Christmas really does come early: Victoria’s Secret filmed their annual fashion show in New York on Wednesday (it airs Dec. 4). And it was quite a spectacle. It featured performances by Justin Bieber and Rihanna, along with a slew of gravity-defying outfits and wild lingerie. We stopped by the show’s teeming backstage area to catch up with veteran models like Alessandra Ambrosio and it-girl newcomers like Cara Delevingne to hear their thoughts on dieting, hurricanes, and this year’s election. And it turns out that these ladies, tasked with walking in five-inch stilettos in little more than fancy patches of fabric, are tougher than they look. Here’s our crib-sheet guide to Victoria’s Secret’s stars. -- Misty White Sidell
Name: Lily Aldridge
Age: 26
City of Origin: Los Angeles, California
Most Outrageous Piece of Clothing Worn in the Show: A pair of American flag wings that exploded glitter from behind when she pulled a string.
Who did you vote for? I voted for Barack Obama, I’m really excited that he won, he’s focusing on things, important things that I care about. I voted a month ago because I live in Tennessee. I think it’s so important to vote, we are so blessed to live in America and have the privilege to do that. I think people need to take advantage of it.
Any crazy diet before the show? Nothing crazy, I definitely dieted though. I’m a mommy now, I have a 4-month-old so it was about eating healthy and keeping her healthy.
Are you nervous that this is your first show back after having a baby? I’m so proud of how hard I worked, I couldn’t have worked harder. Maybe I’m not as tiny as I used to be, but I’m womanly now and I’m proud of that. I think its sexy.
Name: Candice Swanepoel
Age: 24
City of Origin: Mooi River, Natal Province, South Africa
Most Outrageous Piece of Clothing Worn in the Show: A latticework garter belt that had a little lace patch to cover her belly button.
Who would you rather date, Mitt Romney or Barack Obama? Barack Obama for sure, when you’re talking about dating, he’s cuter.
What did you do to prepare for the show? I just carry on with my workout that I do year-round and just amp it up a little bit. I eat a lot of protein because my metabolism is really fast and if I work out too much I get smaller, so it’s a good balance of working out and resting in-between.
What will you eat after the show? My first splurge meal is going to be something light because I have to eat a lot of steak and mashed potatoes to keep my weight, so I’m excited to have a nice ceviche or something.
Name: Alessandra Ambrosio
Age: 31
City of Origin: Erechim, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Most Outrageous Piece of Clothing Worn in the Show: This year’s $2.5 million “Fantasy Bra” that’s encrusted with 5,200 precious stones.
What did you do to prepare for the show? I’ve been working out for the last four months and did some exfoliations so the skin looks good. I had a spray tan to get a glow going on.
What will you eat after the show? I think a sundae ice cream!
Name: Doutzen Kroes
Age: 27
City of Origin: Eastermar, Netherlands
Most Outrageous Piece of Clothing Worn in the Show: A pink pom-pom garter belt.
If you were eligible to vote, who would you have chosen in the election? “I was rooting for Obama, I think he needs more time to build up this country … he came into a terrible situation and he deserves more time to prove himself.”
What will be your first splurge after the show? “I think French fries. Last time they had burgers here or something, they always have great snacks for after the show.”
Name: Jessica Hart
Age: 26
City of Origin: Sydney, Australia
Most Outrageous Piece of Clothing Worn in the Show: A corset with life-size bike handles attached to its front.
Who would you rather date, Mitt Romney or Barack Obama? Obama because Romney is a Mormon, that would be a little strange—aren’t they allowed multiple wives or something?
What will you eat after the show? I hope I have a chance to! Maybe a hamburger, some Shake Shack.
What do you do to prepare for the show? I try to work on being really healthy and have a glow from the inside, so concentrating on juicing and drinking water and sleeping so I don’t look exhausted—whatever I have time for.
Name: Behati Prinsloo
Age: 23
City of Origin: Grootfontein, Namibia
Most Outrageous Piece of Clothing Worn in the Show: A miniature witch hat.
If you could have voted, who would you have chosen in the election? Definitely Obama, he’s just awesome. I just feel like he needs a second chance—four years is not enough to try and change everything.
What will be the first thing you eat after the show? I think they are bringing in some pizzas for us!
Name: Miranda Kerr
Age: 29
City of Origin: Gunnedah, New South Wales, Australia
Most Outrageous Piece of Clothing Worn in the Show: A pair of wings that doubled as some sort of feathered egg, to which she played its embryo.
What did you do to prepare for the show? I’m pretty consistent with my workout routine and I basically amp it up a month before. So normally I’d train 3-4 times a week and now in the last month I’ve been training 4–6 times a week.
Did you go on any special diet? I do the 80 percent healthy, 20 percent indulgent rule and I feel that really works for me. I really enjoy eating healthy food and I’m certified as a health coach. It’s something I’m quite passionate about. It’s all about putting the right nutrients in your body.
