, Kate Moss, Eva Herzigova, Carla Bruni to the catwalk and a fabulous show by Cher who performed a medley of her hits “Strong Enough” and “Believe,” transforming the stage into a disco dance floor.

For many women over 50, this could be seen as a celebratory moment—a nod to the power and timelessness of beauty beyond youth. But while their appearance stirred excitement, I can’t help but wonder, is it truly a triumph of ageless beauty, or just another marketing stunt?

Seeing women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond strutting confidently in lingerie sends a clear message: beauty doesn’t expire. It was refreshing to see these legendary models back in action, reminding us of the decades when they dominated the fashion world and shaped our perceptions of glamour and femininity. Tyra Banks, known for her body positivity and advocacy for diversity, continues to inspire. Kate Moss and Carla Bruni, with their effortlessly cool, keep defying every stereotype about ageing, while Cher shows talent is timeless.

But beneath the glitter and glamour, we must question whether this is a genuine shift toward inclusivity—or a fleeting, token gesture. Victoria’s Secret, after all, has spent years promoting a very narrow vision of beauty.

They’ve been criticized for perpetuating unrealistic body standards, so while this lineup feels progressive, does it signify meaningful change? Or is it merely a short-term attempt to win back an audience that had grown weary of the brand’s outdated ideals?

For women over 50, beauty is a concept that grows richer and deeper with time. It isn’t about conforming to societal pressures, nor is it about trying to turn back the clock. It’s about embracing who we are, in all our complexity—our laugh lines, silver strands, and the wisdom we’ve earned.

So while seeing Tyra, Kate, and the others take centre stage was a breath of fresh air, this moment must evolve beyond just a nostalgic spectacle.

If Victoria’s Secret—and the fashion industry as a whole—wants to speak to women like us, they need to go beyond sprinkling a few iconic faces onto the runway. We deserve to see women like us, not just icons from our past, on the catwalk more regularly—not just as a nod to nostalgia, but as part of the future of fashion.

In the end, the return of these trailblazers is a welcome step, but it’s only that—a step. If brands like Victoria’s Secret truly want to evolve, they’ll need to embrace the full spectrum of what it means to be beautiful at any age. Otherwise, it risks feeling like a flash in the pan rather than a movement. And women over 50? We deserve a movement, not a moment.

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