Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Overcame Chaos in China

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show likely won’t return to Shanghai anytime soon.

It would’ve been one thing if the chaos had started and finished when the Chinese government denied visas to several models, including Gigi Hadid, into the country. But the annual event’s A-list performer, Katy Perry, and some of the bloggers, influencers and journalists set to cover the show, were also denied entry. Any press releases sent out had to have government-stamped approval first; model Ming Xi tumbled down the runway.

I always say, onward and upward! It’s not about the fall, it’s about how you pick yourself back up. @mingxi11 handled this one like a pro! “After modeling for seven years, on this journey I’ve fallen countless times…but I know that no matter how painful the fall, I must always stand up and finish walking.” #OnTheFly #FlyHigh

A post shared by Susan Woods (@ontheflywoods) on Nov 21, 2017 at 4:00pm PST

Things didn’t end there, either. Astoundingly, the after-party was shut down ten minutes before midnight because authorities “want us to finish.” All in all, Vanity Fair reports, the whole process was messy — from beginning to end.

Still, the show went on — missing models and all — and the Instagram accounts from behind-the-scenes make it appear that at least a little fun (and a lot of lingerie) was there to go around. Take a look below.

walk that walk @frida_aasen and I w the #splish #vsfashionshow

A post shared by Miguel (@miguel) on Nov 22, 2017 at 10:04am PST

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2017 Backstage #vsfashionshow #vsfs2017

A post shared by Victoria’s Secret (@keepingupwvsangels) on Nov 22, 2017 at 9:50am PST

#VictoriaSecret 2017 Fashion Show After Party @victoriassecret #vsfashionshow #vsfs #vsfs2017 #Model #Photographer #magazine #magazinecover #editorial #fashionads #fashion #designer #photoshoot #editorial #Instafashion #instadaily #instagram #ootd #pictoftheday #ig #abbyzacky #zackylicious

A post shared by Zackylicious (@zackyliciouss) on Nov 22, 2017 at 9:45am PST

??❄️?✨ with the lovely @miguel — It still hasn’t fully processed that this happened! What an amazing experience honestly. I’m so proud of everyone, the level of professionalism that was upheld and the love we had for one another was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. No experience can compare! I am so happy, grateful and honored to have walked the VS show for the first time! I want to thank everyone who was a part of this— from the team at VS, to all the girls who supported me and gave me confidence, to my family and friends, to all the sweet people online showing love and support, I just want to thank you all, I feel so lucky ? I also want to thank Vs for always having such a diverse lineup, you guys stay showing that beauty comes in many shades ? prepare for a bit of VS takeover on my page lmao! ? #vsfashionshow #vsfs2017 #porcelainangels

A post shared by aiden ? [next models] (@aidencurtiss) on Nov 22, 2017 at 9:41am PST

#regram @victoriassecret Victoria’s Secret Angels were pretty in pink right down to their Havaianas backstage #VSFashionShow

A post shared by Havaianas Europe (@havaianaseurope) on Nov 22, 2017 at 8:40am PST

VS Fashion Show, 2017! 6 days and counting… #vsfashionshow #vsangelscomingsoon #cbs #shanghai2017

A post shared by Mary Smith (@missmary_tiu) on Nov 22, 2017 at 7:56am PST

throwback to fitting day. ?? love love love these wings!! #vsfashionshow

A post shared by Josephine Skriver (@josephineskriver) on Nov 21, 2017 at 6:10am PST

Grateful for this amazing experience which has tought me to embrace the woman I am ???@victoriassecret #vsfs2017 #vsfashionshow #shanghai

A post shared by Leila Nda (@leila.nda) on Nov 22, 2017 at 8:28am PST

What a dream come true…This year felt like my first year all over again. Emotionally, physically, mentally, in my health I feel so much stronger in so many ways and I am so grateful to all who have supported me, believed in me and stood by me. Thank you for giving me this opportunity again sweet @ed_razek @monica.mitro @10magazine @johndavidpfeiffer Yesterday was so unreal on so many levels. It took so much for all of this to come together and truly as a team we pulled it together as a WHOLE. I am grateful. I am happy. I am humbled. And I just can’t stop smiling thinking about it!!! I can’t wait for you all to tune in to this show. #vsfs2017 . Also … WAS IT NOT MEANT TO BE THAT MY WINGS ARE THE DAMN ? EMOJI!?!?!!? Meant to be!!!!!! DREAM LOOK!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️?????????????????????????????????

A post shared by Bella Hadid (@bellahadid) on Nov 20, 2017 at 7:34pm PST

OMG! #vsfashionshow

A post shared by Martha Hunt (@marthahunt) on Nov 20, 2017 at 4:15pm PST

?? @hoskelsa shot by ?@russelljames @victoriassecret ?

A post shared by Stella! (@stellamaxwell) on Nov 21, 2017 at 12:11am PST

Thank you to every single person who made this trip so unforgettable. Until next time, China! ???

A post shared by Karlie Kloss (@karliekloss) on Nov 20, 2017 at 9:42pm PST