What "Old Victoria’s Secret Models" Means and Why the Roster Changed
Old Victoria’s Secret models refer to the group of Angels who built and represented the brand for decades before public disputes, shifting strategies, and ownership changes led to a major restructuring in 2021 and beyond. These women launched major careers through the brand but left under different circumstances and timelines. This profile explains who they were, when they were with Victoria’s Secret, and how their roles differed from the newer generation of models.
Defining the "Old" Victoria’s Secret Angels
The commonly referenced "Old Victoria’s Secret Angels" are the long-tenured supermodels and early brand-builders who became globally known through annual fashion shows, the Swim Special, and the iconic catalog and e-commerce imagery. Key attributes that distinguish them include long-term exclusivity deals, heavy involvement in brand messaging, and careers that extended far beyond lingerie into film, music, and entrepreneurship. The roster changed over time, and not every Angel from the 2000s and 2010s remains with the brand.
Key Groups and Tenure Windows
- Early Angels (1999–early 2000s): Adriana Lima, Naomi Campbell, Gisele Bündchen, Alessandra Ambrosio (early long-term)
- Peak Show Era (2000s–early 2010s): Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes, Behati Prinsloo, Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldridge
- Later Additions and Transition (2010s–2021): Elsa Hosk, Josephine Skriver, Romee Strijd, Sara Sampaio, Martha Hunt, Jasmine Tookes, Lais Ribeiro
Notable Former Angels and Their Tenure
The following models are widely recognized as former Victoria’s Secret Angels. Their years with the brand reflect when they became fixtures in fashion shows, catalogs, and marketing, and when they transitioned out or reduced involvement.
| Model | First Year as Angel | Last Known Year or Status | Verified Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adriana Lima | 1999 | 2018 (runway); brand work continued | Longest-tenured Angel at the time of departure; high-profile pregnancies and family priorities influenced reduced appearances. |
| Alessandra Ambrosio | 2004 | 2019 (runway) | Known for signature "sambini" family updates; gradually stepped back after 2019 shows. |
| Miranda Kerr | 2007 | 2013 | Departed after pregnancy and a high-profile split; returned to broader fashion and business pursuits. |
| Candice Swanepoel | 2010 | 2019 | Earned widespread recognition during peak show era; cited personal growth and change in brand direction as factors in departure. |
| Lily Aldridge | 2012 | 2019 | Played major role in campaigns and shows; left alongside broader roster changes in 2020–2021. |
| Behati Prinsloo | 2007 | 2018 (runway); brand transitions continued | Reduced runway presence before formal brand split; remained involved in broader commercial work. |
| Doutzen Kroes | 2008 | 2014 | Returned for limited campaigns post-departure; cited desire for more personal and family time. |
| Miriam Hosk | 2015 | 2020 | Close collaboration with newer creative teams; transitioned out after ownership and strategy shifts. |
| Romee Strijd | 2015 | 2021 | Well-documented departure following public disagreements over brand direction and ownership. |
| Sara Sampaio | 2013 | 2021 | Continued global fashion work after stepping back from VS shows and campaigns. |
| Josephine Skriver | 2016 | 2021 | Brief but visible tenure; departed during the ownership transition period. |
| Lais Ribeiro | 2015 | 2021 | Appeared in later shows and campaigns; part of broader roster evolution. |
Why the Shift Happened: Context Behind the Changes
The term "old Victoria’s Secret models" is often used in contrast to the post-2021 era, where the brand canceled its fashion show, ended the Angels program, and pursued a more direct-to-consumer, digitally led strategy. Factors included changing consumer preferences, backlash over inclusivity and labor practices, and new ownership under Sycamore Partners. For many long-tenured models, this meant reduced runway work, fewer large campaigns, and a gradual transition out of the brand’s public-facing spotlight. The move reflected broader shifts in how lingerie brands market themselves and prioritize authenticity, diversity, and digital engagement.
Career Outcomes After Victoria’s Secret
For most former Angels, leaving Victoria’s Secret did not end their careers. Many moved into established fashion weeks, expanded brand partnerships, launched businesses, or focused on philanthropic work. A few leveraged their visibility into mainstream media roles, while others prioritized family and scaled back public appearances. The brand’s evolving strategy also opened space for a new generation of models with different body types, backgrounds, and content approaches. This transition underscores how legacy brands must adapt without losing the cultural equity built by earlier generations.
Distinguishing Myth from Verified Detail
Public narratives sometimes blur timelines and reasons for departures. Verified details are more consistent when drawn from official brand announcements, model statements, and reputable media reporting rather than speculation. Key clarifications include:
- Not all former Angels left at the same time; departures occurred across multiple years.
- Some models remained engaged in brand collaborations or licensing beyond runway shows.
- The decision to end the Angels program was driven by corporate strategy, not solely by individual model choices.
- Newer brand initiatives explicitly aimed to be more inclusive in sizing, casting, and messaging.
Reference and Verification Notes
Information below draws on brand statements, official show records, and widely reported career milestones. Where specific contract terms or personal reasons were not officially disclosed, this profile sticks to observable facts and multiple corroborated sources. This approach ensures that the profile remains useful and factually anchored over time.