A lot has happened in lingerie since Victoria’s angels first strutted down the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway in 1995. When we say, “a lot,” we mean a lot of changes in fashion, but not in the amount of fabric used to make said designs. But enough chatter — see for yourself.
1996
Photo credit: Getty Images/Ron Galella
Believe it or not, this woman — dressed in sensible yellow heels and wrapped in enough material to make full-length drapes — is Victoria’s Secret model Yasmeen Ghauri, circa 1996.
1997
Photo credit: Getty Images
This seemed like a good idea in lingerie about 16 years ago. It still may fly — if your boyfriend is a Big Bang Theory or Area 51 enthusiast.
1998
Photo credit: Getty Images/Ron Galella
Cue yesteryear’s sassy and saucy Tyra Banks. This was the first year we really saw the introduction of the “angel wing,” though in the early days, it was paired with granny panties.
1999
Photo credit: Getty Images/Evan Agostini
Inexplicably, a year later, the wings got smaller and the underwear got bigger. You can keep the wings, but we’d like to discuss the reintroduction of the skirt-bottom underwear.
2000
Photo credit: Getty Images/Gamma Rapho
In 2000, before she was Mrs. Tom Brady, fan favorite Gisele Bündchen knocked the lingerie world on its backside with this daring number.
2001
Photo credit: WENN
My, what a difference a year can make. The year before, golden girl Bündchen had been rocking a goddess look, and a year later, this poor thing got stuck wearing this disaster. (Is this Miley Cyrus‘ inspiration for high-waisted bottoms?)
2002
Photo credit: Getty Images/Collection Wire Image
Grandma always told us to wear a hat when it’s cold outside. She assumed we’d wear a coat — oh, and a shirt and pants to go with the hat.
2003
Photo credit: Getty Images/Bill Davila
Modeling pa Naomi Campbell struts down the Victoria’s Secret runway in this getup that makes soccer moms everywhere cringe. Look at all those straps! Who’s got that kind of time?
2005
Photo credit: Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris
Remember 2005, aka “The Year of the Band-Aid”? Yeah, neither do we. We’re not sure what statement Victoria was trying to make in 2003 and 2005, but we’re grateful no one was listening.
2006
Photo credit: WENN
The flawless Karolina Kurkova modeled the 2006 Fantasy Bra. This look makes us think, “Who doesn’t pair a $6.5 million bra with yoga pants?”
2007
Photo credit: PNP/WENN
This design was big in Scotland in 2007, because as we all know, Scotland is known for its plaid — and Jurassic pheasants with alarmingly long tail feathers.
2008
Photo credit: WENN
In 2008, someone wrapped up God’s gift to men — Heidi Klum — in Victoria’s Secret lingerie, stuck a big bow on her back and shoved her out on stage. Anyone else notice how fast we went from diamond-studded bras and yoga pants to overly dramatic back accessories?
2009
Photo credit: PNP/WENN
Hmmm, it would appear someone drew the short straw backstage and had to pretend to be excited to wear this odd Victoria’s Secret concoction. That someone, as it turns out, is Behati Prinsloo, or soon-to-be Mrs. Adam Levine.
2010
Photo credit: WENN
This was the year that the “angel wings” started to outweigh the angels. This proud peacock knows how to shake her tail feathers.
2011
Photo credit: WENN
Alessandra Ambrosio takes the Victoria’s Secret Vegas-showgirl look to new and exciting levels by modeling what appears to be a roulette wheel on her back. Can you say, “Skin City”?
2012
Photo credit: WENN
In addition to feathers and wings, Victoria occasionally likes to hit us with circus and animal designs. This particular look, however, seems to be having a bit of an identity crisis. We’re almost understanding the sort of ski-bunny aspect of this outfit, but can someone please explain the tail?
2013
Photo credit: Andres Otero/WENN
We got a little preview of the 2013 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, but we can’t wait to see the glamorous production in its entirety. We would give anything for the shoes (and in this case, boots) that the VS models get to wear. (Be warned, this is what happens when you wear angel wings too close to an industrial fan.)
2013
Photo credit: Andres Otero/WENN
We leave you with Hilary Rhoda and this conversation starter. Because who among us hasn’t shouted at the kids, as we’re trying to get to work and school on time, “Has anyone seen my parakeet-feather sleeves? They were right here last night!”
More on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Here’s a secret about the 2013 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
PHOTOS: Do Victoria’s Secret models have better love lives?
If VSFS models were made into Barbies…
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