"Mommy's work is walking"

Spread the Jelly’s co-founder Lauren Levinger packed her light pink, bedazzled mic; said bye to her son and husband; and flew across the country to cover the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, held at the Sony Pictures Studios. 

Whether you love it, hate it, or feel incredibly indifferent to it, the VS Fashion always captures a bit of the zeitgist—a slice of exactly what’s going in American pop culture at that moment. (Indeed, though there are models from dozens of countries, it’s hard to imagine anything more American than this particular runway show.) 

Last night, Timothee Chalamet and the ultimate Mother, Kris Jenner were on hand to cheer on Kylie as she walked in the 50 million dollar Fantasy Bra; Nicole Kidman bopped her head to “Nicole Kidman” by Adela; and Lauren, along with photographer Paris Mumpower, were there to interview models about all things motherhood. 

There was a lot to be said on that front as Barbara Palvin walked the show only six weeks after giving birth and Elsa Hoek, only 12 weeks postpartum. There were also mothers of teenagers walking and aspiring mamas. We even got a tour of the VS pumping room with a sign on it that read “Mommies Only.”

Images by Paris Mumpower, words by Emily Barasch

The word "angel" comes from a Greek word meaning messenger. And if there’s one thing we learned from interviewing a host of Victoria Secret models a few months ago for Getting Sticky, it’s that these women have a lot of wisdom to communicate. Especially when it comes to motherhood. 

Below, BTS footage and musings from seasoned mothers as well as fresher ones. Barbara Palvin only had her baby six weeks ago—but she’s already learning and sharing the tricks of the trade. On that note, Irina Shayk recommends an all-black mom uniform. Behati Prinsloo is here to remind us that postpartum healing is not a linear process. Ashley Graham could care less about her boys finishing their plates. Elsa Hoek feels like a mess still—she’s only 12 weeks postpartum! And Jasmine Tookes, who famously closed last year’s runway at nine months pregnant, reflects on it all.

Irina Shayk (mom to daughter, Lea)

Proudest mom moment as of late?

A proud mom moment I had is definitely reminding my daughter that you need to love who you are and be kind to others. Every time she goes to school in the morning, I always say, "Be kind to everyone." And she's so sweet and kind, but one more reminder never hurts.

One thing you wish you knew about motherhood before having a kid?

It's just joyful, and it keeps giving. I wish I had my daughter earlier. Sometimes motherhood could be a little bit overwhelming and scary, but it's the biggest present in my life.

What's a superpower you've gained since becoming a mom?

Being more confident and loving my body even more, because this body made life and carried my child.

What's your catwalk song?

Anything Megan Thee Stallion.

Motherhood in three words?

Joyful, loving, and grateful.

What's your mom uniform right now?

Shoes, always all in black, easy-peasy, chic, and sleek.

Barbara Palvin (mom to six week old, Sylvie) 

First question, how are you?

I'm doing great. I'm hanging in there. 

When your daughter gets to finally see you walking down the runway, what do you hope she feels or thinks?
I already see her being a teenager and just like, "Ew, Mom, why were you in your lingerie? You're naked." I feel like she's going to be sassy.

What's your proudest mom moment as of late?

When she was crying and I knew it was poop. I didn't smell it, but I knew it. Sorry.

What's a superpower you've gained since becoming one?

This is a weird one. I got really good with my toes to grab things, because I'm doing the night shift and she's in my hand, and I need to get something and set up the swaddle. And it's always with the toes. 

Baby name from your list that you didn't end up using?

Elle.

Something you always make sure to have in your bag right now.

My pump.

What's your catwalk song?

"Slave 4 U," by Britney Spears.

Elsa Hosk (mom to Flora, a 12 week baby and Tuli)

What is a proud mom moment as of late?

Walking the Victoria's Secret. That's got to be the proudest, but also pushing her out, feeding her throughout all my jobs—you know, pumping on planes and airport lounges—just wanting the best for her always and going the extra mile.

What's a hill you're willing to die on when it comes to motherhood?

Let your kids be who they are.

How long until you felt like yourself again after babies?

With Tuli, probably like three years, because I had more of a crisis in my second year than in my first. With Flora, who knows? It's early, so we're still riding the roller coaster.

What's a superpower you've gained since becoming a mom?

I don't know, I feel like I'm a mess. I've lost my superpowers. Maybe multitasking. I wasn't good at that before, and now I'm forced to be better at it. Running on no sleep.

