Whether the economy had any effect or execs at Victoria's Secret wanted to tap into a different avenue with decor and the venue, the company's annual fashion show took place on November 15 with less decor than in years past. Held inside a five-story tent-created and designed by EventStar and London-based event company ESS-on the newly renovated Fontainebleau Hotel's property, the show traded in its signature over-the-top atmospheric elements and runway setup for colorful lighting, a more starkly adorned stage, and emphasis on the fashions.
With assistance from PRG Lighting, the lingerie company took attendees on a tour of the world, from Greece and the Caribbean to South Beach, and finally home to the Fontainebleau. Each scene was created with recognizable and iconic images of each location-such as the Art Deco hotels on South Beach and 1950s images of the hotel-projected onto immense LED screens on three sides of the stage.
The stage-overlooking the grandstand-style audience-was simple, with a bilevel performance platform in the center accented by white-lit palm trees and an orchestra pit on either end. Throughout the show, decor elements such as oversize butterflies, dragonflies, and flamingos, as well as crystal chandeliers and bright pink lighting spelling out "PINK" were added, and later removed, to further accentuate the collection on parade.
Nearly 1,200 celebrities, fashion executives, buyers, and V.I.P.s watched as models, in true VS fashion, strutted and danced on the runway for a 45-minute showcase of Victoria's Secret's latest designs. Usher was the headlining performer, and also kicked off the show with VS model Adriana Lima.
The show wrapped up with a grand finale of raining red rose petals onstage, another performance by Usher, and a fireworks display visible through the clear-span section overlooking the hotel property.
Guests then made their way through the lobby into the hotel's on-site nightclub, Liv, for the official after-party. To keep order among the thousands of attendees and hotel guests looking to catch a glimpse of the big names in attendance, celebrities were brought from the pool level up to the club through Blade restaurant.
Notable names in attendance included John Stamos, Paris Hilton, Jason Lewis, Diddy, Miami residents Donald and Lisa Pliner, and top Victoria's Secret face Heidi Klum and her husband, Seal.
Correction: This story has been amended since first published to more accurately reflect the design focus of the show.