LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES — Chinese supermodel Ming Xi has made a remarkable return to the Victoria’s Secret runway after an eight-year absence, transforming one of the most memorable setbacks of her modeling career into a widely celebrated comeback.
The 37-year-old model returned to the spotlight at the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on October 18 in Los Angeles, dazzling the audience with two elaborate runway looks, including a champagne-colored creation featuring enormous sheer wings.
But it was the reaction of her husband, Mario Ho, that added another emotional dimension to the moment.
Ho, the 31-year-old son of the late Macau casino billionaire Stanley Ho, publicly celebrated his wife’s return, describing her as the family’s pride and expressing his amazement at seeing her on the runway again.
The comeback attracted widespread attention across Asian entertainment media, especially because Ming Xi’s name remains closely associated with her highly publicized fall during the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai.
Eight Years Later, Ming Xi Reclaims the Runway
Ming Xi returned wearing two eye-catching outfits that highlighted the extravagant production of this year’s Victoria’s Secret show.
Her first appearance featured a romantic pink ensemble with floral detailing and flowing fabric, giving the runway a delicate, dreamlike atmosphere.
Her second look was more dramatic: a champagne-colored creation accompanied by large, transparent wings measuring approximately three meters tall.
The shimmering material moved around her as she walked, creating one of the show’s striking visual moments.
The presentation also marked a major personal milestone for the model, who is now a mother of two and has spent recent years balancing family life with her professional career.
According to CNA Lifestyle and The Straits Times, her latest appearance was her first on the Victoria’s Secret runway since 2018.
Mario Ho’s Reaction Goes Viral
While Ming Xi captivated spectators onstage, Mario Ho was among those celebrating her achievement online.
Sharing video footage of his wife, he wrote:
“Jaw dropped. So proud of you. Pride of the family.”
He also affectionately described her as a real-life angel.
His enthusiastic response resonated with fans, who saw the moment as a public display of support for his wife’s professional success.
The couple married in 2019 and have two children together. Mario Ho is part of the prominent Ho family, whose late patriarch Stanley Ho built a major casino and business empire in Macau.
The Straits Times additionally reported that Ming Xi’s comeback attracted more than 679,000 likes on one Instagram post by October 21, reflecting the strong online interest surrounding her return.
The 2017 Fall That Made Global Headlines
Ming Xi’s comeback carries particular significance because of what happened nine years earlier.
During the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai, the model accidentally stepped on the flowing train of her costume, lost her balance and fell onto the runway.
The incident quickly circulated across international news outlets and social media.
Despite the embarrassing moment, Ming Xi stood up, adjusted her outfit and continued walking.
Rather than bringing her career to an end, the incident became a widely remembered example of how the model handled an unexpected setback in public.
An important distinction is that Ming Xi also appeared in the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Her 2026 appearance therefore marks her return after eight years, not her first appearance since the 2017 accident.
Her latest performance has renewed discussion of that moment, with social media users praising her confidence and determination.
A Meaningful Return as a Mother of Two
Ming Xi’s reaction to her return was equally heartfelt.
Writing on Instagram, she described being back on the Victoria’s Secret stage as a familiar yet almost unbelievable experience.
She expressed particular excitement about seeing the elaborate wings prepared for her return.
Reports also indicated that she undertook intensive fitness preparation ahead of the show, although the specifics of her training and diet have not been independently established.
Beyond the runway itself, Ming Xi shared a simple personal hope: that her young daughter would eventually watch footage of the show and tell her how beautiful she looked.
For the model, the return was therefore not simply another professional booking. It was also an opportunity to share a major career milestone with her family.
Victoria’s Secret Brings Back Its Biggest Names
Ming Xi’s comeback took place during a major revival of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which returned to Los Angeles on October 18.
According to Reuters, the 2026 presentation was built around seasonal themes, with elaborate designs inspired by spring flowers, summer, autumn and winter.
The event also featured an all-female musical lineup, including Megan Thee Stallion, Tate McRae, Megan Moroney and KATSEYE.
Other fashion publications highlighted appearances from several well-known models, including Gigi Hadid, Adriana Lima, Bella Hadid and Barbara Palvin.
The glamorous production reflects the company’s attempt to revive its signature runway spectacle while expanding its appeal to contemporary audiences.
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More Than a Fashion Show: A Major Brand Comeback
The return of established runway stars comes as Victoria’s Secret works to strengthen its commercial performance.
Retail publication Inside Retail Asia reported that the company had increased its full-year sales forecast to a range of US$7.10 billion to US$7.18 billion.
Barron’s also reported a positive stock market response following the show, with analysts highlighting stronger marketing, greater product availability and renewed consumer engagement.
While the business developments are separate from Ming Xi’s personal comeback, they show why the annual fashion event remains an important platform for both celebrity visibility and brand promotion.
What Other International News Outlets Are Reporting
| News outlet | Additional details |
|---|---|
| CNA Lifestyle / 8days | Focused on Ming Xi’s two runway appearances, her husband’s emotional response and her excitement about returning. |
| The Straits Times | Reported that Ming Xi’s Instagram comeback post gained more than 679,000 likes and drew praise from Gigi Hadid. |
| Reuters | Covered the larger Victoria’s Secret spectacle, its elaborate seasonal themes and major musical performances. |
| Who What Wear | Highlighted the fashion show’s blend of veteran supermodels, newer faces and nostalgic runway glamour. |
| Inside Retail Asia | Examined the company’s wider commercial recovery and growing investor confidence following the show. |
Why Ming Xi’s Comeback Is Resonating With Fans
The return of Ming Xi is more than another celebrity appearance at a fashion event.
For longtime followers, it brings together three elements of a compelling comeback story: a highly publicized professional setback, years away from the prestigious runway and an emotional return with family support.
Her 2017 fall remains one of the most widely remembered moments in Victoria’s Secret runway history. Yet her 2026 performance offers a different image of the model — confident, experienced and celebrating a new chapter in her career.
The bottom line: After eight years away, Ming Xi has returned to one of fashion’s biggest runways. Her husband’s proud reaction and the enthusiastic reception from fans have helped turn the appearance into a story of resilience, family support and professional achievement.
