Victoria's Secret Revives Fantasy Bra, Old 'Sexy' Stereotype Returns Too

The New York Times reports that Victoria's Secret has revived its headline-grabbing Fantasy Bra for the 2026 fashion show, a centerpiece that once defined the brand's peak cultural relevance. The piece highlights how the $3 million jewel-encrusted piece returns alongside a marketing language that feels lifted straight from the late 2000s, emphasizing a specific, homogeneous body type and aesthetic.

While the brand has made gestures toward inclusivity in recent casting, the Times argues the Fantasy Bra's return signals a retreat to the safety of its old formula. The spectacle is designed for viral moments and high-price-tag headlines, but the accompanying imagery suggests the brand's internal compass still points toward a singular, outdated ideal of glamour.

For a label trying to stay relevant in a market that has largely moved past the 'Angel' era, the Fantasy Bra feels like a security blanket. It generates buzz, but it also reminds the audience that the fantasy being sold hasn't really expanded.

Source: Victoria’s Secret Brings Back the Fantasy Bra — and an Old Stereotype of Sexy — The New York Times