Beauty, Hair & Style // Once A Year v. 01

Walking straight into a circus, the Victoria Secret Fashion Show set the bar high this year with the performances of Rihanna, Justin Beiber (obviously) and Bruno Mars through Theatre Bizarre, Dangerous Liaisons, Calendar Girls, Pink Ball, Secret Studios and Angels In Bloom.

While 'Get Ur Freak On' from the lovely Missy Elliott, 'Break On Through (To The Other Side)' from The Doors, and 'Rebel Yell' from Billy Idol played through a remixed version of the safari hunt theme in the background, aerial acts, sword swollers, yo-yo'ers, dancers and freak show performances showcased the many girls with their obvious talents.

Rihanna rocked the lingerie look (you know, the oh-so-revealing black corseted gown with a thigh-high slit that showed off her garters and stockings, lace arm warmers, five strand pearl necklace and pearl-rimmed sunglasses which undoubtedly could remind you of the timeless, classy and elegant Ms. Elizabeth Taylor), providing the highlight of the live-music soundtrack and holding her own on the catwalk with some of the world's top models. Her new single 'Diamonds' played on que when the hotel gates opened up to reveal the mansion in the background and the smoke illuminating on the runway with hanging lamps moving about over the crowd.

Ending the Victorian spectacle, Bruno Mars set the tone for the Calendar Girls theme with a jazz band that danced in tune with him all over the stage and runway to "Locked Out Of Heaven". The 50's nostalgic pin-up girls showed a seductive journey from  January's Happy New Year to December's Sexy Santa.

Right after the Calendar Girls, Justin Beiber appeared with his new song “As Long As You Love Me” through an acoustic set. What I had been dreading for the past few months to watched, turned me into a Beibs fan just from an inside joke I pulled with myself (the fact that I pictured Zak singing up there and kind of felt proud!). At least you can say that he sounds much better than he ever did from the 'Baby' days.

Justin's next hit “Beauty and The Beat”, along with his “swagger-like” dance routine, hit the spot with its mix through the Pink Ball with a pin-ball machine runway and Roller Derby Girl backdrop to speak for the girls' childhood dreams. I bet it tickled the fantasies of all the girls in this set when Justin Beiber interacted with them in a cute "here I am" dance!

Old world Hollywood allure abounds as the Angels transported us to a world of glitz and excitement. Bedecked showgirls, diamonds, feathers fineries, and the luxurious stylings of the 20's and 30's were introduced in the Secret Studios with Bruno Mars hit "Young Girls". Nothing could seem to go wrong with vintage movie reels, blue stars everywhere and lights flashing around!

Soft, sultry pastels and luscious shades mingle in a fantastical, ethereal arrangement performed by Rihanna with her latest single “Phresh Out The Runway” for the Angels In Bloom. While she danced down the runway before giving her own take on giving the catwalk in her lacy pastel floral robe, aerial silk performers set the stage for the $2.5 million Floral Fantasy Bra, created by London Jewelers.

As soon as the glitter settles from the runway, the Victoria Secret team will be thinking about next year's show. While it takes a year to plan, it only takes about five months to see the vision come to life and only that much more time to see the entire process on the runway. Are you ready for next year? I know I am, but only this time my review will be the day after. Promise!
(I blame it on being a full-time business owner and mom to five children. I also blame it on the fact that they chose Justin Beiber as a performer, but that's for another time for me to discuss.)