Culture & Style
Every Diamond Detail of the Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bras: The Definitive Guide
Get the deepest diamond details, straight from the master jewelers responsible for the magnificently bejeweled Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bras.
Published: September 26, 2025
Written by: Hannah Militano
As a millennial woman, it was nearly impossible to escape the craze of the annual Victoria’s Secret fashion show. Every year, we’d wait to see which musician would perform among the VS Angels on the catwalk, whether it was Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, or Nicki Minaj. We’d also wait, with bated breath, to hear which model had been chosen to wear the coveted and always extravagant Fantasy Bra.
The peak of luxury, the Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bras would dramatically drip with diamonds so ginormous, you could hardly believe it. First introduced in 1996, the Fantasy Bra was an annual showpiece—an ornate lingerie set custom-designed by world-renowned jewelers and encrusted with millions of dollars’ worth of natural diamonds and colored gemstones. More than just lingerie, these creations functioned as wearable works of art and the centerpiece of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for over two decades, until the last design appeared on the runway in 2018.
Ahead, discover every glittering Fantasy Bra—plus exclusive details from the jewelers who brought these iconic, natural diamond-encrusted creations to life.
Meet the Experts
Beverly Hills jewelry designer Martin Katz has been praised for his artistry for over three decades. He designed the 2008 Fantasy Bra, worn by Adriana Lima.
Jewelry designer Eddie Borgo is responsible for the 2016 Fantasy Bra, worn by Jasmine Tookes.
Pascal Mouawad is the fourth generation leader of renowned luxury jewelry brand, Mouawad. The House has created 11 Fantasy Bras for Victoria’s Secret throughout the years.
Candy Udell is the President of London Jewelers. The luxury jewelry retailer created both the 2011 and 2012 Fantasy Bras for Victoria’s Secret.
The Iconic Jewelers Behind the Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bras
Using the most precious natural diamonds you could imagine, Victoria’s Secret tapped some of the world’s most renowned jewelers to create their beloved Fantasy Bras. Mouawad has been responsible for eleven Fantasy Bras, while Hearts On Fire, Martin Katz, Damiani, London Jewelers, and Eddie Borgo have also contributed to this diamond-studded legacy.
Pascal Mouawad says of the experience, “It is a profound source of pride that Mouawad’s creations became forever interwoven with the fabric of fashion history.” He says, “At the time, no one could have anticipated the enduring iconography of the Fantasy Bras. They were never mere jewelry pieces — they were wearable works of art, blending craftsmanship, glamour, and imagination. Even today, the fascination they inspire speaks to something greater than adornment: each was a moment of cultural theater, an artistic statement that continues to resonate across generations.”
When it comes to the lasting impact of these intricate creations, 2008 Fantasy Bra designer Martin Katz tells Only Natural Diamonds, “It’s incredibly rewarding.” He explains, “At the time, I knew we were creating something different and special, but I never imagined our Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra would become such an iconic cultural moment. Seeing the continued fascination reminds me that when jewelry design breaks convention, it can really take off and become a historic piece of pop culture history.”
“These Fantasy Bras were more than just statement pieces,” says Candy Udell, President of London Jewelers. “They were wearable works of art. To see them still celebrated today, years later, is a testament to the timeless beauty of natural diamonds and the power of bold, creative design. We’re so proud to have been part of that history.”
A New Era for Victoria’s Secret
After the brand suffered amid controversies and criticism, Victoria’s Secret underwent a rebrand, with new leadership and new models. Embracing more body positivity and diversity, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned last year after a 5-year hiatus.
Models will return to the runway again for the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City on October 15, 2025. With VS legends like Adriana Lima and newcomers like Yumi Nu, beloved models like Anok Yai, Alex Consani, and Joan Smalls will hit the catwalk.
As we await the forthcoming fashion show, take a look back on the most extraordinary Fantasy Bras in Victoria’s Secret history.
