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What The Original Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows Looked Like

What The First Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows Looked Like

The Victoria's Secret fashion shows of today are known for their elaborate costumes (those heavy wings!), million-dollar bras, and elaborate sets but the runway shows of the past were quite different.

The first Victoria's Secret fashion show was held in August 1995 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City and wasn't aired on TV. The show was introduced by supermodel du jour Stephanie Seymour and featured models such as Beverly Peele and Frederique van der Wal who modelled underwear that look pretty out of date by today's standards.

So before we celebrate the return of the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show, which airs on Dec. 9 this year, we take a look back at what models wore during the original shows (hello high-waisted panties and furry skirts).

1995
Ron Galella via Getty Images
But what a lovely purse!
1995
Ron Galella via Getty Images
Those boots, though.
1995
Ron Galella via Getty Images
Satin shorts were a thing.
1995
Ron Galella via Getty Images
Again with the purse!
1995
Ron Galella via Getty Images
Actually, we would probably wear this today.
1995
Ron Galella via Getty Images
High-waisted lingerie was at peak trend.
1995
Ron Galella via Getty Images
Preppy lingerie.
1995
Ron Galella via Getty Images
This set is kinda cute.
1995
Ron Galella via Getty Images
Not even a supermodel can make getting undressed look sexy.
1996
Ron Galella via Getty Images
And it was all yellow...
1996
Ron Galella via Getty Images
The ultimate baby doll dress.
1996
Rose Hartman via Getty Images
Tyra Banks, working it in a drop-waist bustier. ('Cause that was a thing.)
1996
Evan Agostini via Getty Images
Tank tops never go out of style.
1996
Evan Agostini via Getty Images
DRAMA.
1996
Evan Agostini via Getty Images
We don't want to know what designers were thinking when they created those panties.
1996
Evan Agostini via Getty Images
Naomi in a cape and floral bustier? Hell. Yes.
1996
Evan Agostini via Getty Images
Did men actually like baby doll dresses? Do they now?
1996
Evan Agostini via Getty Images
Vertical stripes: a bold choice.
1997
Ron Galella via Getty Images
Now those are some sheer panties.
1997
Ron Galella, Ltd. via Getty Images
Helena Christensen, trying to take her outfit seriously.
1997
Ron Galella, Ltd. via Getty Images
We can't say no to a floral silk robe.
1997
Ron Galella via Getty Images
Plaid? Ok then.
1997
KMazur via Getty Images
How is this even comfortable?? Naomi, please tell us.
1997
KMazur via Getty Images
Before Regina George came along.
1997
KMazur via Getty Images
Sporty chic. We dig it.
1997
KMazur via Getty Images
An interesting way to use leopard print.
1997
TIMOTHY A. CLARY via Getty Images
Well, that's one way to celebrate Valentine's Day.
1997
TIMOTHY A. CLARY via Getty Images
Giving new meaning to "Femme Fatale."
1998
New York Daily News Archive via Getty Images
Give us a fur skirt and we'll be yours forever.
1999
Ron Galella via Getty Images
One of the first time the famous wings showed up on the runway.

There's more where that came from:

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2013

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2013

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