The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2016 at the Grand Palais, Paris, France
This year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion was held at the Grand Palais in Paris France. The Angel Class of 2016 included the veteran crew of Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Lily Aldridge and Elsa Hosk to name a few. Notably missing from this crew is Angel Candice Swanepole, Angel Behati Prinsloo and Angel Karlie Kloss due to personal and other work related obligations. Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner return as sophomores. Some first time angels include Irina Shayk, Bella Hadid and Lais Oliviera. Musical performances included Lady Gaga and the return of Bruno Mars and The Weekend.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show aired on December 5, 2016 on CBS.
The Soulful Opener: “Million Reasons”
Lady Gaga kicked things off with a breathtaking rendition of her hit ballad. Stepping away from her high-concept “pop” persona, she delivered a raw, vocal powerhouse performance.
The Look: She wore a stunning, floor-length Yolan Cris gown made of black lace and embroidered with vibrant red roses.
The Vibe: As the Angels glided past in the “Mountain Romance” segment, Gaga’s emotional vocals gave the usually high-energy show a moment of genuine, cinematic beauty.
The Bruno Mars “Effect”
Bruno Mars turned the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show into the ultimate Parisian party, proving that even among a sea of six-foot-tall supermodels, he’s always the biggest presence in the room. Rocking a massive, oversized fur coat and his signature shades, he swaggered down the Grand Palais runway with enough “24K Magic” to outshine the $3 million Fantasy Bra. His performances of “Chunky” and “24K Magic” were masterclasses in funk, featuring high-energy choreography that had the Angels dancing along instead of just walking. Whether he was rocking a sharp tux or high-fiving models like Jasmine Tookes and Adriana Lima, Bruno brought a retro, feel-good vibe that perfectly captured the “City of Lights” glamour.
The Weekend Highlights the VSFS
Fresh off the release of his third studio album, The Weeknd performed his chart-topping hit “Starboy.” Unlike the more traditional stage setups, he moved freely across the catwalk, interacting with the models as they debuted the season’s latest designs.
The Grand Final at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
In conclusion, photographing the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show at the Grand Palais remains a career-defining fusion of technical precision and creative inspiration. Navigating the high-stakes environment of one of the world’s most televised fashion events required more than just a quick shutter; it demanded the ability to capture the grand spectacle of the runway while preserving the raw, candid energy found backstage. From the iconic architecture of the venue to the final, glitter-filled walk, the experience pushed me to find a refined visual narrative within the whirlwind of a global production. As the lights dimmed over the Seine, I left with more than just a portfolio of high-impact imagery—I walked away with a profound appreciation for the artistry required to capture fashion at its most electric.