Claudia Schiffer Wore the Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra in 1996
Victoria’s Secret unveiled the very first Fantasy Bra with a five-story poster of Claudia Schiffer, draped in a black robe and the bedazzled “Million-Dollar Miracle” Bra, featuring over 100 carats of diamonds. The first of its kind, the brassiere was designed by four New York City-based private jewelers and was valued at $1 million. Even with its hefty price tag, the value of the Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra only grew from here. While it was only featured in advertisements like billboards and in the catalogue in 1996, Tyra Banks ended up wearing the prized piece in the 1999 fashion show.
Tyra Banks Wore the Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra in 1997
The legendary Tyra Banks championed the “Diamond Dream” Fantasy Bra in 1997. Worth $3 million, the white strapless satin design featured a sweetheart neckline bedecked with 100 diamonds along the trim and a 42-carat pear-shaped diamond dangling from its center, courtesy of Harry Winston.
Daniela Peštová Wore the Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra in 1998
Czech model Daniela Peštová wore the “Dream Angel” Fantasy Bra in 1998. Complete with a romantic red floral-mesh pattern, the bra was stitched with 330 carats of pear-shaped and marquise-cut diamonds and 77 carats of marquise-cut rubies on a white bustier with dazzling straps. Valued at $5 million, the piece was designed by Janis Savitt for M&J Savitt.
Heidi Klum Wore the Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra in 1999
Heidi Klum sported her first Fantasy Bra in 1999. The supermodel marked the beginning of the new millennium with the aptly named “Millennium Bra,” worth $10 million. The matching bra and panty set featured a starry night sky design, embellished with sapphires and over 2,000 diamonds set in platinum. Klum showed off the diamond bra when she appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno alongside actor Pierce Brosnan.
Gisele Bündchen Wore the Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra in 2000
Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen graced the “Red Hot” Fantasy Bra and matching panties in 2000, featuring an astonishing 1,300 gemstones. Embellished with natural diamonds and 300 carats of Thai rubies, the bra was valued at $15 million. It even held the Guinness World Record as the most expensive piece of lingerie ever made for six years, until 2006.
While the set wasn’t featured in the annual fashion show, it was included in the lingerie company’s holiday catalog, available for purchase via a cashier’s check.
Heidi Klum Wore the Fantasy Bra at the 2001 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Heidi Klum was the first model to strut the Fantasy Bra down the runway during Victoria’s Secret’s first televised fashion show. The “Heavenly Star” Fantasy Bra was designed by Lebanese jeweler Mouawad. The bra’s scalloped angel wing motif was encrusted with 1,200 Sri Lankan pink sapphires and over 2,300 round and marquise-cut diamonds with a stunning 90-carat emerald-cut diamond at its center. Valued at $12.5 million, the bra was paired with a sapphire and diamond angel wing belt worth $750,000 on its own.
According to Pascal Mouawad, “The 2001 ‘Heavenly Star’ Fantasy Bra marked our debut in this extraordinary collaboration. Designed for the incomparable Heidi Klum, it had to be as unforgettable as the woman who would bring it to life.” He explains, “Valued at $12.5 million, the bra was adorned with over 3,500 gemstones, including an astonishing 90-carat D-Internally Flawless emerald-cut diamond at its center — a stone so rare it deserved its own stage. That moment set the tone for everything that followed, transforming jewelry into spectacle and carving a permanent place in the collective fashion memory.”
When looking back on the 90-carat center stone, Mouawad says the diamond was the most extraordinary diamond ever set into a wearable creation. “Flawless in clarity, colorless, and alive with brilliance, it commanded presence with every facet,” He said.”Diamonds have personalities, and this one spoke with bold refinement. Once placed at the heart of the Heavenly Star, it elevated the design into a creation of unmatched opulence and became an enduring icon.”
While Mouawad recognizes that each Fantasy Bra has its own story and place in history, he says, “The 2001 ‘Heavenly Star’ will always remain closest to our hearts. It was the beginning — where rarity, artistry, and imagination first converged to create something never before seen. It defined the benchmark for every creation that followed and cemented the legacy of the Mouawad–Victoria’s Secret collaboration.”
