How do you evolve and bring back an event that more than a few critics had said might be past its prime? Leaning hard on what originally made it great is a good start, especially when supplemented with elements that feel definitive in the moment. It also helps if the resulting combination simply feels joyful.

The Victoria’s Secret team, which last presented its signature fashion show in 2019, took time to reimagine the event in light of declining ratings and the impact of the #MeToo movement. But what was presented Tuesday night at Duggal Greenhouse at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York did indeed feel festive, timely and entirely female-focused — not just on the runway and backstage, but also in the front row, a guest list that included Cardi B, Jodie Turner-Smith and Queen Latifah.

Previous Victoria’s Secret shows added men to the mix through musical acts, but not this year. The decidedly “no boys allowed” vibe at Tuesday’s event included a trio of female performers who felt both poised and high-wattage: Tyla, Blackpink’s Lisa and finally Cher, who was easily one of the most anticipated moments of the evening. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say that Cher is one of the biggest thrills for me,” says Janie Schaffer, the brand’s Chief Design and Creative Officer. The Hollywood Reporter on the pink carpet of the pre-show event. “We watched her rehearse yesterday, and it was a moment we couldn’t quite believe was happening.”

Ultimately, it was the group of supermodels who perhaps best highlighted this event’s renewed commitment to focusing squarely on a theme of female empowerment. Gigi Hadid opened the show, while sister Bella appeared later, and in between the selection continued to read like a who’s who of the modeling industry: Carla Bruni, Kate Moss, Irina Shayk, Doutzen Kroes, Joan Smalls, Isabeli Fontana, Ashley Graham, Candice Swanepoel, Paloma Elsesser, Behati Prinsloo and many others.

To thoroughly underscore the statement, Tyra Banks, an OG Victoria’s Secret Angel since 1997, came out of retirement to walk the finale. Banks is 50, while Eva Herzigová, who also walked the runway on Tuesday night, is 51, and the audience’s reaction to seeing them — and their equally iconic colleagues — on the runway was nothing short of rhapsodic. “It’s a bit crazy because it’s been 20 years since I’ve done this,” Herzigova said backstage before the show. “It feels great to be back, also because Victoria’s Secret is my family. It’s also just beautiful to see the brand’s commitment to growth, to becoming more inclusive and celebrating women as they are, all ages, all shapes, all colors. It’s beautiful to see it and wonderful to be surrounded by that kind of beauty.” Perhaps the best example of this idea: a pair of transgender models, Alex Consani and Valentina Sampaio, walking in the show for the first time.

For 28-year-old Imaan Hummam, a decade between her two Victoria’s Secret appearances allowed her to embrace a sense of perspective Tuesday night. “I first did the show when I was 18, which is still so young. You’re trying to figure out who you are and what you stand for,” she explained THR. “Ten years later I am stronger and much more confident. I feel like I know why I’m here, and it feels really powerful and exciting.

Traditionally intended to be the company’s biggest sales opportunity of the year, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show aired in early December between 2001 and 2018 to spotlight the brand and its products as the holiday shopping season kicked off. Fast forward to 2024, and the sales model has also changed: the brand partnered with Amazon to present the event, which was broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video and featured shoppable looks on the Amazon Fashion store.

Given the star power of the evening, the clothes never felt like news. The looks were both elegant and sexy and were often framed by the oversized wings that have become another signature of the show. But instead, the news was every woman who appeared on the catwalk – from the trio of ultra-talented performers to 50 stunning models, dozens of backup dancers and the all-female choir that opened Cher’s performance.

The men present, meanwhile, were happy to take a backseat – and especially to be a cheerleader for his wife. Dylan Sprouse arrived at the show wearing posters he made from oversized photos of Klaus Von Sprouse and Piggy Cow, the cat and dog he shares with his wife, model Barbara Palvin. When she walked in, he stood up and waved cheerfully at them, and it was clear that Palvin noticed by the smile on her face. “I’m always impressed and proud of her,” Sprouse said before the show. “She worked very, very hard for this.”

Before the show, many attendees were asked: What does female empowerment mean to you? It should come as no surprise that Cher gave the best answer of the night: “Everything.”