When Barbara Palvin, born in Budapest, Hungary, snapped a carousel of photos on Instagram from the streets of New York City on October 15, 2025, the fashion world took notice. She was draped in a sparkling bodysuit topped with an oversized white fur jacket, black knee‑high boots and a matching black purse, then asked her 14 million followers, “Will I be wearing more or less on the @victoriassecret runway tomorrow? ! Tune in to find out.” The post racked up 527,400 likes and 18,350 comments within the first 24 hours, instantly turning the upcoming show into a must‑watch event.
The Instagram Moment That Set the Stage
The caption was more than a teaser; it was a direct nod to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2025 Duggal Greenhouse, Brooklyn. The show, slated for Wednesday, October 16, marks the second year of the brand's comeback after a six‑year hiatus that began in 2018. Fans flooded the comments with slogans like “Lesssss!!! and wings please!” and “Barbara, you’re going to rock that runway in the most iconic way!” but the standout line was a chorus of “Dylan is a lucky man,” referencing Palvin’s husband.
Who’s Dylan? The Sprouse Angle
Her husband, Dylan Thomas Sprouse, born in Arezzo, Italy, is an actor‑turned‑entrepreneur who co‑owns All‑Wise Meadery in Brooklyn. While Sprouse rarely makes headlines for fashion, his presence on the red carpet has become a talking point ever since the couple married in 2023. The “lucky man” chatter underscores how celebrity couples can amplify each other's media reach, a dynamic marketers are keen to exploit.
Inside the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
The roster of Gigi Hadid, Ashley Graham, Stella Maxwell and Precious Lee reads like a who’s‑who of the brand’s new inclusive direction. All four, along with Palvin, are signed under the restructured “Angel” program launched in 2023, which now emphasizes size diversity (US 4‑18) and age range (22‑47). Performers include rap legend Missy Elliott, Latin superstar Karol G, K‑pop powerhouse Twice and pop singer Madison Beer. The lineup reflects the brand’s push to blend high fashion with mainstream pop culture.
Reactions from Fans and Media
Media outlets like The Fashion Spot and Mandatory.com highlighted the social media buzz, noting that Palvin’s post generated the highest engagement of any model teaser in the 2025 promotional cycle. According to a McKinsey & Company Fashion Report released in April 2025, bodysuits now appear in 68 % of luxury collections—a trend Palvin’s look epitomizes. The “pantless trend,” as insiders call it, has driven a 40 % year‑over‑year rise in bodysuit sales for Victoria’s Secret, according to the company’s Q3 earnings.
Business Impact and Brand Strategy
Victoria’s Secret & Co., led by John Mehas (CEO since February 2023), posted Q4 2024 earnings on February 22, 2025 showing $6.8 billion in revenue—a 15 % increase from the prior year. Analysts at Cowen & Company project the 2025 show will lift direct sales by roughly $12 million, with runway‑inspired pieces hitting stores worldwide at 12:01 AM EST on October 17, 2025. The brand’s sustainability report dated October 10, 2025 claims 30 % of the show’s garments are made from recycled fabrics, a move meant to appeal to eco‑conscious shoppers.
What’s Next for Palvin and the Show?
Palvin’s runway piece is rumored to be a crystal‑embellished bodysuit from the “Bright Young Things” collection, priced between $120 and $200. If the live‑stream, airing at 8:00 PM EDT on Prime Video and YouTube, draws even a fraction of the 2.1 million viewers who tuned in for the 2024 revival, the brand could see a fresh surge in social‑media sentiment and, more importantly, a renewed relevance in a market that’s been moving away from dated glamour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Barbara Palvin’s Instagram tease affect the show's viewership?
The post generated over half a million likes and sparked a flood of comments, boosting pre‑show buzz. Industry monitors expect that kind of engagement to translate into at least a 5‑10 % lift in live‑stream viewers compared with the 2024 broadcast.
What role does Dylan Sprouse play in the media narrative?
Sprouse’s cameo as Palvin’s husband adds a celebrity‑couple angle that draws interest from both fashion and entertainment audiences, increasing cross‑industry coverage and social‑media sharing.
Why is the 2025 show considered a milestone for Victoria’s Secret?
It’s the second year of the brand’s comeback after a six‑year hiatus, showcasing a broader size range, recycled fabrics, and a stronger pop‑culture lineup, all aimed at reviving relevance and sales.
What are the expected sales impacts of the runway collections?
Analysts forecast a $12 million uplift in direct sales, with the first wave of collections going live the day after the show across 1,271 stores and online, capitalising on the hype.
How is sustainability being addressed in the 2025 show?
The brand’s October 10, 2025 sustainability report notes that 30 % of the garments featured are made from recycled or eco‑friendly fabrics, aligning the show with growing consumer demand for greener fashion.
