Victoria's Secret is facing boycott calls over its 2026 Fashion Show after former Angel Romee Strijd and former runway model Frida Aasen revealed the brand rejected them during casting. Fans have questioned these decisions, contrasting the established careers of the models with the brand's use of social media personalities and new talent, while expressing support for Strijd in her Instagram comments.
Strijd, 31, shared her experience in an emotional TikTok on 12 October. The Dutch model travelled to New York in September for an audition, having trained throughout the summer in hopes of returning to the runway.
'I trained for it this summer because I had to put a bit more energy into it since I've got two kids, and you know how it goes–your body needs a little bit more working out than before,' she explained. 'I felt like I wanted to do the show again even after kids because it felt like the right timing.' 'After several weeks without an update, Strijd received feedback from her agent: 'You were great, but they thought you wouldn't fit in the show this year.'
Strijd criticised the casting process and indicated she was unlikely to audition for Victoria's Secret again. She also expressed a desire to preserve her positive memories of the brand. 'I don't like the way it went, I don't like how the whole process went, I don't like the way I was treated, and I would love to keep the positive memories of VS,' she said.
Strijd's Angel Legacy
Strijd began walking for Victoria's Secret in 2014 and became an official Angel in 2015. She appeared in five consecutive shows through 2018, during an era when the brand's Angels were central to its public image.
Her career includes runway appearances for Chanel, Céline, Louis Vuitton, Balmain, Prada, and Alexander McQueen. She has also modelled for Michael Kors, Donna Karan, and H&M and has appeared in Vogue and Elle.
Strijd continues to collaborate with Victoria's Secret and will appear in its Spring 2026 campaign. However, campaign participation does not guarantee a place in the brand's fashion show.
Romee Strijd was a pillar of the golden era of VS Angels. 💞 A real ascended fairy in her Enchantix form. 🪽🎀 pic.twitter.com/5ixTAAm3LX
— ♡ m 🪽 (@disorderella) October 12, 2026
Aasen Also Rejected
Norwegian model Aasen, 31, confirmed her unsuccessful audition in a comment on Strijd's TikTok. 'I'm so sad you didn't get it! I also went to the casting, and it was a no. It sucks, but sending you lots of love,' she wrote.
Aasen debuted at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai in 2017 and returned for the 2018 show in New York. Her broader career includes runway appearances for Prada, Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Fendi, and Miu Miu, as well as campaigns for Victoria's Secret, H&M, and Tory Burch.
Although Aasen has walked the runway for Victoria's Secret, she was never officially appointed as a Victoria's Secret Angel. Both models have established careers and prior experience with the show.
Even veteran angels got rejected.. I’m genuinely not watching the show this year
— aris (@ArisReadsTarot) October 12, 2026
Influencers Spark Casting Debate
Victoria's Secret has faced criticism for featuring social media personalities alongside professional models. At the 2025 Fashion Show in New York, creators Quenlin Blackwell and Gabriela Moura appeared in the PINK Halftime Show alongside basketball player Angel Reese and Olympic gymnast Sunisa Lee.
Blackwell gained recognition on Vine and YouTube, while Moura is known for her presence on TikTok and Instagram. Actor Barbie Ferreira also walked the runway at the 2025 show. Their participation highlights the brand's effort to feature personalities beyond traditional models.
One fan criticised the brand for 'rejecting beloved veterans for influencers', while another warned that the industry's preference for influencers over professional models would eventually 'bite a lot of these brands in the ass'.
Some fans question whether online popularity should lead to fashion show opportunities, while supporters believe creators help brands reach new audiences. Victoria's Secret has not publicly explained why Strijd and Aasen were not selected for the 2026 show.
I hope they never work w them again. Idu why romee would even have to AUDITION she used to be one of the main angels
— holly ☆ (@hailieybieber) October 12, 2026
New Angels Competition
Victoria's Secret has introduced new routes for aspiring models. Its Angels Among Us YouTube docuseries follows contestants competing for a chance to become a Victoria's Secret Angel and walk in the 2026 Fashion Show.
The brand announced a nationwide open casting on 1 April, released the docuseries trailer on 1 September, and premiered the series on 27 September. Over 100,000 aspiring angels entered. The winner will receive an exclusive contract with IMG Models.
Another fan questioned the apparent double standard between the brand's search for new Angels and its use of social media personalities, writing, 'They're literally doing a whole YouTube show to find the next Victoria's Secret Angel, expecting these girls to meet a million requirements, but then they have no problem putting influencers on the runway just because they're famous'.
Show Returns to Los Angeles
The 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is scheduled for 18 October in Los Angeles. Announced performers include Megan Thee Stallion, Megan Moroney, Tate McRae, and KATSEYE. The model lineup features Gigi Hadid, Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Alex Consani, and Paloma Elsesser.
It is unclear whether boycott threats will significantly affect participation or attendance. However, the ongoing questions about the casting decision, combined with public support for Strijd, highlight her strong connection with fans and their interest in her return to the runway.
