Kylie Jenner Faces Fan Criticism Over Fantasy Bra Debut

Victoria's Secret's decision to feature Kylie Jenner in its returning Fantasy Bra sparked criticism from longtime fans during the fashion show's Oct. 18, 2026, presentation. The reality star and beauty entrepreneur wore the $50 million diamond creation, while viewers questioned why the brand chose her instead of an established runway Angel for the high-profile honor.

The bra, created in partnership with luxury high-jewelry brand Jacob & Co, contains 4,410 natural diamonds weighing a combined 1,373.39 carats. According to the show's reported details, its centerpiece is a 75.54-carat Natural Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond, making the $50 million design the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever produced.

Jenner paired the piece with fluffy white wings and an all-white underwear set. Her mother, Kris Jenner, and boyfriend, Timothée Chalamet, watched from the front row as she made her Victoria's Secret Fashion Show debut.

One Threads user acknowledged that Jenner was not personally at fault but criticized the brand's casting decision.

"I have nothing against Kylie Jenner, but putting her in the Fantasy Bra instead of a career runway model was such a missed opportunity," one user wrote on Threads.

The same commenter argued that the returning centerpiece should have reinforced the status traditionally associated with the brand's longtime models.

"Victoria’s Secret already had the attention. What it needed was to restore the prestige of being an Angel."

Another Threads user described the decision as disappointing for longtime followers of the brand.

"The Fantasy Bra has always meant something special to VS fans like me. That’s why this decision feels disappointing. Who else feels the same way?" another user wrote.

First introduced in 1996, the Fantasy Bra was initially worn by Claudia Schiffer. Its most recent previous edition appeared at the 2018 show, when Elsa Hosk wore the Dream Angels Fantasy Bra, a Swarovski-designed piece featuring 21,000 diamonds.

Other past wearers include Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, Karolina Kurkova, Miranda Kerr, Candice Swanepoel, Alessandra Ambrosio and Jasmine Tookes. The designs have frequently carried price tags exceeding $1 million.

Following the 2026 show, fans highlighted Lima and Ambrosio, who were celebrating their 21st and 20th show anniversaries, respectively. One commenter argued that Jenner's participation in the event was not necessarily the central concern, pointing instead to the tradition surrounding the coveted garment.

"The Fantasy Bra's return should have been an opportunity for one of the OG Angels," the commenter argued in a discussion about the selection.

Another user explained why the honor mattered to longtime models, citing the years several established Angels had waited to wear the piece.

"Alessandra Ambrosio waited 15 years to get her first bra, THE ADRIANA LIMA 9 years, the Candice [Swanepoel] 7 years. It's like wearing the ultimate crown that made you AN ICON … so yeah I'm mad," the user wrote.

Instagram commenters also questioned whether the casting decision gave sufficient recognition to the show's models.

"The audience didn't get the show they deserved and the models didn't the recognition they deserved," one user commented on a backstage photograph of Jenner wearing the bra.

Other commenters suggested Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Barbara Palvin as alternative choices for the honor.

"Kylie out of everyone??? Really... should've been an OG model," one commenter wrote.

Another user named three established models they would have preferred to see in the design.

"You had Rosie, Candice or Barbara, no words."

A separate commenter also suggested that Jenner's older sister, Kendall Jenner, would have suited the role better.

"would have been a better fit."

Victoria's Secret chief creative officer Adam Selman defended the selection in an interview with Vogue, describing Jenner as a figure whose influence extends beyond the fashion industry.

"cultural powerhouse," Selman said of Jenner.

He explained that her broad public profile aligned with the brand's approach to a show designed as a major entertainment event.

"Kylie really extends beyond fashion, beyond culture, beyond TV, beyond one singular thing. That’s the exact same thing that we do. Like, the show is so big, it’s true entertainment, and I think that she is a great catalyst for that.

She’s really created her own culture, which – how many people can say that?" Selman said.

Jenner also shared her reaction to the experience on social media after the show. The Kylie Cosmetics founder posted behind-the-scenes images, including a close-up of the diamond design.

"Best day ever," Jenner wrote on the image.

On Oct. 19, she published additional photographs and videos featuring the bra, her pink-striped Victoria's Secret robe and fellow Angels Bella Hadid and Alex Consani.

"STILL DREAMING ... thank you @victoriassecret !!! A moment I'll never forget," Jenner captioned the Instagram post.