• Intelligencer
  • The Cut
  • Vulture
  • The Strategist
  • Curbed
  • Grub Street
  • Subscribe to the Magazine Give a Gift Subscription Buy Back Issues Current Issue Contents
    Subscribe to New York Magazine
  • Subscribe
  • Profile
    Sign Out
The Cut
  • Style
  • Self
  • Culture
  • Power
Style
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Shopping
  • Design Hunting
  • New York Weddings
  • Parties & Red Carpet
  • Fashion Shows
  • Cathy Horyn
Self
  • Health & Wellness
  • Motherhood
  • Advice
  • Sex & Relationships
  • Science of Us
  • Horoscopes
  • Ask Polly
Culture
  • Books
  • Television
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Celebrity
Power
  • Politics
  • Work
  • Money
  • Rebecca Traister
More
  • Latest Stories
  • Video
  • About Us
  • The Cut Shop
  • nymag.com
  • New York Magazine
  • Intelligencer
  • Vulture
  • The Cut
  • The Strategist
  • Grub Street
bra tales
November 14, 2013

Bra Talk at the Victoria’s Secret After-Party

By Jenni Avins

Share

  • Share
  • Tweet
Photo: Stephen Lovekin/2013 Getty Images

At last night’s Victoria’s Secret fashion show after-party at Tao, rather than asking the models to recount which wings were heaviest or whose headdress was most unwieldy, we asked the professional wearers of underwear whether they remembered their first bras — as in, ever. “Was it the Limited Too, maybe?” recalled Lindsay Ellingson. “I think it was purple, like a cotton triangle [style]. I went with my mom and we picked it out together. It was a big moment for a girl.” The Angels, all in teensy after-party outfits, seemed to fall into two camps: the late bloomers, and those who couldn’t wait to raid mom’s lacy lingerie. Read on to hear from Karlie, Candice, Doutzen, Adriana, and more, to find out whose first bra was mortifying, whose was stuffed, and whose was shoplifted.