Karolína Kurková Wore the Fantasy Bra at the 2002 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Karolína Kurková showed up and showed out at the 2002 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, wearing the “Star of Victoria” Fantasy Bra and matching belt. Designed by Mouawad, the $10 million bra was embellished with a bedazzled rose garden motif. With green leaves punctuated with 1,600 emeralds of 110 carats and pink roses highlighted with 1,150 rubies of 150 carats, all surrounded by natural diamonds. The matching belt alone weighed a total of 168 carats of rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. But with all the artistry involved, the star of the ensemble came in the form of the Mouawad Mondera diamond, perched between the bra’s two cups.
The Mouawad Mondera is a flawless pear-shaped diamond, weighing 60.19 carats. Unique in color and clarity, its pristine finish and proportions make it a world-class gemstone. Robert Mouawad purchased the diamond on November 16, 2000, adding to his already impressive collection.
“The 2002 ‘Star of Victoria’ Fantasy Bra carried forward the legacy with a 60.19-carat D-Internally Flawless pear-shaped Mouawad Mondera Diamond,” says Mouawad. “A gem whose radiance felt as though it carried its own inner flame. Set in 18-karat gold and surrounded by rubies and emeralds in a radiant floral motif, the diamond became the soul of a piece that was both regal and ethereal. On the runway, Karolina Kurkova transformed it into a vision of fire and grace, forever immortalized as a high point of Fantasy Bra history.”
Heidi Klum Wore the Fantasy Bra at the 2003 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
For her third Fantasy Bra, Heidi Klum wore the dazzling “Very Sexy” design by Mouawad—an ombré rainbow masterpiece valued at $11 million and requiring 370 hours of meticulous craftsmanship. According to the jeweler, the look was inspired by the bright lights of Broadway. The German supermodel appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno alongside Martin Short to reveal the stunning showstopper a month before the fashion show took place.
Encrusted with 2,809 jewels, the bra was made up of exquisitely cut white natural diamonds, yellow-orange sapphires, rhodolite, and amethysts, totaling 2,200 carats. The matching bottoms were embellished with 3,236 diamonds and colored gemstones, for a total weight of 200 carats.
From the center of the bra, two strands of diamonds came together to dangle the famed 69.68-carat pear-shaped Mouawad Excelsior Diamond. Cut from the second-largest diamond in the world, the diamond earned the Fantasy Bra the Guinness World Record as the most valuable lingerie ever made.
Discovered in Africa in 1893, the Excelsior diamond weighed an astonishing 971 old carats (equivalent to 995.2 modern metric carats). At the time, it was the largest diamond in the world, rivaled only by the legendary Great Mogul of India. In 1903, Joseph Asscher was asked to cut the Excelsior diamond. From that monumental stone, he fashioned 11 exceptional diamonds and cemented widespread acclaim within Amsterdam’s flourishing diamond-cutting trade.
Sold separately, three of the diamonds were purchased by Tiffany & Co. De Beers displayed another, a marquise-cut, at the New York World Fair in 1939. What we know today as the Mouawad Excelsior Diamond reappeared for sale in 1991 and then again in 1996, when Robert Mouawad purchased the gem.
Mouawad describes the 2003 “Very Sexy” Fantasy Bra as both “a fashion spectacle and a tribute to diamond history.” He says, “At its center shone the 69.68-carat Excelsior I, the largest polished stone from the legendary 995-carat Excelsior Diamond discovered in 1893. Encircled by more than 2,800 gems totaling 2,200 carats, the bra transformed the Excelsior from a historic stone into a living masterpiece. When Heidi Klum walked the runway, the diamonds danced with her every step, a breathtaking reminder that jewelry is not only adornment but also history, storytelling, and the power to mesmerize. This creation was later recognized by Guinness World Records as the most valuable lingerie ever crafted.”
