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Victoria's Secret China show struts on despite controversy

November 21, 2017
Portuguese model Sara Sampaio presents a creation during the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai on Tuesday. - AFP
Portuguese model Sara Sampaio presents a creation during the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai on Tuesday. - AFP

SHANGHAI - Gigi Hadid and Katy Perry didn't make it but the Victoria's Secret show in Shanghai managed to strut on Tuesday without them, surviving a controversy over visa issues and a model who slipped and fell during the show.

Fifty-five models walked the catwalk inside the Mercedes-Benz Arena, serenaded by Harry Styles, R&B star Miguel, Tony Award-winner Leslie Odom Jr. and Chinese singer Jane Zhang. Styles sang "Only Angel" and later "Kiwi."

Chinese media reported that Hadid and Perry were denied visas.

Bella Hadid, Gigi's sister, appeared in the second act of the show, donning blue feather wings, a black high-neck, push-up bra and topped off with hand painted leather gloves.

In a show segment titled "Goddess," Victoria's Secret models donned massive floor-sweeping silk wings with gold and silver sequined lingerie - and plenty of bling.

Model Lais Ribeiro was charged with the task of carrying 300 carats down the catwalk while sporting the Champagne Nights Fantasy Bra studded with 6,000 gemstones.

Designed by Mouawad, organizers said the bra valued at $2 million took nearly 350 hours to create. It features diamonds, yellow sapphires and blue topaz.

Shanghai-native Ming Xi slipped and fell to her knees, saying afterward she felt "so disappointed with myself." A nearby model helped her up and she said many of the others asked if she was OK. "That's what Victoria's Secret is - everyone loves each other and we have the most beautiful family in the world."

In addition to Hadid, Xi and Ribeiro, the models included Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel, Karlie Kloss, Lily Aldridge, Elsa Hosk, Jasmine Tookes, Taylor Hill and Martha Hunt.

Hadid and Perry were scheduled to take part but bowed out just days before the show.

Hadid's no-show came a few months after Chinese internet users accused her of racist behavior. She had been seen squinting her eyes on an Instagram video.

Observers said Perry caused some controversy in China in 2015 for wearing a sunflower-adorned dress while performing in Taiwan. The flower is an emblem of the island's anti-China movement. - AP


November 21, 2017
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