Related

5 GIFs From Backstage at Victoria’s Secret
View
1 / 37 Photos
Jessica Hart Do you remember your first bra? Yeah, I do! I don’t know if this is inappropriate, but I had very big breasts when I was younger. Bu... Jessica Hart Do you remember your first bra? Yeah, I do! I don’t know if this is inappropriate, but I had very big breasts when I was younger. But for some reason, I still wanted a padded one, and so I had a padded bra with bigger breasts and I hated it because I felt like I had this big thing. [Gestures out in front of her chest.] It was not a glamorous first bra. The idea of it was, but then I hated wearing it. I was a bit of a tomboy, and then all of a sudden I had them! I’ve got a better relationship with them now. Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images
Barbara Fialho Do you remember your first bra? Yes, I do. My grandmother bought it for me. It was pink, and I was so shy because I was just ... Barbara Fialho Do you remember your first bra? Yes, I do. My grandmother bought it for me. It was pink, and I was so shy because I was just starting to grow and I wanted to hide it. My father was like, "Are you wearing a bra?" And I was like, "Oh my god! He found out!" So I do remember that bra.  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Devon Windsor Do you remember your first bra? I think it was a trainer bra. I don’t think it even had pads in it. It was just cotton. I had an ol... Devon Windsor Do you remember your first bra? I think it was a trainer bra. I don’t think it even had pads in it. It was just cotton. I had an older sister, so she was kind of already used to that. So I had a lot of her old stuff, which I started out wearing. I was too excited to get boobs. Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Elsa Hosk Do you remember your first bra? Oh my god, yes! It was a nasty slime-green bra – and we actually stole it, me and my friends, from H&am... Elsa Hosk Do you remember your first bra? Oh my god, yes! It was a nasty slime-green bra – and we actually stole it, me and my friends, from H&M. We were too young to wear it. Our moms would never allow us. But we went in there and we stole them. How old were you? I think we were like, 12. We didn’t have anything! [Gestures to chest.] I was not supposed to have these padded bras. I understand that. I’d be the same if I was a parent. But I think I still have it, just as a keepsake, in Sweden somewhere. Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images
Lily Aldridge What was your first bra like? I bought it at Target. My mom did. I was horrified! It was mortifying.  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/... Lily Aldridge What was your first bra like? I bought it at Target. My mom did. I was horrified! It was mortifying.  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Adriana Lima What was your first bra like? It was lace and it was white. It was like a triangle shape, almost like a bikini, but it was lace. My ... Adriana Lima What was your first bra like? It was lace and it was white. It was like a triangle shape, almost like a bikini, but it was lace. My mom bought it for me.  Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images
Erin Heatherton First bra memories? No. I was really shy when I first grew boobs. I would always go like this [crosses arms over chest] whenever ... Erin Heatherton First bra memories? No. I was really shy when I first grew boobs. I would always go like this [crosses arms over chest] whenever I’d put a bathing suit on with my friends. I grew them really young, and I was shy. Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images
Toni Garrn Do you remember your first bra? Yeah, it was very comfortable — it didn’t really have — oh, no, that's bullshit. I was like, 12, and I... Toni Garrn Do you remember your first bra? Yeah, it was very comfortable — it didn’t really have — oh, no, that's bullshit. I was like, 12, and I wanted boobs, so it was big, with a lot of filling and everything. It was like, H&M AA cup. I don’t know if that exists in the States, but in Germany it’s, like, miniature.  Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images
Lily Donaldson First bra memories? Wow. My first bra. I think I bought it in the south of France, when I was on a school trip, because I don’t th... Lily Donaldson First bra memories? Wow. My first bra. I think I bought it in the south of France, when I was on a school trip, because I don’t think I was allowed one, and we all wanted to get them — with the little frills. That’s kind of glamorous — the south of France. Kind of, I guess. They were really cheap and nylon. Do you remember how old you were? Probably 13, I guess? But I didn’t really get boobs until I was a lot older. I was a late bloomer. Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images
Pilar Davis, Prince Amukamara Do you remember when you learned to unhook a bra? Yeah, yeah. I did. It was hard my first time! And the second time... Pilar Davis, Prince Amukamara Do you remember when you learned to unhook a bra? Yeah, yeah. I did. It was hard my first time! And the second time, the hook was in front. The front one is a stumper. Yeah, it is. Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Karlie Kloss Do you remember your first bra? Totally. It was Calvin Klein, totally unlined, very basic, nude, boring. I mean, I didn’t need a bra... Karlie Kloss Do you remember your first bra? Totally. It was Calvin Klein, totally unlined, very basic, nude, boring. I mean, I didn’t need a bra for a very long time. I went through a phase of loving push-up bras. It wasn’t until recently that I really like beautiful bras. And it wasn’t until recently that I had something to fill them with!  Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images
Alessandra Ambrosio First bra memories? My first bra ever – yeah, it was white and lace. I think I was probably about 13. Photo: Stephen Lovekin... Alessandra Ambrosio First bra memories? My first bra ever – yeah, it was white and lace. I think I was probably about 13. Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Doutzen Kroes Do you remember wearing your first bra? Yes, I think it was my mom’s and I stuffed it with like, cotton. What did it look like... Doutzen Kroes Do you remember wearing your first bra? Yes, I think it was my mom’s and I stuffed it with like, cotton. What did it look like? I think it was beautiful, black with lace. I don’t know how old I was. I still love that style, though. Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images
Lindsay Ellingson What was your first bra? It was a training bra. I’m trying to remember where I got it — Limited Too, maybe? It was a littl... Lindsay Ellingson What was your first bra? It was a training bra. I’m trying to remember where I got it — Limited Too, maybe? It was a little triangle [bra] and I felt so excited to finally have it. I don’t know what grade I was in. It was purple. Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images
Sara Sampaio Do you remember your first bra? I do! I was a late bloomer, so I was like, 14, and like, all my friends wore bras. And I was like, &... Sara Sampaio Do you remember your first bra? I do! I was a late bloomer, so I was like, 14, and like, all my friends wore bras. And I was like, "Mom, I think I want a bra." And my mom was like, "You don’t really need one." But I still wanted one. It was so uncomfortable because I really had such small breasts. But then I remember going through puberty and actually started getting breasts. I always loved the padded ones that give you, like, a really nice boost. Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images
Candice Swanepoel First bra ever? It was one of those training bras. You know, when you don’t really need a bra, but you still want one? I used t... Candice Swanepoel First bra ever? It was one of those training bras. You know, when you don’t really need a bra, but you still want one? I used to look at my mom’s lingerie all the time and just wish I could wear it. I would try it on and everything. Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images
Monika Jagaciak  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Kelly Gale  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Hilary Rhoda  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Maryna Linchuk  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Sigrid Agren  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Sui He  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Lais Ribeiro  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Josephine Skriver  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Ming Xi  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Jacquelyn Jablonski  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Constance Jablonski  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Jasmine Tookes  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Ieva Laguna  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Maria Borges  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Kasia Struss  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Caroline Brasch Nielsen  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Malaika Firth  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Behati Prinsloo  Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images
Izabel Goulart  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Cindy Bruna  Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Martha Hunt  Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images
1 / 37