Tyra Banks Wore the Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra in 2004
Tyra Banks’ second Fantasy Bra was dubbed the “Heavenly 70,” thanks to its 70-carat pear-shaped diamond centerpiece framed with two angel wings. The $10 million bra was designed by Mouawad and featured a scalloped angel wing motif on the cup. Made up of 2,900 diamonds, weighing 112 carats, the bra was set in 18-karat white gold. But the masterpiece never made it down the catwalk. The VS Fashion Show did not take place that year, with the lingerie company hosting the “Angels Across America” tour in its place.
“The ‘Heavenly 70’ was defined by its flawless 70-carat pear-shaped diamond — a drop of pure brilliance suspended in time,” says Mouawad. “Surrounded by nearly 3,000 pavé-set diamonds in 18-karat white gold, the bra required over 275 hours of meticulous craftsmanship. When Tyra Banks [wore it], the diamond’s radiance fused with her presence, creating a spectacle of elegance and power that remains unforgettable.”
Gisele Bündchen Wore the Fantasy Bra at the 2005 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Gisele Bündchen took to the 2005 runway in the “Sexy Splendor” Fantasy Bra, valued at $12.5 million and designed by Mouawad. Featuring a geometric floral motif, the bra was adorned with 2,900 pavé-set natural diamonds of 108.37 carats, and bedazzled with 22 rubies of 38.25 carats, set in 18-karat white gold. A gob-smacking 101-carat diamond was suspended from a bow between the two cups. The look was completed with a matching diamond belt and a little sexy Santa ensemble to really ring in the holiday season.
“The 2005 ‘Sexy Splendor’ was anchored by the extraordinary 101.84-carat D-Internally Flawless Splendor Diamond – an extremely rare eleven-sided pear-shaped gem of commanding scale,” explains Mouawad. “Surrounded by rubies and pavé diamonds in an intricate floral design, the creation was a geometric marvel. On the runway, Gisele embodied its power, transforming the stone into an extension of her own energy — a crystallization of strength and beauty in motion.”
Karolína Kurková Wore the Fantasy Bra at the 2006 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Karolína Kurková was a silver siren at the 2006 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The Czech model wore the “Hearts on Fire” Diamond Fantasy Bra, designed by…you guessed it – California-based jeweler Hearts On Fire. Decked out with 2,000 diamonds, the $6.5 million bra featured an additional 10-carat diamond “Victorian floral” dangling brooch in the center.
Teamed with a matching belt, the model wore a coordinating diamond floral pendant necklace, a diamond bracelet, and glistening snowy branches for angel wings.
According to a Hearts On Fire spokesperson, every one of the 2,000 natural diamonds used in the bra was cut and polished to the brand’s proprietary standards. This process, they explained, goes far beyond the traditional 4Cs to ensure perfect symmetry, proportion, and alignment—qualities that give Hearts On Fire diamonds their trademark sparkle and fire. At the center of the design was a 10-carat diamond brooch with a Victorian floral motif, chosen to embody the romance, glamour, and sophistication of Victoria’s Secret.
The spokesperson added that each diamond was ethically sourced and selected for exceptional quality, making the piece a true one-of-a-kind creation that upheld the brand’s uncompromising standards.
Reflecting on the moment, the Hearts On Fire team recalled the surreal experience of seeing their creation take the stage. “It was one thing to watch the bra take shape in the workshop, but to see it on Karolína Kurková under the lights of the Victoria’s Secret runway was unforgettable,” they shared.
The payoff represented thousands of hours of work: the 2,000 diamonds required more than 20,000 hours of cutting and polishing, while the bra itself took over 300 hours to design and fabricate. The lead seamstress, they noted, was so dedicated she was still hand-sewing final touches in the vault the weekend before the show.
Selita Ebanks Wore the Fantasy Bra at the 2007 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Only the second Black model to wear the Fantasy Bra after Tyra Banks, Selita Ebanks owned the runway in 2007, wearing the $4.5 million “Very Sexy Holiday” Fantasy Bra, created by Mouawad. Incorporating holly and poinsettia motifs, the bra included almost 9,000 diamonds (584.76 carats), 797.40 carats of emeralds, 276.93 carats of rubies, and 3.42 carats of yellow sapphires. The festive set featured a bra, thong, garter, hair barrette, and matching cuff bracelet—altogether requiring more than 880 hours of meticulous craftsmanship.
