Gigi Hadid has defended fellow supermodel Elsa Hosk after her runway walk at the 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show came under criticism online, revealing the physical challenges models face while wearing the brand's elaborate angel wings.
The 31-year-old model responded on Threads on Wednesday, 21 October, after a social media user compared Hosk's performance with the runway walks of earlier Victoria's Secret Angels, including Gisele Bündchen. Hadid praised Hosk's performance and argued that viewers often underestimate the difficulty of balancing oversized wings while walking in high heels.
Gigi Hadid Defends Elsa Hosk After Runway Criticism
The discussion began when a Threads user shared footage of Hosk walking in towering gold-toned wings during the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Los Angeles on Sunday, 18 October. The user compared her performance with that of former Victoria's Secret Angel Gisele Bündchen, questioning whether modern runway walks matched those of the brand's earlier models. Hadid quickly came to Hosk's defence. 'Elsa slayed this,' she wrote, rejecting the criticism of her fellow supermodel. Although Hadid expressed admiration for the original Victoria's Secret Angels, she argued that comparisons between different generations overlook the challenges posed by increasingly elaborate runway costumes.
She explained that some modern wings can weigh more than 75 pounds, extend over 10 feet and feature moving mechanical elements. Hadid also highlighted the difficulty of navigating a lengthy runway in high heels while balancing oversized accessories and facing powerful fans. 'Y'all have no clue,' she added. Her response drew attention to the work involved in creating the apparently effortless runway moments audiences see during the televised show.
Elsa Hosk's Gold Wings Reveal Challenges Behind Victoria's Secret Walk
Hosk's elaborate costume was among the standout designs at the 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. The Swedish model, 37, appeared wearing enormous gold-and-bronze wings featuring an intricate metal framework decorated with individual fabric feathers. According to Victoria's Secret chief creative officer Adam Selman, the wings measured approximately 70 inches high. However, their exact weight has not been publicly established.
Hadid's reference to wings weighing more than 75 pounds was a general description of the challenges models can face, rather than a confirmed measurement of Hosk's particular costume. She also explained that removing elaborate wings can require assistance from three people, highlighting the preparation and teamwork involved behind the scenes. Hosk herself addressed the difficulties of wearing the design, describing how several people helped manage the oversized accessory. The comments offered additional context to the criticism of her walk, suggesting that the costume's size and construction could affect how a model moves.
Elsa Hosk Returns to VS Runway After Welcoming Daughter
Hosk's appearance was particularly significant because it marked her return to the Victoria's Secret runway after welcoming her second daughter, Flora Blue, in July 2026. The model's comeback came approximately three months after giving birth. Hosk previously appeared in Victoria's Secret fashion shows between 2011 and 2018, becoming one of the brand's recognisable runway faces. She also wore the coveted Fantasy Bra during the 2018 show, a milestone in her career with the lingerie brand.
Her latest appearance brought her back to the runway alongside established supermodels and newer faces. The return also placed her in one of the evening's most elaborate costumes, requiring careful movement to balance its striking design.
Gigi Hadid Highlights Effort Behind VS Runway Shows
Victoria's Secret's signature wings have long been among the most recognisable features of its fashion shows. While the accessories create dramatic runway moments, their size, weight and construction can make them challenging to wear. Hadid's defence highlighted the difference between watching a performance and understanding the physical demands involved.
Rather than focusing solely on Hosk's pace or posture, she encouraged viewers to consider the work required to carry an elaborate costume down the runway. For Hosk, the criticism followed a significant return to the Victoria's Secret stage. For Hadid, the message was clear: Hosk deserved recognition for successfully navigating the runway in a demanding costume, not criticism that overlooked the effort involved.