Tags:

  • victoria's secret
  • bras
  • victoria's secret fashion show 2013
  • doutzen kroes
  • models
  • bra tales
  • party chat
  • More

More Galleries

campaign trail Jan. 28, 2021
 The Best Fashion Campaigns From Spring 2021  This season’s best from Prada, Versace, Miu Miu, and more. 
By Florence O'Connor
in memoriam Dec. 30, 2020
30 Incredible Fashion Moments From Pierre Cardin  Remembering a creative visionary. 
By Andrew Nguyen
rest in power Dec. 23, 2020
A Photo Memorial for an Iconic Model  She passed away suddenly at the age of 50 this week. 
campaign trail Nov. 18, 2020
‘Tis the Season for New Fashion Ads  See the best ones from Gucci, Prada, Versace, and more. 
By Emily Burns
nyfw spring 2021 Oct. 26, 2020
How a Great Collection Comes Alive  Christopher John Rogers launched its first-ever online shop, along with a new campaign. 
By Andrew Nguyen
campaign trail Sept. 24, 2020
See the Fashion Campaigns for Fall 2020  From Prada, Michael Kors, Celine, Louis Vuitton, and more. 
By Andrew Nguyen
nyfw spring 2021 Sept. 22, 2020
See the Coach Spring 2021 Collection  Worn by Megan Thee Stallion, Kate Moss, Cole Sprouse, and more. 
By Andrew Nguyen
fashion Sept. 16, 2020
The Stunning Awkwardness of Face Masks on the Red Carpet  Celebrities tried to make the best of a strange situation at the 2020 Venice Film Festival. 
one word one shot Sept. 15, 2020
72 Designers on Their Spring/Summer Inspirations  Just in time for Fashion Week. 
By the Cut
red carpet Sept. 8, 2020
This Red Carpet Was Totally Surreal  But also amazing. See all the looks at the Venice Film Festival. 
By Emilia Petrarca and Andrew Nguyen
in memoriam Aug. 31, 2020
Remembering Chadwick Boseman on the Red Carpet  His style was bold, risk-taking, and always impeccable. 
the wedding files Aug. 21, 2020
The Design-Minded Couple Who Didn’t Want to Try Too Hard  The bride got a wonderful surprise the morning of her wedding. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files Aug. 14, 2020
A Costa Rica Wedding During the Rainy Season  Thunder roared during the toasts. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files Aug. 7, 2020
A San Francisco Wedding at a Big, Empty Pier  The bride changed into crushed-velvet pants for the disco-infused reception. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files July 31, 2020
An Elopement Among the Lupines in Iceland  The late afternoon was spent snapping photos near waterfalls and black beaches. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files July 24, 2020
A Pennsylvania Potluck for 280 People  “I looked at her for the first time and had this feeling like, You. I know you.” 
By Kaitlin Menza
milan fashion week July 22, 2020
Behind the Scenes at Gucci’s Virtual Show  Instead of models, members of the design team sported the eccentric collection. 
By Andrew Nguyen
the wedding files July 17, 2020
A Dance Party Under Puerto Rican Palm Trees  Bad Bunny blasted and pitorro flowed. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files July 10, 2020
A Zoom Wedding Only Two Digital Creatives Could Produce  The couple coordinated multiple video segments, breakout rooms, and a dance party. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files July 3, 2020
The Anti-Spectacle Wedding That Turned Into a Spectacle  Brooklyn Bridge Park was the site of their first date, proposal, and wedding. 
By Kaitlin Menza
  • Style
  • Self
  • Culture
  • Power
  • Newsletters
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Help
  • We’re Hiring
  • Press
  • Trademark
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Ad Choices
  • Do Not Sell My Info
The Cut is a Vox Media Network. © 2021 Vox Media, LLC. All rights reserved.