Adriana Lima Wore the Fantasy Bra at the 2008 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Victoria’s Secret veteran, Adriana Lima, wore her first Fantasy Bra during the 2008 fashion show. Designed by Beverly Hills-based jeweler Martin Katz, the “Black Diamond Fantasy” Miracle Bra was embellished with nearly 3,900 gems, including 3,575 black diamonds, about 120 one-carat round white diamonds, and 34 rubies. Two black diamond drops dangled from the center of the bra, weighing in at 100 carats. Valued at $5 million, the total weight of the bra was 1,500 carats. The model strutted down the runway in her Fantasy Bra, paired with massive, feathered angel wings, a sheer black lacey bottom, classic black opera gloves, and a diamond bracelet on her wrist.
“Black diamonds had just begun to capture the imagination of collectors and designers,” recalls Katz. “There had never been a VS Diamond Bra made using this gemstone. For me, they embodied boldness, power, and allure — exactly the kind of energy we wanted for Adriana Lima and that particular Fantasy Bra. It was about creating something daring and unforgettable. What better way to showcase nearly 3,600 black diamonds than on the Victoria’s Secret ‘Black Diamond’ Fantasy Miracle Bra — and designing it for a gorgeous supermodel was hardly a letdown either.”
Katz tells Only Natural Diamonds that the creative process began with sketches and selecting stones that embodied “both beauty and drama.” He says, “Every white diamond, ruby, and black diamond was carefully hand-set with the same level of craftsmanship I apply to my high jewelry pieces. What made it unique was the scale —the challenge was blending fantasy with precise engineering, so it was wearable and spectacular under the runway lights.”
The jewelry designer went on to praise his model and muse. “Adriana was a dream collaborator,” he says. “She had the beauty and confidence to bring the piece to life, and she was so excited to wear it. I always say a jewel isn’t complete until it’s worn, and Adriana truly transformed the Fantasy Bra from a jeweled object into a living work of art.
Marisa Miller Wore the Fantasy Bra at the 2009 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Marisa Miller donned the “Harlequin” Fantasy Bra, created by Italian jeweler Damiani for the 2009 Victoria’s Secret fashion show. The black bra featured 2,300 brilliant-cut white, champagne, and cognac diamonds in a grid lattice pattern with braided diamond edges and straps, totaling 150 carats. At the center of the piece hung a 16-carat heart-shaped diamond pendant, serving as its dazzling focal point. Valued at $3 million, the bra required 800 hours to complete. Miller later showcased the creation on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and The Ellen Show.
Adriana Lima Wore the Fantasy Bra at the 2010 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
For her sophomore Fantasy Bra moment, Adriana Lima wore the “Bombshell” in 2010, worth $2 million. Designed by Damiani for the second year in a row, the Fantasy Bra took six craftspeople over 1,500 hours to complete. Set in 18-karat gold, the piece was encrusted with 3,000 white diamonds of 60 carats, light blue sapphires, and oval-shaped topazes of a combined 82 carats. Per a press release at the time, the bra was designed to “evoke a heavenly display of swirling stars and constellations, perfect for a Victoria’s Secret Angel.”
Ahead of the annual fashion show, the Victoria’s Secret Angel revealed the bra outside of Victoria’s Secret SoHo store that October in New York City, pulling up in an old-fashioned white convertible limousine.
Miranda Kerr Wore the Fantasy Bra at the 2011 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Miranda Kerr looked every bit the magnificent mermaid in her shell-shaped aqua blue “Fantasy Treasure” Bra. Valued at $2.5 million, the under-the-sea-themed creation was exquisitely designed by London Jewelers. The push-up bra featured a treasure trove of nearly 3,400 precious gems, handset with loads of pearls, faceted citrine stones, aquamarines, and 142 carats of natural diamonds, set in 18-karat white and yellow gold. Four draped strands of pearls hung from the center, along with two white diamonds of 8 carats and two yellow diamonds of over 14 carats each, dangled above a swinging pearl tassel.
