The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has attracted millions of eyes worldwide for 20 years. This year, there will be no show.
One of Victoria’s Secret’s biggest criticisms is its lack of diversity. Audiences have grown tired of the standard face and body that made the fashion line famous. Rihanna’s brand Savage x Fenty, as a brand that seeks out models who vary in skin tone, shape, and size, has been credited with its predecessor’s downfall.
Most Victoria’s Secret legends — Adriana Lima and Gisele Bündchen for example — do come from different countries. It’s diversity, but not the kind fans want.
Let’s take a lot at 20 of the stunning destinations these women came from to celebrate what might be the end of a fashion era.
20 We Hope Brazil Never Wants Adriana Lima Back
Many models that join the Victoria's Secret ranks jump ship after just one year. Adriana lasted eighteen, the longest of anyone. She is as iconic as the country she comes from. The above shot of Rio de Janeiro captures some of the destination’s highlights including beaches, mountains, and animated cities.
19 Namibia gave us an actual angel: Behati Prinsloo
This bundle of joy brightens up every runway she walks for Victoria's Secret — currently she’s up to seven. Behati comes from one of the least-toured destinations in the world, which is a shame since Namibia is home to many stunning locations like the Sossusvlei desert seen in this photo.
18 Alessandra Ambrosio brought Brazil with her
High energy comes with everything Alessandra does including eating this slice of pizza. In this photo, she couldn't stop herself from skipping while chowing down. Pure excitement for life is characteristic of the country where one of their biggest holidays culminates in a huge party, Carnaval, that attracts millions yearly.
17 Elsa Hosk is a Swedish snow queen
Long before a Disney princess made the name Elsa popular, Elsa Hosk was making her own magic as a model. Her home country of Sweden is a sight to behold in the winter when the snow-covered roofs and sweater-clad crowds turn it into a picturesque paradise.
16 Brazil's Gisele Bündchen put the angels on the map
Gisele held onto a long reign as the highest-paid model worldwide. Since giving up her title, she dedicates her time to organizations like the United Nations Environment Program which seeks to protect landscapes like this one on the Taquari River in her home state of Rio Grande do Sul.
15 Beloved Heidi Klum comes from Germany
Dominating the world as a Victoria's Secret model was just the beginning for Heidi Klum. She then earned the title of supermodel and became everyone’s favorite on the show Project Runway—it’ll never be the same without her! This photo shows one of her homeland’s many castles, the Bavarian Hohenschwangau.
14 Selita Ebanks is the Cayman Islands' Biggest Attraction
This beach babe’s experience walking the shores of the Cayman Islands prepared her to rock Victoria’s Secret’s revealing fashion line. A tropical climate and multiple beaches have already made the Cayman Islands a hot destination. Crystal caves and shipwreck tours are an option for those who want something more.
13 Laetitia Casta made France proud
Laetitia’s short-lived career as a model initiated a longer career as an actress when she returned to France. The country showed their love when they elected her to be the face of the next Marianne, a bronze bust often displayed in government buildings meant to represent the country itself.
12 Denmark Produced Original Angel Helena Christensen
After earning the title of Miss Universe Denmark, Helena left one of the world’s happiest countries to pursue a career in modeling. Alongside Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, and other originals, she starred in the 1999 Super Bowl commercial that brought millions to Victoria’s Secret's online broadcast audience.
11 Miranda Kerr crossed Australia for us
The above photo of Australia doesn't depict the dry landscapes that are usually associated with the country. Miranda's province of New South Wales is filled with wildlife reserves that host grassy fields and animals beyond the typical kangaroo and koala. You’ll also find Australia’s famous Sydney Opera House here.
10 Argentinian Inés Rivero gives the rest of South America some love
Long before Brazilian women became the company’s most popular recruits, Inés was stomping out her name on some of its first catwalks. Argentina also has much to give with its icy lakes and massive glaciers. The warmer city of Córdoba where Inés is from offers a greener countryside.
9 Lais Ribeiro proves Brazil has a supermodel assembly line
Another model from Brazil shouldn’t come as a surprise this far down the list. These four aren't the only Brazilians Victoria's Secret has recruited either. Brazil is huge after all. The country gives us winding rivers, thick jungles, lively celebrations, and the Iguazu Falls in Paraná shown above.
8 Thank South Africa for Candice Swanepoel
Known as “The Garden Province,” vibrant land and rich fauna characterize KwaZulu-Natal province where Candice was born. This area is also the heartland of the Zulu people, an ethnic group whose battlefields and ancient cities among the hills are great sources of national pride and tourism.
7 Stella Maxwell claims New Zealand
Stella made her way around the world before she reached the age of 14 as a diplomat’s daughter. She spent time in Belgium and Australia before attending high school and college in New Zealand. This last country is where she was discovered among its famous rolling hills and large lakes.
6 Barbara Palvin was discovered in Hungary
This new addition to the Victoria's Secret's roster arrived just this year, but before that, she made it to the Forbes list of highest-paid models on her own. Barbara was discovered in Hungary's capital city, Budapest, where visitors can tour the elaborate Baroque buildings that line the streets.
5 Jac Jagaciak couldn't stay away from Poland for long
The snowy peaks of the Tatra Mountains rise up along the border between Slovakia and Poland. Jac, a model with an athletic family background, is the perfect ambassador for this hiking spot. She lives closer to Poznań, a city that specializes in more urban attractions like its Renaissance Old Town.
4 Karolína Kurková Calls Czechia Home
Giant sandstone mountains pierce the misty sky in the northern region of Děčín, Karolína’s city. Though this landmark can also be accessed through Germany, the Czech Republic does keep some landmarks to itself. Forty miles away, the clifftop Děčín Castle is open for tours led by guides in period costume.
3 Doutzen Kroes Is the Netherlands' Best Blossom
Take a look at this model’s wax twin in Amsterdam's branch of the Madame Tussaud museum or maybe catch a glimpse of the actual woman walking around in the city. Other Amsterdam attractions to see while you're there are the rainbow-colored tulip fields and the tulip festival in spring.
2 Portugal gave us Sara Sampaio
Situated on the eastern bay of the Iberian Peninsula, the glowing city of Porto looks like an illustration from a children's storybook when it lights up the night. Discovering Sara in the tangled cobblestone paths of the huge city between towering buildings and bustling clubs seems like a miracle.
1 Romee Strijd is a Dutch treasure
Polders are a unique feature of the Holland region of the Netherlands where Romee comes from. These floating patches of land are the nation's attempt to pull back areas made unusable by flooding. The process sees good results and gives us these amazing earthen patterns as an added benefit.