Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Overcame Chaos in China

A handful of models, an A-list performer and an after-party were all curbed by Chinese authorities.

November 27, 2017 10:00 am
Victoria's Secret
Models of Victoria Secret on the runway during the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (Yanshan Zhang/WireImage)

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show likely won’t return to Shanghai anytime soon.

It would’ve been one thing if the chaos had started and finished when the Chinese government denied visas to several models, including Gigi Hadid, into the country. But the annual event’s A-list performer, Katy Perry, and some of the bloggers, influencers and journalists set to cover the show, were also denied entry. Any press releases sent out had to have government-stamped approval first; model Ming Xi tumbled down the runway.

Things didn’t end there, either. Astoundingly, the after-party was shut down ten minutes before midnight because authorities “want us to finish.” All in all, Vanity Fair reports, the whole process was messy — from beginning to end.

Still, the show went on — missing models and all — and the Instagram accounts from behind-the-scenes make it appear that at least a little fun (and a lot of lingerie) was there to go around. Take a look below.

walk that walk @frida_aasen and I w the #splish #vsfashionshow

A post shared by Miguel (@miguel) on

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2017 Backstage #vsfashionshow #vsfs2017

A post shared by Victoria’s Secret (@keepingupwvsangels) on

??❄️?✨ with the lovely @miguel — It still hasn’t fully processed that this happened! What an amazing experience honestly. I’m so proud of everyone, the level of professionalism that was upheld and the love we had for one another was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. No experience can compare! I am so happy, grateful and honored to have walked the VS show for the first time! I want to thank everyone who was a part of this— from the team at VS, to all the girls who supported me and gave me confidence, to my family and friends, to all the sweet people online showing love and support, I just want to thank you all, I feel so lucky ? I also want to thank Vs for always having such a diverse lineup, you guys stay showing that beauty comes in many shades ? prepare for a bit of VS takeover on my page lmao! ? #vsfashionshow #vsfs2017 #porcelainangels

A post shared by aiden ? [next models] (@aidencurtiss) on

#regram @victoriassecret Victoria’s Secret Angels were pretty in pink right down to their Havaianas backstage #VSFashionShow

A post shared by Havaianas Europe (@havaianaseurope) on

VS Fashion Show, 2017! 6 days and counting… #vsfashionshow #vsangelscomingsoon #cbs #shanghai2017

A post shared by Mary Smith (@missmary_tiu) on

throwback to fitting day. ?? love love love these wings!! #vsfashionshow

A post shared by Josephine Skriver (@josephineskriver) on

What a dream come true…This year felt like my first year all over again. Emotionally, physically, mentally, in my health I feel so much stronger in so many ways and I am so grateful to all who have supported me, believed in me and stood by me. Thank you for giving me this opportunity again sweet @ed_razek @monica.mitro @10magazine @johndavidpfeiffer Yesterday was so unreal on so many levels. It took so much for all of this to come together and truly as a team we pulled it together as a WHOLE. I am grateful. I am happy. I am humbled. And I just can’t stop smiling thinking about it!!! I can’t wait for you all to tune in to this show. #vsfs2017 . Also … WAS IT NOT MEANT TO BE THAT MY WINGS ARE THE DAMN ? EMOJI!?!?!!? Meant to be!!!!!! DREAM LOOK!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️?????????????????????????????????

A post shared by Bella Hadid (@bellahadid) on

OMG! #vsfashionshow

A post shared by Martha Hunt (@marthahunt) on

?? @hoskelsa shot by ?@russelljames @victoriassecret ?

A post shared by Stella! (@stellamaxwell) on

Thank you to every single person who made this trip so unforgettable. Until next time, China! ???

A post shared by Karlie Kloss (@karliekloss) on

The InsideHook Newsletter.

News, advice and insights for the most interesting person in the room.