The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has long been known for its spectacle, combining stunning models, elaborate costumes, and vibrant performances to create an unforgettable event. However, the 2016 show took this spectacle to another level, drawing inspiration from an unlikely source: the hit television series “Game of Thrones.” This bold, creative fusion of high fashion and high fantasy resulted in a show that captivated audiences and broke new ground in the world of fashion. In this essay, we’ll explore how the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was influenced by “Game of Thrones,” the cultural impact of this blend, and what it reveals about the power of cross-genre creativity.
The Unexpected Marriage of Fashion and Fantasy
When the Victoria’s Secret 2016 Fashion Show aired, it immediately drew comparisons to the wildly popular “Game of Thrones.” The thematic elements of the show — from the set design and music to the costumes worn by the models — evoked the dark, dramatic, and fantastical world of Westeros. Instead of the usual bright and bubbly themes associated with Victoria’s Secret shows, the 2016 edition embraced a darker, more mystical aesthetic, which seemed straight out of the Seven Kingdoms.
The show’s segments, such as “The Road Ahead” and “Dark Angel,” featured models in elaborate ensembles reminiscent of medieval fantasy attire. Winged bras and lingerie sets were paired with capes, crowns, and heavy embellishments that could have easily belonged to characters from “Game of Thrones.” The set itself was transformed into a grand spectacle with archways, towering props, and a dark, moody lighting scheme that felt more like a scene from the Iron Throne Room than a typical runway.
By drawing from “Game of Thrones,” the Victoria’s Secret 2016 show tapped into a cultural phenomenon that was at its peak at the time. The TV series had amassed a massive global fanbase, known for its intense drama, complex characters, and intricate world-building. This connection between fashion and fantasy allowed the brand to reach new audiences, creating a unique experience that merged two seemingly disparate worlds.
Embracing the Power of Popular Culture
The decision to draw inspiration from “Game of Thrones” was not merely a coincidence but a strategic move by Victoria’s Secret to align itself with a widely recognized and beloved cultural icon. At the time, “Game of Thrones” was not just a television show; it was a cultural force that had permeated nearly every aspect of popular media. By channeling this energy into the fashion show, Victoria’s Secret cleverly tapped into the show’s immense popularity, creating buzz and excitement that extended far beyond its traditional audience.
The blend of fashion and fantasy demonstrated the growing trend of using popular culture references to create memorable brand experiences. By integrating elements that resonated with the public’s current obsessions, Victoria’s Secret transformed a fashion show into a cross-genre event that felt relevant and engaging to a wider audience. This strategy not only generated substantial media coverage but also connected with viewers on a deeper emotional level, making the show a topic of conversation in both fashion circles and pop culture communities.
Moreover, this cross-pollination of ideas between television and fashion reflects the modern era’s blending of entertainment genres. It underscores how boundaries are increasingly fluid, with television, film, fashion, and even video games influencing one another in ways that were once considered unconventional. In this context, the Victoria’s Secret 2016 show is a prime example of how brands can leverage popular culture to innovate and remain relevant in a fast-evolving media landscape.
Fashion as a Medium of Storytelling
Beyond its marketing strategy, the Victoria’s Secret 2016 Fashion Show also showcased how fashion can serve as a powerful medium for storytelling. Much like “Game of Thrones,” which captivated audiences with its epic narratives and richly textured world, the show used its garments, set designs, and music to tell a visual story that transported viewers into a fantastical realm.
Each model who walked the runway became a character in a larger narrative, their outfits functioning as costumes that suggested roles within this imagined universe. Whether evoking the regal power of a queen, the fierce independence of a warrior, or the mystical allure of a sorceress, the show created an imaginative space where fashion was more than just clothing — it was a form of expression, an extension of the characters’ identities.
This approach marked a shift in how fashion shows are traditionally perceived. Rather than merely displaying new collections, the 2016 show sought to create an immersive experience that blurred the line between fashion, theater, and cinema. By doing so, it demonstrated the potential of fashion as a storytelling vehicle, capable of evoking emotion, inspiring imagination, and captivating an audience much like any great television drama.
Reinventing the Fantasy in Fashion
The thematic choice to echo “Game of Thrones” also signaled a reinvention of the concept of fantasy in fashion. Fantasy elements have always been a part of the Victoria’s Secret brand, with its famous “Angel” wings and whimsical costumes. However, by embracing a darker, more nuanced fantasy inspired by “Game of Thrones,” the brand ventured into new territory, appealing to those who enjoy a more complex and mature interpretation of fantasy.
The “Game of Thrones” aesthetic brought with it a sense of drama and sophistication that elevated the traditional Victoria’s Secret spectacle. Instead of relying solely on the light, airy fantasy often associated with angels and fairytales, the 2016 show incorporated more profound elements of mystique, power, and allure. The contrast of delicate lingerie with heavy, medieval-inspired accessories created a dynamic tension that was both visually striking and conceptually rich.
This move towards a more layered and textured fantasy aligns with broader fashion trends that embrace eclecticism and the unexpected. Today’s fashion landscape is defined by its diversity of influences, where historical references, cultural motifs, and contemporary aesthetics collide to produce something entirely new. The 2016 Victoria’s Secret show, with its blend of lingerie and “Game of Thrones”-style grandeur, epitomized this trend, pushing the boundaries of what a fashion show could be.
A Cultural Moment with Lasting Impact
The 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show remains a notable cultural moment because it highlighted the evolving nature of fashion as a platform for cross-genre creativity. By drawing on the widespread popularity of “Game of Thrones,” the show not only expanded its audience but also redefined the possibilities of fashion presentation. It showed how fashion could intersect with popular culture in unexpected ways, creating a buzzworthy event that captured the public’s imagination.
Moreover, the show’s success underscored the power of storytelling in fashion. It demonstrated that clothing and costume could be more than mere adornment; they could be central elements in a narrative that speaks to contemporary cultural themes. This integration of fashion with storytelling, spectacle, and popular culture continues to shape how brands engage with their audiences today.