President of London Jewelers, Candy Udell, describes the moment as “absolutely magical.” She says, “Seeing our design worn by Miranda Kerr on one of the world’s most-watched runways was incredibly fulfilling. It was a proud milestone for London Jewelers. It represented not just fine jewelry but a celebration of creativity, fashion, and the power of collaboration.”
Udell says, “The 2011 Fantasy Treasure Bra was an exquisite showcase of over 3,400 precious gems, including nearly 150 carats of white and yellow diamonds, pearls, citrines, and aquamarines — all set in 18-karat gold. Every stone was natural, hand-selected, and meticulously placed to bring the oceanic-inspired design to life.”
Alessandra Ambrosio Wore the Fantasy Bra at the 2012 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Alessandra Ambrosio wore the $2.5 million “Floral” Fantasy Bra, created by London Jewelers in 2012. After over a decade as a VS Angel, the model’s first Fantasy Bra featured a botanical garden design with a shimmering lattice motif on the brand’s signature “Very Sexy” push-up bra. With 5,200 handset jewels set in 18-karat rose gold and yellow gold, the work of art included amethysts, sapphires, rubies, and natural diamonds in white, pink, and yellow hues. As if the bra weren’t extravagant enough, it came with a removable 20-carat diamond centerpiece and a matching bejeweled belt.
“The 2012 Floral Fantasy Bra was spectacular, with more than 5,200 precious gems, including amethysts, sapphires, rubies, and over 20 carats of white diamonds,” explains Udell. “The natural diamonds were the heart of the design, adding brilliance and elegance to an already extraordinary floral motif. Every gemstone was set by hand, with a level of detail that matched the uniqueness of the piece and the model wearing it.”
Having designed back-to-back Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bras—one for Miranda Kerr and the other for Alessandra Ambrosio—Udell says, “Miranda and Alessandra were both incredible to work with — gracious, professional, and truly radiant. They each brought their own unique energy to the pieces, and they wore the bras with such confidence and beauty. It was a joy to see our designs come to life on two of the most iconic models in the world.” She says, “These stunning pieces of wearable art took six weeks from start to finish to create showcasing incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail.”
Candice Swanepoel Wore the Fantasy Bra at the 2013 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
South African model Candice Swanepoel wore the $10 million “Royal” Fantasy Bra at the 2013 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The most expensive Fantasy Bra since 2005, it marked Mouawad’s return to the design after a six-year break. Styled to echo the grandeur of crown jewels, the piece was adorned with 4,200 diamonds, rubies, and yellow and blue sapphires, all set in 18-karat gold with a coordinating belt. The vibrant palette of red, blue, and yellow mirrored the colors of royal regalia, while the centerpiece—a 52-carat pear-shaped ruby suspended from a diamond bow—evoked the dramatic drop gems often seen in historic crown jewels and ceremonial orders.
Alessandra Ambrosio & Adriana Lima Wore the Fantasy Bras at the 2014 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Dynamic duo Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio brought the star power to the 2014 runway in the coordinating “Dream Angels” Fantasy Bras. The two VS Angels stormed the catwalk together, both in Fantasy Bras created by Mouawad. Both sets took artisans nearly 1,380 hours to perfect.
Lima’s royal blue assortment was decorated with diamonds, sapphires, amethysts, topazes, and agates, with layered body chains and belts. Ambrosio’s crimson ensemble featured diamonds, sapphires, garnets, topazes, quartzes, and agates. The occasion marked the first and only time two Fantasy Bras were on display during the annual fashion show. Each woman wore over 16,000 jewels in 18-karat gold, and the bras were valued at $2 million each.
