Fans divided as Victoria’s Secret model returns to show weeks after giving birth
Victoria’s Secret model Barbara Palvin has confirmed she will return to the famed fashion show on Monday, just weeks after giving birth.
The 32-year-old welcomed her first child, daughter Sylvie, with actor Dylan Sprouse in early September. While fans celebrated news of her runway return, others were left criticising the show’s unhealthy “standards”.
Barbara Palvin walked the runway during the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Getty
Palvin, believed to be six weeks postpartum, announced her return on Instagram in a joint post with the Victoria’s Secret brand.
“Motherhood looks good on you,” wrote the fashion brand tagging the model. “So does the runway – see you in LA.”
In the announcement video, wearing heeled boots and an oversized dress shirt, Palvin is seen pushing a pram with a pink ‘angel on board’ tag.
“I’m back b--tches,” she says before winking to the camera.
Model Ashley Graham was among the first to congratulate Palvin, writing “Yesssss my girl!😍😍😍” under the video.
“Wow! She gave birth like yesterday and is already on the show!” wrote one fan in a comment that’s amassed over 95,000 reactions.
A third comment, however, with over 500 likes has left fans divided.
The 32-year-old model had been keeping a secret from fans. Instagram/@victoriassecret
“Not a realistic standard for most postpartum moms,” the comment read. “But I hope she gets all the rest her body deserves to fully recover.”
The remark was met with 26 replies as one fan hit back: “Sorry but this is exactly the message we want. There have always been mothers on the runway.”
They pointed out models Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio and Candice Swanepoel all made their runway comeback after having children.
“I think [Victoria’s Secret] wants to draw attention to that fact that postpartum bodies are sexy and beautiful too. You don’t have to be perfect,” said another.
Barbara Palvin welcomed daughter Sylvie with actor Dylan Sprouse reportedly on September 7. Instagram/@realbarbarapalvin
Another argued those “standards” don’t have to be realistic because Victoria’s Secret as a fashion show “was never realistic”.
While others supported the original comment, agreeing a woman’s body does need time to rest after giving birth.
This isn’t the first time Palvin has made headlines for her decision to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
Sprouse and Palvin welcomed their first child. Getty
The model drew attention from fans during the show last year after she strutted down the runway while recovering from a broken foot.
Husband Sprouse revealed she had broken her foot four weeks before the iconic show during a red-carpet interview.
It’s reported she recovered in a wheelchair leading up to the dazzling event.
Barbara Palvin at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York, New York Variety via Getty Images
Yet, the model powered through appearing in a sweeping bronze gown, and glistening silver mini dress with sculpted angel wings.
Palvin was 19 years old when she made her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut in 2012.
She became an official Angel in 2019 and will walk her fifth show this Sunday (Monday AEDT).
