The next line, entitled “Passion” was a jewel-encrusted incarnation of Latin inspiration, and you guessed it… Latin passion. Paired up with Rihanna’s “California King Bed”, this line was the most sophisticated of the night. Two looks in particular, this one modeled by Alessandra Ambrosio, and this one modeled by Doutzen Kroes were absolute scene-stealers. They are a tribute to the impeccable hand of the Victoria’s Secret designers. Just because there are fewer clothes, doesn’t mean they are any less couture. 

Miranda Kerr sporting 2.5 million dollars of jewels and glamour like a true Angel. (Flickr)

This sentiment rang true in the next line, a voyage under the sea with the “Aquatic Angels”. While Maroon 5 performed “Moves Like Jagger”, the models, including Adam Levine’s girlfriend Anne V (watch out for the kiss he steals!), were bedazzled in looks that would turn even Ariel’s bright red hair green with envy. This line was the most innovative of the night, successfully transforming the New York City runway into an Atlantis playground. If these models can be dressed like fish and still look sexy, you know Victoria’s Secret is doing something right. 

“Aquatic Angels” was lucky enough to play host to the real star of the show, the 2.5 million dollar bra. Miranda Kerr had the honor this year, strutting down the runway as if she wasn’t wearing a piece of underwear that cost more than a house. The bra, which was created by London Jewelers, is complete with 142 carats of white and yellow diamonds and 3,400 hand-set stones and pearls. Wow! Get an up close look at the stunner here.

It seems only fitting that right after a bra fit for royalty, Kanye West and Jay Z took the stage to perform the song "N----- in Paris" from their new CD “Watch the Throne”. The performance was intercut with shots of models dancing backstage to the hip-hop beat. How they manage to dance, let alone walk, in some of the grandiose wings is beyond human imagination. I guess that’s why they’re Angels. 

Intercutting the runway stylings and musical selections were behind the scenes look at the lives of Victoria’s Secret Angels. This year we watched the Angels discuss their first show, what their ideal superpower would be (why would anyone as beautiful as Doutzen Kroes want to be invisible?), go through baby pictures (they were photogenic even then), and even saw 19-year-old Karlie Kloss become officially inducted into the Angel society. While these lighthearted moments are no one’s incentive for watching the program, they add a little life and spirit that never hurts. 

Speaking of life and spirit, Victoria’s Secret delivered next in a New Orleans themed line that had all of the life and excitement of Mardi Gras, but the refinement and ladylike elegance of the Victorian Era. The outfits, which started out cute and sweet, quickly took a dark turn, culminating in Adriana Lima’s walk as the epitome of a dark angel. Absolutely stunning.

Erin Heatherton and Nicki Minaj having a Pink party. (Flickr)

The finale of the fashion show was Victoria’s Secret Pink line, a more youthful, colorful approach that has been wildly popular since its debut in 2004. And who could be more fitting to perform with the bubble pop rockstar atmosphere than Nicki Minaj? Her rendition of “Super Bass” provided the perfect background music to a line that only she could have inspired. Pink’s lines in years past have taken on specific themes, but this year it seemed a little more disjointed, a little more eclectic… kind of like Nicki Minaj’s take on fashion. Either way it was pure fun, pure energy, and a perfect way to close Victoria’s Secret 10th annual Fashion Show. 

While some may still be hesitant to accept Candice Swanepoel as the harbinger of holiday spirit, the fact is that she and her legions of Angels swathed in strategically placed shimmer powder and undergarments that cost more than a year’s tuition to school are a holiday tradition that is here to stay. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show brings a little oomph to the elves, a little flirtatiousness to Frosty, and a little hotness to the holidays. There really is only one thing left to say - Sexy Seasons Greetings, everybody!