Kylie Jenner’s $50m VS debut faces backlash

Kylie Jenner faced criticism from fans after wearing Victoria’s Secret’s $50 million Fantasy Bra during the brand’s fashion show in Los Angeles on 18 October, with some questioning why the honour went to the reality star and beauty entrepreneur rather than an established runway model.

Jenner, 29, made her runway debut at the event, but her appearance quickly sparked debate on social media. Critics argued that the decision reflected a growing emphasis on celebrity and influencer appearances at a show traditionally associated with professional models.

The controversy came amid existing criticism over the inclusion of influencers and so-called nepo babies in the fashion show. Jenner’s selection to wear the Fantasy Bra appeared to intensify the discussion, with some fans saying the distinction should have gone to a model who had spent years building a career on the runway.

The Fantasy Bra returned to the show for the first time since 2018, when Swedish supermodel Elsa Hosk wore it. This year’s design featured more than 4,000 natural diamonds by JACOB & CO. and took more than 1,000 hours to create.

The bra was described as a high-jewellery bustier made from 18-carat white and yellow gold and diamonds. At its centre was a 75.54-carat radiant-cut Fancy Vivid yellow diamond, reportedly worth $22 million.

During Jenner’s solo segment, the stage was darkened and filled with smoke before the lights revealed her wearing the diamond-covered piece.

However, the elaborate design did little to shift attention away from the casting decision, which drew a wave of critical comments online.

“Omg this is so embarrassing,” one person wrote on Instagram.

Another commented: “Noooo supermodels are supermodels for a reason. It’s more than just whatever Kylie is doing. She looks like a kid doing a fake pageant show in her parents’ living room.”

Others questioned the brand’s decision to choose Jenner over established models. “They rejected OG angels for this?? Lol,” one user wrote, while another said: “Get off the stage, Instagram model.”

Several commenters linked the controversy to what they saw as a decline in the brand’s identity. “Victoria’s Secret went down ever since the Kardashians started appearing in them,” one person claimed. Another wrote: “Take me back to the ’90s and real ‘supermodels’… embarrassing!!!”

Some fans also expressed concern for professional models who had worked towards the opportunity to appear in the show.

“I know this pissed off a lot of REAL MODELS that have worked HARD to be on the runway and weren’t picked,” one commenter wrote.

Another questioned whether the brand could not find someone more deserving of the opportunity, while a separate comment described the decision as “absolutely terrible”.

One critic argued that the Fantasy Bra had lost its significance as a modelling achievement, writing: “So wearing the Fantasy Bra isn’t about which MODEL deserves it the most anymore, it’s about whose family can pay the most. Got it.”

Although Jenner’s appearance brought considerable attention to the show, the reaction highlighted a broader debate over the place of celebrities and influencers in fashion events traditionally associated with professional modelling. For critics, the Fantasy Bra remains a symbol of prestige, making the choice of who wears it particularly significant.