Peddling nostalgia is an infallible catalyst – everyone’s doing it, and everyone’s loving it. The return of Victoria’s Secret show, the angels, the live performances, and most notably, the wings have propelled everyone into this reminiscing trance, with ample discourse on the evolution (or the lack of it), the attempted inclusivity and the divisive stance on the lacklustre quality of the newest Victoria’s Secret showcase.
View this post on Instagram
This is not a review, or an opinion piece on the arguably feigned relevance of the VS realm. It is instead a peek into the writer’s good ol’ introduction to the world of Victoria’s Secret, which was put into motion a decade ago when met with the majestic “Fantasy Bra” offerings. You’re in for a treat, if you haven’t heard of it. And for those familiar with the aforementioned terminology, let’s ruminate on why we’re not millionaires yet. Or supermodels that get to walk around in diamond-encrusted lingerie.
After the yearly runway phenomenon began in 1995, Victoria’s Secret amped up their exquisite lingerie with encrusted crystals valued at millions of dollars. From Adriana Lima to Miranda Kerr and Gisele Bündchen, these notable faces have been lucky enough to strut the ramp in their million-dollar renditions. Now, “Why?” you may ask. Especially when taking into consideration that the brassiere was originally touted for its comfort and wearability. Well, it’s for drama. It’s the aspirational angle it brings into this ‘candy pink, glossy tints, push-up bras only’ world targeted at wooing young women. All for the escapism it offered, especially when you had The Weeknd serenading you to one of his songs when strutting the runway, wings intact.
The first Fantasy Bra, dubbed the “Million-Dollar Miracle Bra,” did indeed cost one million dollars and was only displayed in the catalogue and on billboards. Created by four New York City-based private jewellers and embellished with a variety of other semi-precious jewels, Claudia Schiffer was the first model to have donned a bra covered in more than 100 carats of diamonds. Icon.
Every year, there’d be one new addition to the existing roster of the Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra without fail, and the anticipatory allure and the guesswork kind of sealed the deal on what could be called a performative stunt. A great one, nonetheless. Here are a few notable ones:
The Bright Night Fantasy Bra
Eddie Borgo created the “Bright Night” Fantasy Bra in 2016, and A.W. Mouzannar brought it to life with diamonds and emeralds. It had 9,000 gemstones and required 700 hours to make. It was worn by model Jasmine Tookes.
Dream Angel Fantasy Bras
Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima wore two $2 million sapphire, ruby, and diamond sets from Mouawad’s 2014 “Dream Angels” Fantasy Bras. It took almost 1,380 hours to produce each lingerie set, which included 16,000 flawless diamonds and 18-karat gold-strung jewelled body components.
Sexy Splendour Fantasy Bra
With Mouawad’s $12.5 million “Sexy Splendour” Fantasy Bra, Gisele Bündchen elevated the concept of Sexy Santa (I don’t know how I feel about this, to be honest) to a whole new level. 2,900 pavé set diamonds, 22 ruby gemstones, and a 101-carat diamond set in 18-karat white gold hanging from the centre were the highlights of the bejewelled bra.
Fantasy Treasure Bra
The designers of the $2.5 million “Fantasy Treasure” Bra are London Jewellers on Long Island. Nearly 3,400 priceless stones, set in 18-karat white and yellow gold, adorn the aqua push-up brassiere. These gems include 142 carats of white and yellow diamonds, pearls, faceted citrines, and aquamarines.
Bombshell Fantasy Bra
Damiani’s $2 million “Bombshell” Fantasy Bra was intended to “evoke a heavenly display of swirling stars and constellations perfect for a Victoria’s Secret Angel,” as per a press release. Sure, I guess? Adriana Lima wore an encrusted 18-karat white gold necklace that took six Damiani jewellers 1,500 hours to produce. Phew, intense.
I am excited to announce that I’ll be sticking to my ‘buy two for 1499’ bad girls for the foreseeable future. A deal. Truly.
Also Read: Internet Incels Think Margot Robbie Looks Too Chubby When Pregnant. Maybe Try Shutting The F*ck Up?
