Gigi Hadid defends Elsa Hosk’s 75‑pound wings, fans stunned

# Gigi Hadid Defends Elsa Hosk’s 75‑Pound, 10‑Foot Wings After Threads Critique When a Threads user lambasted Swedish model Elsa Hosk for a “Gisele‑style” stumble at the Victoria Secret Fashion Show, Gigi Hadid stepped in to rewrite the narrative.

The 31‑year‑old supermodel, who also strutted the same runway, fired back at the criticism, calling the comments “really PMO” and declaring that Hosk “slayed” the show.

Her response sparked a flurry of support from fellow models and fans alike, reminding everyone that the demands of a high‑fashion runway extend far beyond the polished steps we see on camera.

The incident began with a short clip circulating online, capturing Hosk’s walk in a sheer bodysuit and a pair of massive, shimmering wings that seemed to cover the entire length of the catwalk.

The wings, which reportedly weighed in at over 75 pounds and extended more than ten feet from tip to tip, made every stride a choreographed effort. Hosk, in gold stiletto heels, appeared cautious, her focus on maintaining balance as she glided past the mirrored surface.

The user’s caption compared Hosk’s performance to a “Giselle” walk, referencing the legendary Angel Gisele Bündchen. Hadid, already a fan of the original Angels, seized the moment to defend her colleague.

She wrote, “Elsa slayed this,” adding that the scale and size of this year’s runway were nothing compared to the OG shows.

She went on to explain the physical toll of the wings: “It’s a looong walk in the wings these days ++ they can be 75+lbs, 10+ ft tall, sometimes animatronic, etc.” The model clarified that the wings were not aerodynamic, and that wind from the runway’s fans added to the challenge.

Hadid humorously noted that “It takes 3 men to take these wings off of us.” The comment thread exploded with praise, with others noting the wings’ weight and wind resistance, comparing the effort to dragging “two parachutes behind her.” --- ## Background & Context Elsa Hosk’s return to Victoria Secret in 2024 marked her first runway appearance since 2018.

A year earlier she had celebrated the birth of her second daughter, Flora Blue, with fiancé Tom Daly, adding another layer of personal triumph to her professional comeback.

Hosk’s last stint at the show was notably dramatic, as she graced the catwalk wearing the $1 million Dream Angels Fantasy Bra—an iconic piece that hadn’t been showcased again until Kylie Jenner unveiled a $50 million Jacob & Co. version a year later. The set itself was a marvel of engineering and artistry.

Behind the sheer, shimmering fabric lay a welded metal skeleton that provided structure while allowing the wings to glide.

Chief creative officer Adam Selman, during a wardrobe walkthrough with, described the installation as “some of the grandest we’ve ever seen.” The combination of weight, size, and intricate design turned each step into a physical test for the models.

In the weeks following the show, Hosk addressed the chatter herself, posting on Instagram Stories: “Also for the people on the internet talking about my walk, it took THREE men to carry these wings and put them on my back.” Her words echoed the sentiments of her fans and colleagues, underscoring the sheer logistical demands behind a single runway appearance. --- ## What People Are Saying The backlash to the Threads comment was swift, but so was the defense.

Gigi Hadid’s remarks resonated with a broader conversation about the physical demands placed on models, a topic that gained attention last year when Bella Hadid faced criticism over a slow closing walk that involved massive, 50‑pound wings.

Bella later posted a statement that, while acknowledging the weight, celebrated the beauty of the performance. The community’s response to Hosk’s defense was overwhelmingly supportive.

Viewers praised her athleticism and endurance, noting that the wings’ mass—often exceeding 75 pounds—combined with wind resistance from the runway’s fans, made each stride an extraordinary feat of strength.

Commenters highlighted the logistical complexity, The conversation shifted from a critique of style to an appreciation of the unseen effort that goes into high fashion shows.

Industry insiders also weighed in, emphasizing that the wings were “not aerodynamically designed,” which meant that models had to compensate for drag and balance.

The physicality of the walk was compared to an athletic performance more than a fashion statement, revealing the rigorous training and conditioning that models like Hosk undergo to meet such demands. --- ## What Happens Next As the fashion world turns its attention to the next season, Hosk’s triumphant return may set a new standard for runway performances.

The collaboration between designers and engineers to create wings that are both visually stunning and functional will likely inspire future shows to push boundaries further.

Models who have recently taken to social media to discuss the physical toll of such elaborate costumes are beginning to form a community that values transparency and mutual support.

For Gigi Hadid, the incident reaffirmed her role as a vocal advocate for her peers, showcasing her willingness to defend the integrity of the profession.

Her candid comments have sparked a dialogue that may influence how runway designers approach costume design, prioritizing both aesthetic appeal and the wellbeing of the models.

Victoria Secret’s description of the set as “the grandest we’ve ever seen” is now being revisited by industry commentators who argue that spectacle must not come at the expense of the performers.

The brand’s next steps may involve more collaboration with designers who prioritize ergonomics, potentially reducing the physical strain on models while maintaining the visual impact that audiences expect.

In the coming months, fans will watch to see whether the blend of artistry and athleticism that Hosk embodied becomes a staple of future shows.

The conversation that began with a single Threads comment is growing into a broader movement that champions the hard work, resilience, and sheer dedication of those who walk the most iconic runways. --- As the curtain falls on this chapter of Victoria Secret’s history, the dialogue about the true cost of beauty continues to evolve.

The next runway will be watched not only for its but for the respect and recognition given to the performers who bring it to life.