ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

A photographer who has worked with Victoria's Secret for 20 years told us the most surprising change in the models' show routines

Photographer Russell James told INSIDER the models have become more socially conscious, and it's impacting their backstage routines.

  • Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

A photographer who has worked with the Victoria's Secret brand for 20 years has revealed the truth about the models' behind-the-scenes routines — and they sound more healthy than you might think.

INSIDER caught up with world-famous photographer Russell James ahead of the release of his new 448-page book "Angels," which includes nude portraits of some of the world's most iconic women including Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid.

Over the years, James, known for shooting ad campaigns for designers like Ralph Lauren and Burberry, has formed close relationships with the Victoria's Secret "Angels" — models who have special contracts with the company.

ADVERTISEMENT

Throughout the year, his career sees him shoot everything "from lingerie to sport" — but the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which aired on Sunday night, is still a big date in his diary.

"We're already working on it now," he told INSIDER late last month, calling the show "the largest show production in the world."

The show took place on November 8 in New York City, though it didn't air until Sunday, December 2.

"When you think of the model and music talent, it's truly astonishing," James said.

With so many models walking the runway (60 models took part this year), James said his "greatest problem" is that he "can't clone himself."

ADVERTISEMENT

"I want to be front of the stage, backstage, on the side," he said.

With so much going on, it's lucky that the show is actually taped twice, according to James.

"We spend about two days backstage," he said. "The girls go into rehearsal two days before."

He also told INSIDER that he spends most of his time backstage.

"I don't have much interest in shooting the show," he went on. "All [of the] girls are backstage... It's an A-list assembly line of hair and makeup, people who have to be ready to go at all times. It's incredible."

ADVERTISEMENT

He added that he often likes to focus his attention on the new models.

"Inside they're probably terrified," he said. "They're going to be walking in their underwear. I look for those people and try to calm them down... I usually find I get some really cool, candid, personal shots of those people."

With all of this experience behind the scenes at the show, James has seen the routines of the models evolve over the years.

"One of the most amazing things I've seen happen, is that [before there were] a lot of people who didn't eat that well, but now it's exactly the opposite," he said. "People are looking after themselves. They're eating great, training great. They're models of health and fitness."

ADVERTISEMENT

He added that he believes "we've finally got a really socially conscious generation emerging and they’re a part of that," even when it comes to their beauty regimens.

"Even the products they're using, they're considering the impact on the world," he said. "[You can] see that new personality evolving of that generation."

It's these "extroardinary personalities" that make the models successful, according to James.

"That's why they really stand out," he said. "That's why there's a global appeal of these particular women... There's a misconception you're discovered overnight and you take off. You have to win the genetic lottery — that's a given — but other things have to happen.

"By vast majority, these women are absolute warriors," he went on. "They've been physically training for up to a month before the show. It's game time, like the SuperBowl — at that point you can't train any more."

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT