elle fashion
Photo: Courtesy of Katie Friedman
Inside the Victoria’s Secret New York headquarters last Thursday, there were models, wings of all varieties, sparkling tiaras and hairpieces, and themed mood boards abound. Plus, as one might expect from the lingerie giant, there were racks and racks of lacy underthings. It could only mean one thing: The annual VS show is coming. With the taping of the runway extravaganza just days away (the actual show airs on December 10th at 10PM on CBS), models and the skilled artisans in charge of the wings were on hand to test out and perfect the final looks. We caught up with one of the show’s veterans (and Adam Levine's fiance) Behati Prinsloo, as she got fitted in her "British Invasion" costume, to get the scoop on this year’s themes, wing mishaps, and last-minute squats backstage.


How are you feeling in this look?
I’m feeling fabulous and British. I think the jacket is heavier than the wings.
What are your other costumes?
So I have "British Invasion," "Shipwrecked" (which I love because it’s all mermaids and castaways), and then "Snow Angels." All three are incredible, but I especially love this one because I feel very official in it. You just have to see them on the runway, they are so amazing!
What’s been your favorite VS show look you have ever worn?
Well, I really loved the petals I wore last year.
The show also always has some great performers. Who has been the best to share the stage with?
I loved Rihanna last year, I thought she was awesome and really interacted with the girls. She just killed it on the runway, and we were all like screaming backstage. I was like, “Um, you know what you are doing up there.”
Do you feel like this is the old hat at this point?
I think you get more comfortable with yourself over the years, but it always feels new and exciting because we never know what we are going to wear. It is such a family. You just come together and have a good time and play dress-up.


Photo: Katie Friedman

Have you ever had any wing mishaps?
Luckily, I have never had any wing mishaps but there is always a first. I will be fine though, I will be perfect.
Everyone always wants to know your health and beauty routine. Do you have any new products or foods you are obsessed with?
I am kind of stuck in my old habits. I love rose water spray or the Weleda skin food that I just got. I just started using it, and it’s amazing. Other than that, I just do mascara—any kind, I don’t care. The best is like Revlon.
You mentioned you like to do the fitting so you know what part of your body to focus on with your trainer in the last days before the show. Do you really feel like a few days make a difference?
It probably won’t do anything, honestly, but you feel better. At least you know you don’t have to stress so much about your arms because they are covered. [We] mentally feel better after we know what [body parts will be exposed]. Every girl, after the fitting, is like, “Okay, I can relax with the butt squats because it’s covered.” It’s silly, but it happens. Girls have done squats backstage at the show, it really happens.
Best advice you got when you first started the VS show?
I started with PINK and that was a lot easier because I just had one look. Adriana [Lima], Alessandra [Ambrosio], and everyone, they all just said to have fun. Nothing too bad can happen, just have a good time. Usually, other shows they tell you don’t do this or don’t do that. But this time, you get to do whatever you want to do. People get sassy and it’s awesome.


Photo: Courtesy of Katie Friedman