Kylie Jenner’s Victoria’s Secret Bra Draws Backlash From Fans

The 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show faced a wave of backlash Sunday after Kylie Jenner made an unexpected appearance on the runway.

Some viewers even called for the show to be canceled after the reality star stepped out in the lingerie brand’s signature, jewel-encrusted $50 million (£38 million) Fantasy Bra in Culver City, California.

The lavish design features a $22 million (£17 million) yellow diamond at its center, surrounded by 4,410 natural diamonds. Wearing the Fantasy Bra has traditionally been considered one of the highest honors in modeling.

Jenner’s appearance marked the first return of the coveted bra to the Victoria’s Secret runway since 2018. She also became the first person who was not a Victoria’s Secret Angel to model the iconic piece.

The choice drew immediate criticism online. “This is UNACCEPTABLE,” one user posted on X, while another accused the brand of lacking ideas and said Jenner’s appearance had “cheapened” the Fantasy Bra.

“Out of literally anyone ever why the F**K did they put the fantasy bra on Kylie Jenner?” another critic wrote.

“Kylie Jenner got the fantasy bra… cancel this sht right now,” a separate viewer posted.

Another fan called Jenner’s Fantasy Bra moment “so disappointing.”

One person joked that “Kendall didn’t answer so they had to call Kylie Jenner instead,” referring to Jenner’s model sister Kendall, who was absent from the runway.

“Giving the fantasy bra to Kylie Jenner instead of an OG VS girl?” another commenter asked.

Another critic speculated that Jenner “must’ve paid to get the fantasy bra,” questioning why she had been chosen for the honor in 2026.

The broader production was also criticized. One viewer described the show as “so underwhelming” and said they felt sorry for longtime Victoria’s Secret models who had to watch Jenner wear the Fantasy Bra.

Another post took aim at the lighting and camera direction, arguing that the musical performances received more focus than the models. The user also called Jenner’s appearance in the Fantasy Bra a “slap in the face” to established Victoria’s Secret stars.

“People discussing whether Barbara, Rosie or Gigi would have the fantasy bra and they gave it to Kylie Jenner of all people,” another fan wrote, naming Barbara Palvin, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Gigi Hadid.

One viewer criticized the opening sequence, the decision to give Anok Yai the flower and Jenner’s headline-making look, although they praised Megan’s performance.

“I love Kylie, but Victoria’s Secret just hit me PERSONALLY by giving Kylie Jenner the most expensive Fantasy Bra in history,” another fan wrote, describing the decision as “UNACCEPTABLE.”

Past models who have worn the iconic bra include Gisele Bundchen, Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Tyra Banks and Candice Swanepoel.

Jenner’s show-stopping look was paired with a sheer mini skirt, silver panties, clear heels and angelic white wings.

The reality TV star was cheered on by boyfriend Timothee Chalamet, 30, and mom Kris Jenner, 70, who watched from the front row.

After the show, Jenner, 29, took to her Instagram Stories, posting a close-up of her cleavage in the bra with the caption, ‘best day ever’. 

She also shared another snap showing her getting ready for the runway in the brand’s signature pink robe. 

Victoria’s Secret creative director Adam Selman told Vogue why Jenner was chosen for the special moment after the show aired.

‘Kylie really extends beyond fashion, beyond culture, beyond TV, beyond one singular thing,’ he told the publication. ‘That’s the exact same thing that we do. Like, the show is so big, it’s true entertainment, and I think that she is a great catalyst for that.

‘She’s really created her own culture – how many people can say that?’ he went on, adding that the ‘big idea for the show was fandomonium’.

‘I think it’s an interesting pairing that we’re giving the fans: we’re giving them what they want with this amazing Fantasy Bra, and we’re going to put it on an unexpected talent who has a massive following and massive cultural impact.

‘I think it’s fun. I think it’s really joyful, and I think it’s fun to celebrate in a different way that people aren’t going to expect,’ he concluded. 

The bra was designed by jeweller Jacob Arabo, who told Vogue that it ‘is made entirely of gold and diamonds – there is no fabric’.

‘So getting the right fit and making sure it could move naturally with the body was not easy,’ he added.

The show returned to Los Angeles for the first time in 19 years on Sunday and featured some of the brand’s biggest bombshells, including supermodel sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid, Victoria’s Secret’s veteran Adriana Lima, 45; Swedish beauty Elsa Hosk, 37, and new mom Barbara Palvin, 33.

South African model Candice Swanepoel, 37, was also on the runway, along with Alessandra Ambrosio, 45; Leonardo DiCaprio’s longtime girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti, 28, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 39; Russian superstar Irina Shayk, 40, and plus size beauty Ashley Graham, 38.

The iconic event also featured musical performances from Megan Thee Stallion, Katseye, Megan Moroney and Tate McRae.

A major moment was the reveal and runway debut of Victoria’s Secret’s newest Angel, Solange Omon, 21, who was recently discovered through the brand’s YouTube streaming series Angels Among Us.

The show marked its third year back following a six-year hiatus that threatened the future of the iconic lingerie brand.

However, the excitement hasn’t been entirely without controversy, as some big names were noticeably absent from the glittering line-up of models.

Earlier this month, fans of the show vowed to boycott the event after several beloved supermodels were rejected from walking the runway.

Romee Strijd, 31, was among the first to detail her last-minute rejection from appearing at the show. Fellow former angel Frida Aasen, 31, was also snubbed. 

The show, which debuted in 1995, returned in 2024 following a six-year hiatus. Last year’s runway featured familiar faces including Hadid and Lima, the brand’s longest-serving Angel.

For decades, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was one of the most coveted runway events.

It first kicked off in 1995 and immediately attracted immense buzz, with some of the biggest models on the globe walking in the fashion show.

By 2001 it was being broadcast live on television, and each year, millions tuned in to watch the stunning models strut their stuff and the A-list performers dazzle on stage.

But in 2019, after more than two decades of it reigning supreme, the annual show was canceled amidst immense criticism over the brand’s lack of diversity when it comes to body types before then-chief marketing officer Ed Razek’s eyebrow-raising comments about trans and plus-sized models.

In 2024, the Angels returned to the catwalk after a six year hiatus with a more diverse roster including plus-size models, such as Ashley Graham, and transgender models.

However, the show was derided as lackluster and lacking the traditional glamour for which the brand was known.

By 2025, Victoria’s Secret’s new CEO Hillary Super announced plans to return to its ‘unapologetically sexy’ branding and move away from its woke rebrand.

The lingerie company embraced its bombshell roots after years of struggling sales and a tepid response to its diverse catwalk the year prior.