Bella Hadid’s tribute to ‘best friend’ Gigi as angelic sisters star in Victoria's Secret fashion show in Paris

It was business as usual for the lingerie with clothes which went tiny on fabric and huge on drama
Model family: Bella and Gigi Hadid with mother Yolanda
AP
Emma McCarthy2 December 2016

Gigi and Bella Hadid made history for Victoria’s Secret this week when they became the first sisters to walk the iconic sequin-strewn catwalk together.

Speaking backstage ahead of her debut for the world’s most famous lingerie brand, Bella said; "I cried when I heard I was going to be in the show. It's such a huge honour to walk with Gigi. She's my best friend on the whole planet and my comfort blanket so to be able to have her here calms me down."

Gigi, who first joined the Victoria’s Secret squad last year, was also on hand to offer her little sister guidance. "At rehearsals we watched each other walk and were giving each other tips," Bella added. "It’s really nice to have someone there who I can really talk to and will give me an honest opinion."

The Hadid double act, who were watched from the front row by members of their family including mother Yolanda, were joined on the catwalk by modelling royalty including Kendall Jenner, Lily Aldridge and Lily Donaldson who also starred in the annual blockbuster production which decamped from New York to be staged in Paris for the first time.

Victoria's Secret 2016 Fashion Show - In pictures

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In true Victoria’s Secret style, this was a showcase for which no expense had been spared and nowhere more so than when it came to the soundtrack which included live performances from Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. Bella Hadid’s ex-boyfriend The Weeknd was also among those who sang to accompany the models.

As for the lingerie on display, it was business as usual with clothes which went tiny on fabric and huge on drama. In celebration of its temporary French abode, Moulin Rouge style showgirl corsets and Chantilly lace bodysuits were among the looks which took centre stage on the catwalk.

The brand’s signature Fantasy bra – an essential addition to any Victoria’s Secret show – was modelled by Jasmine Tookes and is estimated to be worth in excess of $3 million featuring over 9,000 precious gems and taking over 700 hours to create.

A notoriously costly affair the Victoria’s Secret show has become a rite of passage for models hitting the big time thanks to the high earning value it brings to its stars.

The show’s leading ladies – known within the business as Angels and which include Adriana Lima who completed her fifteenth appearance for Victoria’s Secret – can earn six-figure sums annually for their long-term contracts with the brand, while emerging stars also take home sizeable amounts which far outweigh the fees earned at an average fashion week shows.

Among the lesser known additions to the 50-strong lineup last night was Londoner Leomie Anderson who makes her second appearance on the brand’s hallowed catwalk. Topshop campaign stars Taylor Hill and Stella Maxwell were also among those to take a turn on the catwalk.

Backstage at Victoria's Secret Fashion 2016 Show

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Speaking backstage, Anderson was keen to play down the financial benefits of starring in the show; “Every girl from a very young age knows about Victoria’s Secret. It’s such a big milestone in a model’s career. Victoria’s Secret is all about girls with big personalities, big smiles and big hearts and that’s why I love it so much.”

The South Londoner also praised the show’s approach to body image. "These are the healthiest girls I’ve ever met in my life. It’s not about being skinny, it’s about girls who are strong, confident and sexy."

On Monday, the Victoria’s Secret show will be screened on TV networks in 185 countries in order to capitalise on the brand’s all-important Christmas sales.

This year with Gigi and Bella leading the charge, the multi-billion-dollar brand have set their sights on resonating with its large following among Millenial women.

A focus on its youthful Pink collection saw sports bra tops, silk track pants and metallic bomber jackets appear on the catwalk alongside its more risqué lingerie offering.

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