What you didn’t see at the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

0From celebrity sightings to pink-carpet cocktails and protests, here's what you didn't see at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.LOS ANGELES – The Angels may have commanded the runway, but they weren't the only ones putting on a show.

From celebrity antics and front-row fanfare to unexpected scenes outside the venue, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show delivered plenty of moments viewers missed during the livestream.

During the show, Bella Hadid brought a burst of beaded color down the runway, while veteran Angel Adriana Lima closed the show in a sparkling white look with sculptural wings. In between came surprise cameos, electrifying musical performances and a few unexpected runway appearances.

But before the Angels took flight Sunday, Oct. 18, at Sony Pictures Studios, Victoria's Secret rolled out the pink carpet, where the festivities began long before the first model stepped onto the catwalk.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show looks, from Katseye to Kylie Jenner

A nod to the Hollywood Walk of Fame greeted attendees: a pink carpet decorated with silver stars bearing the Victoria's Secret logo and names of models including Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Joan Smalls, Barbara Palvin, Candice Swanepoel and Abby Champion.

Some of the arrivals at the studio were transported by shuttle drivers dressed in pink before entering a space transformed for the occasion.

Guests were immediately welcomed with frozen strawberry tequila cocktails before making their way to a preshow reception, where strawberry margaritas, watermelon mocktails and sparkling wine were also served.

After cocktail hour, guests got an early look inside the venue, including a transparent, pink-lit runway and a sparkling curtain that would later serve as a backdrop for the models.

The reception also offered a chance to spot familiar faces before the runway presentation.

"Queer Eye" star Tan France mingled with guests before heading to his seat, where he crossed paths with celebrity stylist and image architect Law Roach, who greeted him with a hug.

Roach also exchanged greetings with Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble, who arrived moments before the show and took their seats next to Timothée Chalamet, the boyfriend of Jenner's youngest daughter, Kylie Jenner. It was a hint at the surprise to come.

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, best known for his longtime work with Kim Kardashian, was spotted near the front of the runway. Appleton has also styled the youngest of the KarJenner clan, Kylie Jenner, who became one of the show's biggest attractions when she made a surprise runway appearance wearing the brand's $50 million Fantasy Bra, featuring 4,410 natural diamonds.

Kylie Jenner sparkles in $50M Victoria's Secret Fashion Show bra

At one point, television personality Justin Sylvester asked Appleton, "Which one of your girls is here?"

Chalamet. Momager Jenner. Appleton. Was it that obvious?

Sylvester wasn't content to simply watch the show. The television personality became something of an unofficial cheerleader from his seat, enthusiastically calling out to models as they passed.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley reacted when Sylvester shouted her name, while Jasmine Tookes and Precious Lee also winked and waved in his direction.

Speaking of hype men, Dylan Sprouse wasn't about to miss his model wife's big moment.

Seated front row at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, the actor pulled out his phone to film Barbara Palvin's runway walk, blew kisses her way and even jumped out of his seat to cheer her on.

Solange Omon walks Victoria's Secret Fashion Show as its newest Angel

The show marked Palvin's return to the catwalk roughly six weeks after welcoming the couple's first child, a daughter. Sprouse and Palvin announced their growing family in a Sept. 28 Instagram post featuring the newborn at a Los Angeles Dodgers game, with all three dressed in team jerseys.

Gigi Hadid shines in sequin wings at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Not everyone gathered at the studios was there to celebrate.

Outside the entrance, protesters displayed pink signs reading "Report workplace harassment & violence" and "No more secrets."

The demonstrators approached arriving guests, handed out their messages and asked whether attendees wanted to pose for photos with their signs.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What you didn't see at the 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show