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For Gigi and Bella Hadid, Third Time’s a Charm at Victoria’s Secret

Photo: Getty

You never know what you’ll see backstage at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. A trip behind the scenes at Manhattan’s Pier 94 is filled with surprises: Makeup artists scramble to put the finishing touches on models, musicians like Shawn Mendes and Rita Ora head onstage to rehearse, and those famous towering wings loom in the background of it all. Amid all the controlled chaos of this year’s event, two of fashion’s biggest models were sitting pretty. 2018 marked the third time on the Victoria’s Secret runway for Gigi and Bella Hadid, and though they’ve both become regulars, the experience feels new every time. “It’s something that is very special and emotional for me because as a kid I loved the show,” shared Gigi, who grew up watching supermodels like Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks strut their stuff on television. The sentiment was echoed by her sister. “These Angels have worked their butts off all year—I have a long way to go!” said Bella. “They do it all [year], but this is the one time we get to experience the whole VS moment.”

Being a part of that moment means more than the glitz of the show itself—weeks of fittings and practice proceed the big night and the ensuing spectacle outside VS headquarters has turned into a popular street style destination. Since the midterm elections coincided with fittings, Gigi knew the heavily photographed occasion would be a great time to send a message about voter registration. “I loved the shirt in general. I knew that I wanted to wear it at a time when I thought it would be important,” she said of the Prabal Gurung–designed rock-the-vote tee she wore the other day. “I wanted to make that statement—I want as many people to vote as possible—when I was thinking about my schedule in relation to election day, I knew it would be the right time.”

Instantly going viral, her well-timed outfit made headlines, but Gigi says the most interesting part of the process is seeing her costume. “It’s less about, like, what I’m wearing there and more that I’m eager to see what I’m going to get for the show,” she said, noting that this year’s elaborate attire will feature her biggest wings to date. “They’re tall and wide and heavy and not aerodynamic! I’m pulling them through the air. When I was a kid, I always wanted that honor of being trusted with the heavy wings. This is my year to show ’em I can do it!”

With two delicately detailed looks, Bella may not have the pressure of making 50 pounds’ worth of wings soar, but she was ready to hit the runway all the same. “My looks are so beautifully simple, which I’m very happy about,” she said. “I get to just walk while feeling confident and strong.” Fresh from going goth as Lydia Deetz in her epic Beetlejuice-inspired Halloween outfits with her partner, The Weeknd, she’s had fun switching things up lately. Though The Weeknd may have enjoyed their holiday moment even more than she did. “It was kind of his first year that he was really dressing up,” said Bella. “The fact that he was so excited about it made me so excited.” As intricate as their couple’s costume wound up being, it only came together at the last minute. “Our other idea actually fell through! So, this was a lot of work, but it ended up being so cool and I’m so happy we did it.”

Though there’s been plenty of action happening in the lead-up to the show, both sisters agree nothing compares to the thrill of the main event, in part, due to the closeness between the team and the models. “I love everyone here; they just really want each girl to thrive,” said Bella. “It’s really like a family.” For Gigi, who auditioned three times before making her debut in 2014, each time feels like the first. “We’ve all worked so hard to get here, and even though I’d wanted it so bad, all the times that I tried and didn’t get it, I’m grateful for the time it took,” said Gigi. “When you get here, you realize it’s because it’s your time—now, it’s just about loving and supporting each other.”

Now Read: These Victoria’s Secret Angels Reveal What Makes Them Feel Confident

Originally published on Vogue.com

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