Perry finds her groove on Victoria's Secret runway

[November 11, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Katy Perry led the dance party that doubled as the finale of Wednesday night's Victoria's Secret fashion show, an annual parade of skimpy, sexy and over-the-top lingerie.

In a yellow, strapless bustier dress covered in pink hearts, Perry -- who also wore the thigh-high boots that were a trend among the catwalkers -- fit right in with the likes of models Adriana Lima, Chanel Iman and Karolina Kurkova.

Her other outfit was a purple bustier that boasted a bustle.

Perry sang a medley of her own songs, including "Teenage Dream," "Hot N Cold" and "California Gurls," but it was Blondie's "Call Me" booming through the speakers that got the three dozen models bouncing around the stage.

Blondie lead singer Debbie Harry was in the audience along with Serena Williams, Adrian Grenier, Nicky and Paris Hilton and Tyson Beckford.

R&B star Akon got his turn to serenade the models, performing "Angel" during the section of the show dubbed "Heavenly Bodies." There were even a few dance moves between the singer and Lima, donning a $2 million bra encrusted in Diamiani diamonds and sapphires.

Other themes were the exotic "Wild Things," the heavy metal-infused "Tough Love," the flirty "Pink Planet," the sports-themed "Game On," and the wholesome-but-not-really "Country Girls." For that, model Lindsay Ellingson put on a straw corset and Alessandra Ambrosio wore a high-neck chiffon baby-doll top with a super-low panties.

Unlike most fashion shows, the clothes here are not all that important, but the elaborate signature wings and other props, including boxing gloves and peacock tails, add to the excitement on the runway.

Victoria's Secret says that underneath all the sparkle, feathers and studs are some push-up bras and lacy bottoms that are sold in stores, but, really, who'd notice?

Several catwalkers got their first pair of wings this year, which is a literal and figurative coronation of the brand's top models. They include Erin Heatherton, Lily Aldridge and Candice Swanepoel.

The difference between some of the newer models and more seasoned VS Angels, however, is an electricity and warmth that was largely missing from the runway. Doutzen Kroes and Miranda Kerr sat out because they are both pregnant, and the company and Heidi Klum, who got the crowd going last year when she bared a toned, fit body just weeks after giving birth, recently ended their affiliation.

Longtime model Isabeli Fontana did enjoy a fully engaging moment during this show when she strutted in a silver bra and sequin swim bottoms carrying an oversized barbell and tossed it to a group of bare-chested male gymnasts.

TV audiences get a chance to see the action when CBS televises the show on Nov. 30.

[Associated Press; By SAMANTHA CRITCHELL]

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