Victoria's Secret Angels Hit the Runway

Adam Jeffery | CNBC.com

Sporting diamonds, Swarovski crystals and barely there outfits, Victoria's Secret angels strutted down the runway in the company's annual fashion show on Wednesday.

Each year, the women's lingerie chain, which is owned by Limited Brands, kicks off its holiday selling season with a star-studded show to generate excitement about its products.

This year's show started with a circus theme, complete with acrobats and sword-swallowers. Other themes were: Dangerous Liaisons, Calendar Girls, PINK Is Us, Silver Screen Angels and Angels in Bloom.

Model Alessandra Ambrosio had the honor of wearing this year's fantasy bra that came with a $2.5-million price tag and about 5,200 precious stones, including diamonds, sapphires, rubies and amethysts.

Singers Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars performed at the New York City event, which was held at the National Guard's 69th Infantry Regiment's headquarters. Just one week before the show, Hurricane Sandy had wiped out the venue's electricity, and Victoria's Secret came to the rescue by lending generators to the National Guard.

The show will air on CBS on Dec. 4 at 10 p.m.

Click here to see scenes from this year's event.

-By Katie Little, CNBC News Associate; Follow her @katie_little_.

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