“The 2014 Fantasy Bras were historic,” recalls Pascal Mouawad. “For the first time, two were unveiled side by side, worn by Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio. Each valued at $2 million and requiring over 1,380 hours of work, the creations shimmered with diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and multicolored gemstones set in 18-karat gold. It was a celebration of duality and sisterhood — two individual visions of beauty converging into one unforgettable spectacle, a milestone moment that reinforced the enduring partnership between Mouawad and Victoria’s Secret.”
Lily Aldridge Wore the Fantasy Bra at the 2015 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Hitting the catwalk with a bang, Lily Aldridge wore the $2 million “Fireworks” Fantasy Bra during the 2015 fashion show, designed by Mouawad. Handset in 18-karat yellow gold, an explosion of more than 6,500 gems, including diamonds, sapphires, garnets, amethysts, topazes, tourmalines, peridots, quartzes, citrines, and tsavorites mimicked a colorful firework pattern. The dazzling Fantasy Bra and matching belt required over 685 hours to create.
Jasmine Tookes Wore the Fantasy Bra at the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Jasmine Tookes wore the “Bright Night” Fantasy Bra, created by Eddie Borgo during the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show at the Grand Palais in Paris. The Victoria’s Secret Angel looked like a diamond and emerald empress in the $3 million creation that took a team of craftsmen nearly 700 hours to complete.
Borgo was tapped by Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show creative director and friend Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou to design the Fantasy Bra. “I was happy to be approached by stylist Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou as a consideration for the commission of a runway piece for the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show,” Borgo recalls. “I love Sophia and was excited at the opportunity to work with her directly, one-on-one.”
Featuring 9,000 precious gemstones brought to life with the help of A.W. Mouzannar, the piece was covered in emeralds and white diamond spiked studs of over 450 carats, set in 18-karat gold with draped, layered, bejeweled body chains. “I had never worked with that amount of stones at once,” he says. “The management and organization of the stones was assigned to two of our studio managers, who kept a meticulous record of each stone that was used, as it was set.”
“The commission began with Sophia reviewing our archive and selecting pieces that she felt best represented the most iconic shapes and materials used in our jewelry collection,” says Borgo. “I wanted to incorporate the various sculptural elements we are best known for, such as padlocks, pyramids, and cones – realized through the brilliance of diamonds and emeralds.”
He says, “We knew the piece had to remain functional to be worn on the runway, and that was a constant consideration in the process. One of the most impactful parts of that process was working with Jasmine Tookes to have a 3-D body scan done of her entire torso. That process was quite progressive at the time and allowed us to ensure that the piece was entirely bespoke and fit her bodice perfectly. We utilized a plaster mold to ensure the dimensions were exact before the bodice began to be sculpted.”
As the third Black supermodel to be chosen to wear the Fantasy Bra, after Tyra Banks and Selita Ebanks, Jasmine Tookes brought a modernity to the 20-year tradition. “She is a true professional and was open to all of the experimenting we needed to perform upfront in order to achieve the best result,” Borgo says of Tookes. “She was constantly being called in for fittings and continued to work with us to ensure the piece was perfect until the day of the show. She was involved, cooperative, available and positive through the entire endeavor. It was a joy working with her.”
Lais Ribeiro Wore the Fantasy Bra at the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Lais Ribeiro looked like a gilded angel when she stormed the VS runway in Shanghai, China, wearing the $2 million “Champagne Nights” Fantasy Bra designed by Mouawad in 2017. She was only the fourth Black model chosen to wear the coveted Fantasy Bra, preceded by Tyra Banks, Selita Ebanks, and Jasmine Tookes.
The 18-karat gold assortment included 6,000 handset diamonds and sapphire-encrusted ornate leaves, set among stunning blue topaz stones, all weighing over 600 carats. The intricate design took nearly 350 hours to create, along with a matching belt and a suit of jewelry. The Brazilian model glistened in gold feathered angel wings and a Grecian wing headpiece with her dazzling jewels.
As the penultimate Fantasy Bra in VS history, the “Champagne Nights” Fantasy Bra is the last of its kind, embellished in natural diamonds and gemstones. The following year, Swedish model Elsa Hosk wore the last ever Fantasy Bra, created by Swarovski.
