Barbara Palvin is back on the Victoria’s Secret runway six weeks after becoming a mom

Model Barbara Palvin made a striking return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Sunday, October 18, barely six weeks after welcoming her first child with husband Dylan Sprouse. The 33-year-old Hungarian model walked the runway in Los Angeles, drawing attention for her comeback so soon after becoming a mother. 

Palvin appeared in two looks during the show, which featured a line-up of models and performers. Her return also brought her family into the spotlight, with Sprouse cheering her on from the front row as she took to the runway.

Barbara Palvin’s two looks at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Palvin opened her runway appearances in a sheer, pale pink mini dress with an asymmetrical handkerchief hem, worn over matching lingerie. She completed the look with statement hoop earrings bearing the Victoria’s Secret logo and wore her hair loose in waves.

During her walk, she blew kisses towards singer Megan Moroney, while Sprouse stood up to record the moment and show his support.

The model later returned in a white embellished corset and matching underwear, styled with a flowing sheer train and snowflake-inspired wings.

The appearance marked another chapter in Palvin’s association with the lingerie brand. She first walked for Victoria’s Secret two years after making her runway debut for Prada at 17. Following her return to the lingerie show in 2018, she was officially named a Victoria’s Secret Angel in 2019. She also walked in the 2024 and 2025 editions.

‘I'm just doing what every woman does in America’

Speaking to USA TODAY backstage before the show, Palvin said she was grateful to return to the runway and acknowledged the support she had received from her family and friends.

"I'm very grateful to be back. I wouldn't be here without my parents and family and friends. They've been, like, huge help," the model while getting her hair and makeup done backstage. "But in the U.S., maternity leave is six to eight weeks. I'm six weeks tomorrow, so nothing major here. I'm just doing what every woman does in America."

She also spoke to Page Six about the timing of her return, saying, “I tell everyone: This is normal. Maternity leave is six to eight weeks; I’m six weeks tomorrow, so I’m just doing what everyone [else] is doing. And I only need to walk down a runway!”

Her appearance came after the brand teased her participation in an Instagram reel two days before the event. The video showed Palvin in a casual outfit pushing a large stroller, accompanied by a pink sign reading “Angel on board”.

Victoria’s Secret also celebrated her return with a social media post that read, “Motherhood looks good on you, @realbarbarapalvin. So does the runway—see you in LA.”

Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse welcome daughter Sylvie

Palvin and Sprouse announced the arrival of their daughter in a joint Instagram post on September 28. Although the couple did not initially disclose her birth date, their caption offered a playful clue: "We took Labor Day literally this year "

Their daughter, named Sylvie, was born on September 7, according to reports. The couple shared a photograph of themselves holding their newborn up to a television while watching the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the San Francisco Giants on September 27. All three wore Dodgers jerseys.

The couple married in Hungary in July 2023 and announced their pregnancy in May 2026. Palvin subsequently revealed her baby bump at the Cannes Film Festival, appearing on the red carpet in a light blue Miu Miu gown decorated with feather detailing.

Sprouse, 34, was among those celebrating his wife's return to the runway. Sharing his pride on Instagram, the actor wrote, “Proud of my missus, jumping right into the vs fashion show post-birth. Built different. I don’t know where you find the energy but damn!”

The former Disney Channel star has previously shown his support for Palvin at Victoria’s Secret events, including bringing cut-outs of their pets to the 2024 show and delivering hamburgers to her after a runway appearance.

Before the 2026 event, Palvin had also joked about her husband's plans for the evening, saying, “My wonderful husband will be here tonight,” Palvin confirmed to us ahead of the show. “I don’t know what he’s planning — hopefully nothing, because he has to be taking care of our baby girl right now!”

Other models who returned to the runway after childbirth

Palvin joins a group of models who have appeared at Victoria’s Secret shows during pregnancy or soon after giving birth. Jasmine Tookes walked in the 2025 show while nine months pregnant, while Heidi Klum returned to the runway eight weeks after welcoming her son Henry in 2005 and five weeks after the birth of her daughter Lou in 2009.

Klum also revealed years later that she had been pregnant with her eldest daughter, Leni, when she wore the Fantasy Bra at the 2003 show. Adriana Lima, meanwhile, returned to the runway eight weeks after the birth of her daughter Valentina in 2008 and about two months after welcoming her second child in 2012.