Gigi Hadid Defends Elsa Hosk After She’s Criticized for Her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Walk, Despite Wearing 70-Inch Wings

In a spirited defence of her fellow model, Gigi Hadid took to social media to respond to criticism aimed at Elsa Hosk’s runway performance during the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, held in Los Angeles on 18 October. The iconic model, who has made headlines throughout her career, expressed her admiration for Hosk, particularly following the latter’s recent return to the catwalk after giving birth to her second child just a few months prior.

Hadid’s post on Threads came in response to a viewer’s disparaging comparison of Hosk’s walk to that of Gisele Bündchen, a former Victoria’s Secret Angel revered for her trailblazing role in modelling. Addressing the critique directly, Hadid vocally supported Hosk, stating, “This really [pissing me off]. Elsa slayed this,” indicating her frustration with the unfounded comparisons.

The 31-year-old supermodel expressed her respect for the “OG Angels,” including Bündchen, who had her final appearance in a Victoria’s Secret show back in 2006. However, Hadid made it clear that the context of the current runway shows differs vastly from the past. She noted that today’s shows include wings that can weigh over 75 pounds and stand more than ten feet tall, making them a challenging component for any model to wear.

Hadid elaborated on the difficulties faced by modern models, stating, “It’s a looong walk in the wings these days ++ they can be 75-plus lbs. 10-plus feet tall, sometimes animatronic.” She pointed out that the wings are not just visually impressive; they have become a feature that audiences expect, leading to an increase in size and weight that complicates the runway experience.

The model vividly described how the elaborate wings can create obstacles for those who wear them, mentioning that they are not aerodynamic and are often compounded by gusts from runway fans. Hadid asserted, “It takes 3 men to take these wings off of us. Elsa is stunning, strong, & carried these like a boss. Y’all have no clue,” clearly indicating her appreciation for Hosk’s talent and strength.

Hosk, who first graced the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2011, showcased a breathtaking pair of wings during the event—reportedly the tallest of the season at 70 inches high and among the heaviest. The elaborate design of her wings, crafted with a full metal structure and adorned with individual fabric feathers, had been a significant topic in the lead-up to the show.

In addition to the physical demands of the job, Hosk’s return to the runway after giving birth to her daughter Flora Blue in July adds another layer of context to her performance. Many models face unique challenges when balancing their careers and motherhood, and Hosk’s triumphant return exemplifies resilience in an industry that can be particularly demanding.

The conversation concerning the sheer weight of the wings was brought to light last year by Bella Hadid, Gigi’s sister, who shared her own experience after returning to the catwalk following a health scare. Bella disclosed that her wings weighed around 50 pounds, illustrating the physically taxing nature of the role.

As the public consumes media from the fashion industry, awareness regarding the challenges faced by models, particularly in shows renowned for their extravagant displays, is increasingly important. In defending her colleague, Hadid highlighted the pressures of being in the spotlight and the necessity of understanding the complexities of each model’s experience.

In a world where social media often amplifies critiques, Hadid’s staunch support for Hosk serves as a reminder of the camaraderie within the modelling community. As both models continue to navigate their careers in an ever-evolving industry, solidarity among them resonates as a pivotal element in maintaining their confidence and strength on and off the runway.