Music filled the Kodak Theatre as Heidi Klum, the longstanding cornerstone of Victoria's Secret for the past decade, took the stage as the host. The show kicked off with Justin Timberlake's hip-hop-infused "SexyBack," setting a tone of hip-hop and sensuality for the evening.
Matthew had just heard from David Ellison about the sequence of themed segments in the show: Metal, Retro, Aviation Lady, Sweet Girls, Scotland, and the iconic Angel Descent.
Victoria's Secret always managed to make ordinary elements sexy, even the Scottish plaid, which had little to do with sensuality. The show's hallmark Angel Descent opened with a six-million-dollar bra, accompanied by a hymn. If God were to send down an angel wearing such a bra, she would indeed be a girl.
However, the super bra was completely overshadowed.
When Karolina Kurkova came out, possibly due to a shoe issue, one of her high heels fell off as soon as she stepped onto the runway. But KK displayed her professional and walking skills, seeming unaffected by such a minor mishap. She simply kicked off the shoe and continued her walk on tiptoes, steady and full of confidence.
This moment stood out most in Matthew's memory of the show.
Two other moments were equally memorable. One was when Adriana Lima saw him as she walked past and blew a kiss his way. The other involved a very young model.
This model had a round face, round nose, and round mouth—features not typically celebrated in Western beauty standards. But combined, they turned her into a beautiful woman with a sweet face and cute dimples.
"Hey, Matthew," David Ellison reminded him towards the end of the show. "I've decided, it's Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Don't compete with me for her."
Matthew shook his head. "Don't worry, she's not my type."
David asked, "Do you have a target?"
"Two," Matthew replied, holding up two fingers. "Karolina Kurkova and that doll-faced model."
David scoffed, "Can you handle two?"
Matthew shrugged. "Just keeping one as a backup."
Frankly, reaching the status of a Victoria's Secret Angel meant these supermodels had gained a certain level of fame and status. He wasn't sure if he could get Karolina Kurkova since she was one of the top models.
So, the doll-faced model seemed more realistic. She didn't even have wings, indicating she wasn't a contracted Victoria's Secret model and wasn't among the well-known models.
As the show concluded, all participating models took the stage. As Matthew expected, the doll-faced model stood towards the edge, likely an external hire for the show.
Amidst thunderous applause, the Victoria's Secret show came to an end.
Despite criticism for not using pure cotton materials and focusing too much on sexiness over comfort, Victoria's Secret lingerie seemed to have transcended its original purpose, becoming elements of a grand and beautiful fairy tale. The annual Victoria's Secret show had also surpassed the definition of a mere fashion show, resembling a grand Broadway production.
From this perspective, those who performed on this mythical stage were no ordinary people. The models gracing the T-shaped runway were top-tier individuals selected from around the world, each a radiant, eye-catching beauty.
"Let's go..." Matthew stood up and called to David Ellison. "We're heading to the hotel."
The after-party was at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, not far from the Kodak Theatre.
Backstage, Miranda Kerr, having finished the group photo, nonchalantly changed out of her stylish yet impractical Victoria's Secret lingerie into her own clothes, even though many male staff members were around.
Most models had already started heading out, many of them making their way to the Beverly Hilton for the after-party.
Miranda Kerr was planning to attend as well.
After quickly packing her things, Miranda slung a backpack over her shoulder and walked out. This wasn't a promotional or PR show; she wasn't on the same level as the Victoria's Secret Angels. None of the famous models paid her any attention. As for the other external models hired by Victoria's Secret, they barely interacted outside of work.
Most of the external models were vying for a Victoria's Secret Angel contract, but the number of new models signed each year was very limited.
Often, it was only when someone left the Victoria's Secret Angels that a newcomer would be brought in.
Currently, the fashion industry almost universally acknowledged that for non-first-line models, becoming a Victoria's Secret Angel was one of the fastest ways to gain fame.
But securing a contract was extremely difficult. At their level, there wasn't much difference in professional skills or body shape. The key was who could bring more influence to Victoria's Secret.
"In other words..." Miranda's agent told her in the car to the Beverly Hilton Hotel, "Fame will play a crucial role."
Miranda Kerr had been modeling since she was thirteen, fighting hard for ten years to gain some recognition and attention in the fashion world. She knew well that this industry wasn't about being pretty or smiling more to get lucky.
To advance further meant standing out from a group of similarly qualified models.
"I want to become a top model," Miranda said.
The agent from New York's NEXT Model Management told her, "Two months ago, Gisele Bündchen officially turned down a new contract from Victoria's Secret. They haven't brought in a new model yet. I've investigated, and Victoria's Secret is evaluating many candidates. They will probably make a decision within the next two months."
Miranda Kerr, who didn't just have a sweet and gentle appearance, said, "What are my chances?"
"You're in the first batch of Victoria's Secret candidates," the agent said directly, "but you don't have a clear advantage over others."
"I want that contract!" Miranda Kerr, who saw her journey from Australia to New York's fashion scene as a battle, said. She wasn't just a model but also a warrior. She turned to her agent and asked, "What do I need to do to get Victoria's Secret to choose me?"
The agent understood her meaning and slowly shook his head. "It's no use."
Miranda's doll-like face always seemed to wear a sweet smile, but her personality, honed by years of modeling, was starkly different from her appearance. She asked bluntly, "Don't tell me you have no ideas."
The agent, who had thoroughly researched Miranda before taking her on, knew that she had started modeling as a teenager and fought hard for over a decade to finally gain recognition. This life, devoid of a normal childhood and filled with work, had made her a warrior, not just a model.
"Fame!" the agent said firmly. "What you need most now is fame! If your exposure far exceeds that of your competitors, your chances of securing the Victoria's Secret contract will increase significantly."
Miranda's tone remained serious. "I know the importance of fame, and I want to increase mine. But how? There's not much time left. It's not like I can stand naked in Times Square to get attention, right?"
The agent, already prepared, said, "The best short-term solution is to date someone very famous."
"I don't have the time or mood for a relationship," Miranda disagreed.
"I don't mean a real relationship," the agent explained, opening his briefcase. "I mean using someone's fame for publicity. Gossip is the quickest way to boost your profile in the short term."
He handed her a list. "These are the celebrities likely to attend tonight's party."
Miranda took the list and glanced at it.
Standing out from countless Australian models, she had always placed romance low on her priority list. Her past dates were all with people who could significantly benefit her career. In the modeling world, being strategic wasn't a bad thing.
The agent continued, "The ones marked in red are influential male celebrities."
Miranda nodded and saw the first name. "Vin Diesel? Is he famous? I've never heard of him. Not worth considering." She put down the list and asked, "Who's the biggest name here?"
"Matthew Horner," the agent replied.
Miranda had certainly heard of him. "You mean that Matthew Horner?"
The agent nodded. "Yes, that Matthew Horner! One of Hollywood's biggest stars right now, top-tier in age, looks, fame, and wealth. Plus, he doesn't have a girlfriend and loves chasing after beauties."
"Alright!" Miranda understood that Matthew Horner was a global superstar. "I'll go for him."
She asked directly, "How do I win him over?"
"Just approach him directly. He's a playboy," the agent advised, then added, "From a long-term perspective, turning him into your official boyfriend would be even more beneficial."
Miranda didn't respond immediately, contemplating her agent's words. She had always placed love very low in her priorities. Although only twenty-three, she had been modeling since thirteen and had considerable experience, knowing what was best for her.
The agent's suggestion was entirely feasible. At worst, she could discard him after reaching her career peak.
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