Chapter 49: Victoria’s Secret Night

Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Victoria’s Secret Night

As Irene Coppola, in a minimalist black velvet gown, and Britney, in a pink crystal-studded miniskirt, rode in the limousine to the Victoria’s Secret show, Britney leaned in and asked, uncertain, "Shelly set everything up, right? We’re really invited backstage, and we won’t get turned away?"

Neither had done this before, and Shelly hadn’t shared the full schedule. She didn’t know how he arranged it.

"That’s right," Irene confirmed, calm.

"We were invited, with the angle ’Hollywood’s most promising young director and a pop star explore fashion.’ Shelly coordinated with Victoria’s Secret PR.

We’ll tour backstage, and the photographer will document it for our upcoming coverage."

The narrative worked. It raised their profiles while giving the show cross-industry buzz—a win-win.

At exactly 6:00 PM, the limousine arrived at the Lexington Avenue Armory in New York—the Victoria’s Secret venue.

The sky was dimming, and since official entry hadn’t started, only a few model fans sat outside talking.

At this point, Victoria’s Secret models weren’t at their later fame. The top female model, Gisele Bündchen, was still a rising star in fashion.

Though she had designers’ and brands’ attention and had covered major magazines, she wasn’t yet the world’s top model.

This Victoria’s Secret night gave Gisele the opening spot. Through the national U.S. broadcast, millions saw Gisele Bündchen for the first time, boosting her popularity and leading to her becoming the world’s number one supermodel.

Irene shook her head slightly. The event was too far back for her to have seen it, so she was looking forward to tonight.

The two waited in the car until Shelly arrived with staff, then got out.

They walked quietly toward the backstage area.

Before entering, Irene saw a camera already running, and staff at the entrance.

A staffer stepped forward with a mic for a brief interview.

Britney agreed immediately. Following the script, she said excitedly,

"I’m so happy! Being invited to Victoria’s Secret is a dream! I can’t believe I’ll see the models change outfits live backstage!"

Irene added,

"This isn’t just fashion, it’s top-tier visual art. I’m honored to witness it, and I hope to find inspiration."

After the short interview, the doors opened and they entered. Guided by Shelly and staff, they soon saw the legendary, busy, glamorous backstage.

It matched what Irene had seen online in her past life. Models with hair and makeup done walked quickly, serious, creating a breeze as they passed.

Gorgeous lingerie and giant angel wings were set along the path for quick changes.

Irene and Britney took in everything: models relaxing before stage, staff checking looks. This was the first U.S. broadcast, and tension was in the air.

Britney hugged and took photos with models she knew, while Irene talked with stylists and hair artists about inspiration. The photographer captured it all.

These scenes would be edited into behind-the-scenes footage for the tape, shared with fashion fans across the U.S.

How to guide online discussion and strengthen Britney and Irene’s "fashion-approved" image was Chen Shiyu’s first task.

He had secured initial funding and built a team of under ten, focused on online posting. This was their first campaign, and he wouldn’t let Irene down.

At 7:00 PM, inside the glittering venue, the air buzzed with anticipation. Irene and Britney sat front row near center stage—a status symbol, next to musicians, actors, and business leaders.

Irene could see Anna Wintour’s expression clearly. They hadn’t greeted each other, but Irene wouldn’t pass on that film, and there’d be chances to interact later.

Though the film reportedly faced resistance from Anna Wintour during release, she never criticized it publicly, so that story was likely PR from the studio.

Irene had made two films. She didn’t know all Hollywood’s tactics, but she understood many.

The lights cut out, and the venue went dark and silent.

Then a beam hit the runway start, where Gisele Bündchen stood.

Intense music played, and with audience gasps and applause, she stepped forward.

Her stride was wide and strong, firm, unlike current catwalks or exaggerated swaying. Each step hit the beat, full of healthy, almost aggressive confidence.

Even in lingerie, she looked like a warrior in gold armor. Her gaze was deep, focused, with cold appraisal, as if saying: "I’m not here to please you. I’m here to conquer you." Unlike any other model, she landed like a bombshell.

"Remarkable," Irene thought. Only in person could you feel how powerful that moment was. No wonder Gisele became the world’s top supermodel after this walk. It was world-class.

Beside her, Britney didn’t notice what made Gisele different. She focused on the lingerie.

She swayed to the music, eyes on each model, exclaiming: "Oh my god, her wings are beautiful!", "This design is bold, is it even lingerie?", "I like this one."

When a segment ended and intermission started, Britney leaned over, excited:

"Victoria’s Secret lives up to the name. The effect is incredible. I’ve picked several sets. Do you like any? I’ll buy them for you."

Irene nodded. "There are more themes, no rush, let’s keep watching."