Walking in the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is considered the Holy Grail for most models in the industry. With prominent names like Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum and Helena Christensen having graced the world-renowned catwalk during its 20-year reign and sporting some of the world’s most luxurious and expensive lingerie, it’s the box to tick on every model’s bucket list.
With the parade set to air this December 8, we felt it appropriate to reminisce on the most memorable Victoria’s Secret catwalk moments for Australian models which have put our home-grown girls on the international stage.
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Scroll through below to relive the memories from Miranda Kerr’s fantasy bra to Abbey Lee’s debut.
1. Miranda Kerr becomes the first Aussie Model to walk for Victoria’s Secret
Photo: Getty
The nation will never forget the day that Gunnedah-sweetheart Miranda Kerr walked the Victoria’s Secret Catwalk, becoming the first Australian model to walk for the lingerie giant back in 2006. Joining a high-profile clique of international models already signed with Victoria’s Secret such as Alessandra Ambrosio, Adriana Lima, Izabel Goulart and Karolina Kurkova, the doe-eyed beauty paved the way for the growing league of Australian-made VS models.
2. Abbey Lee Kershaw joins the VS ranks
Photo: Getty
Although she hardly dons the girl-next-door vibes nowadays, Abbey Lee was extremely recognisable as she paraded the VS runway during her Miami Debut in 2008 for the VS Pink Planet Segment. Wearing an array of eye-catching garments, from platform sneakers to a studded corset, the Perth-native managed to capture the eyes of many International brands which has since seen her become one of Australia’s most successful expats.
3. VS gains Aussie Sarah Stephens, one of its youngest models
Photo: Getty
Dark-haired beauty Sarah Stephens was another Australian model to join the VS ranks early on, making her debut in 2008 while sporting a figure-hugging tutu-inspired garment in Miami. Sharing the catwalk with fellow Aussies Abbey Lee and Miranda, Sarah walked in the showcase only months after turning 18 making her one of the youngest models to appear on the VS Runway.
4. Elyse Taylor Makes her golden girl debut
Photo: Getty
2009 saw blonde Elyse Taylor grace the esteemed international runway, sporting loose-fitting dungarees which made the blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty hard to ignore. She displayed that signature sun-kissed Australian glow, becoming a recognisable face both nationally and internationally.
5. Shanina Shaik makes her mark on the VS runway
Photo: Getty
Melbourne-born beauty Shanina Shaik accompanied fellow Aussie Miranda on the VS runway during 2011, proving that she was more than a model comp runner-up and Tyson Beckford’s girl. She made such an impression that she returned to the catwalk during 2012 and 2014, making her a household name on the VS stage.
6. Miranda wears the $2.5m Fantasy Bra
Photo: Getty
Miranda did the Aussies proud once again as she was chosen to walk in the $2.5 million diamond-encrusted Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra. The role is considered somewhat of an honour for VS Angels, and Miranda has since been the first and only Australian model to display the show’s coveted piece.
7. Jessica Hart joins the VS crowd
Photo: WENN
2012 was considered the Aussie invasion as three iconic Australian models walked alongside each other on the VS catwalk for the first time since 2008 with Miranda, Abbey Lee and Sarah. Newcomer Jessica Hart transformed into some kind of sexy bicycle while Biebs performed, which was not a bad welcome to the catwalk, right?
8. Kelly Gale makes her dramatic VS debut
Photo: WENN
Half-Indian, half-Aussie beauty Kelly Gale graced the VS runway in 2013 sporting a dramatic monochrome ensemble. Her mesmerising entrance saw her return to the international catwalk again in 2014.
9. Bridget Malcom’s VS dreams finally come true
Photo: Getty
After shooting campaigns with the lingerie giant, Bridget Malcolm will finally walk what’s set to be one of the biggest VS runways yet, celebrating 20 years of the show alongside other first-timers like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner.
