Bella Hadid understood the assignment. The supermodel stepped out for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show after-party in a sheer black lace minidress that brought Britney Spears' iconic 2001 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) look straight back into the fashion conversation.
After making her mark on the Victoria's Secret runway, Hadid traded her angel wings for a lingerie-inspired ensemble that delivered pure Y2K bombshell energy. The dress featured intricate black lace, a high neckline, long sleeves and a short hemline, balancing a romantic silhouette with a daring, barely-there finish.
Bella Hadid Makes a Case for the Return of Y2K Lace
Hadid styled the sheer number with black lingerie underneath, letting the delicate lace do the heavy lifting. Pointed-toe black heels, dark sunglasses and a sparkling mini bag completed the look, while her voluminous blonde waves added to the throwback glamour.
The overall effect was equal parts vintage supermodel and early-2000s pop princess. It was sultry without trying too hard, with just enough drama to make the after-party feel like its own fashion moment.
Bella Hadid channeling her inner Britney Spears circa 2001!🔥“To all the Girls that say I’m history…I’M PROPHECY!” https://t.co/qhqXhayKQP
— LEGENDARY LADE! 🇳🇬 (@LegendaryLade) October 19, 2026
Of course, the resemblance to Britney Spears' 2001 look was hard to miss. Spears wore a memorable black lace minidress to the 2001 VMAs, cementing the look as one of those celebrity fashion moments that refuses to stay in the archives. Hadid's outfit echoed the same sheer, lingerie-inspired aesthetic while giving it a contemporary edge. Think of it as a Y2K reboot, minus the time machine.
Britney Spears' Fashion Legacy Is Still That Girl
If there is one thing the internet loves, it is a celebrity serving a nostalgic fashion reference without making it feel like a costume. Spears' early-2000s style continues to inspire a new generation of stars, and Hadid's latest appearance proves that the era's most daring trends still have plenty of life left in them.
The appeal is easy to understand. Sheer fabrics, visible lingerie and lace details have become familiar features of modern celebrity dressing, but the early-aughts version had a particular kind of unapologetic attitude. It was playful, provocative and never especially interested in playing it safe.
Hadid tapped into that spirit without needing to recreate Spears' entire outfit. Her look felt like a nod to a pop-culture classic rather than a carbon copy, making the reference work on its own terms.
And honestly, what better place to revive lingerie-inspired glamour than a Victoria's Secret after-party? Between the wings, the runway looks and the supermodel guest list, the evening was practically designed for fashion theatrics.
Bella Hadid Brings Main-Character Energy to the After-Party
Hadid's after-party appearance also offered a sharp contrast to her runway styling. While her Victoria's Secret looks leaned into the fantasy and spectacle associated with the show, the black lace dress brought a darker, more intimate kind of glamour.
It was a reminder that a strong fashion moment does not always require an elaborate gown or an oversized statement piece. Sometimes, a great silhouette, the right styling and a well-placed pop-culture reference are more than enough.
The look also arrived at a time when Y2K fashion continues to dominate celebrity wardrobes and social media mood boards. Yet, rather than feeling like another trend recycled for nostalgia's sake, Hadid's outfit showed why certain styles keep returning: the combination of lace, lingerie and confidence is difficult to retire.
Britney Spears may have worn the original decades ago, but Bella Hadid has given the aesthetic another moment in the spotlight. One thing is certain: if the fashion archives are open for business, the early 2000s are not leaving anytime soon.