Something you always have in your bag right now?

Diapers.

Motherhood in three words?

Chaos, beautiful, love.

Ashley Graham (mom of three sons, Roman, Malachi and Isaac)

Proudest mom moment as of late?

The kids are in school officially, and I have been really making an effort to say, "Okay, I'm there in the morning. We're making breakfast. Packing lunch for the school. And then I make sure I'm picking them up. But if I can't pick them up, it's fine. I have to get out of my mommy guilt, but I'm very present. All my work is done. No more calls. My phone is in a drawer, put away. 

A hill you're willing to die on when it comes to motherhood?

Do they really have to finish the plate? Do they have to try the vegetables? Like, is it really that big of a deal? Like, no, don't try. Who cares?

What's a superpower you've gained since becoming one?

I grew this eye on the back of my head and my kids found out about it. So, they try to trick me, but I see everything.

Something you always have to make sure to have in your bag.

Snacks and toys.

Motherhood in three words.

Filthy, exhausting, and so fulfilling.

Jasmine Tookes (mom of two, Mia and Mateo) 

Proudest mom moment as of late?

There's so many. I feel like every day is so special. But, honestly, today my daughter is so excited because she's almost four and she understands a little bit more like what I'm doing. And she's like, "Your work is walking." That's what she says. She's so excited to watch me tonight. 

How long until you felt like yourself again post-baby?

Oh, I don't know. Am I there yet? Honestly, it takes a long time mentally and physically. But I give myself grace and I just enjoy it all and I don't push myself too hard. 

What's a superpower you've gained since becoming a mother?

It's the way that they look at me. I'm their hero, which is so cool. You have to take care of these little gorgeous babies, and they just love you so much, so unconditionally. There's nothing that can replace that.

A hill you're willing to die on when it comes to motherhood.

I think routine is so important. My kids are in bed every day at 6:30 p.m. and they wake up every day at 7 a.m. My mom or anyone will be like, "Jasmine, do you want to do this?" I'm like, "Nope, my kids have to be in bed." So, unless someone else can be there to help me, the routine is what it is.

You opened the show last year, obviously, when you were pregnant. The word "angel" comes from a Latin and Greek word meaning messenger. What message do you have for new mothers?

I think what I said earlier about having grace. I feel like every woman's journey is different through motherhood and don't compare yourself to any other mom's experience because there's ups and downs and highs and lows. Just giving yourself grace, loving yourself, and not putting too much pressure on yourself.

Something that's always in your bag right now.

Body oil.

Favorite bedtime story or lullaby?

Oh, I love Goodnight Moon.

Motherhood in three words.

Magical, indescribable, and precious.

Behati Prinsloo (mom of two daughters and one son) 

Proudest mom moment as of late?

My daughters right now are just constantly at each other. So, when I get them to be sweet with each other, that feels like a big accomplishment to me. They love each other so much, but they're so close in age that we're just at that age. Getting my son to sit and eat feels like a big accomplishment. He's three now.

The one thing you wish you knew about motherhood before you had kids?

Maybe more about after you give birth, that whole journey. I feel like it's not really talked about enough, and just what happens, how you feel, and your emotions. Now I think people are way more open and talking about it. But I think a heads up could have been nice. 

How long until you felt like yourself again after you had a baby?

Honestly, it takes a solid year, and then it takes another solid year.  I would say with my daughters, it was hard because I had them very back-to-back. So once I had my second, I feel like it took me two years. I think it gets a little easier with each one, but also a little bit harder. It's weird to explain, but I think it just takes time and everyone's different. And sometimes like six months after, you're like, "I feel amazing," and a month later, you're like, "No, no, no, I'm not okay".

What's a superpower you've gained since becoming a mom?

I think if there was a superhero that was made out of patience, I would be that one. 

Best baby name from your list that you did not use?

I really love the name Scout. 

Something you always have in your bag right now?

Eye drops. Tide white-out pens. And hair bands. My daughters are always like, "Do you have a hair band?" 

What would be your catwalk song?

"Welcome to the Jungle.” Really just anything upbeat and rock and roll is my jam.

Favorite bedtime story and/or lullaby?

I sing a lot of African songs to my kids. My son just loves Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, like all the classics. A new book, actually. A friend of mine just wrote a really sweet children's book called When I'm Not With You by Sarah Olsen. It's such a sweet book, and it's basically when you're leaving each other, even if it's a long trip or a short trip, it's really sweet and makes me cry every time