The Dressed to Kill

supermodel Gisele Bundchen strikes an alluring pose

The Victoria's Secret catwalk show is undeniably the sexiest event in the fashion calender. The world's biggest supermodels, including Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Helena Christensen, Stephanie Seymour and Gisele Bundchen, have graced the U.S. underwear firm's catwalk over the last 10 years. The shows aren't just stunning women strutting up and down the catwalk in their underwear - the event is a big-budget extravaganza featuring live music from top artists and flamboyant accessories, including angel and bird wings.

Celebrity and Fans

Sizzling: The world's top paid supermodel Gisele Bundchen strikes an alluring pose in her garter, stockings and bolero. The last show saw the reformed Spice Girls take to the stage in Roberto Cavalli gowns and one of the Victoria's Secret 'Angels' Heidi Klum duet with husband Seal. In these stunning pictures, we take you backstage at the world's sexiest show. The photos include Brazilian Bundchen, the world's highest paid supermodel, pose in a transparent black lingerie ensemble, including a garter belt, stockings and bra.

Brazilian beauty

Brazilian beauty: Adriana Lima, 27, has modelled for Victoria's Secret for eight years

A Dutch

A Dutch dish: Doutzen Kroes arrives through the curtains in her transparent bodice Gisele's contract with Victoria's Secret finished at the end of last year. Joining Gisele in this slinky backstage images is fellow Brazilian Adriana Lima, 27, who has modelled for Victoria's Secret for eight years. She was the world's fourth highest earning supermodel last year taking home £3.5million. Next in line in the list is Dutch blonde bombshell Doutzen Kroes in fifth place, who made £3million. Other Victoria's Secrets 'Angels' include Alessandra Ambrosio, Karolina Kurkova, Selita Ebanks, Izabel Goulart, Marisa Miller and Miranda Kerr.

Brazilian beauties

Brazilian beauties: Gisele Bundchen and Adriana Lima relax by the make-up counter

Celebrity and Fans

Adjustment: Backstage assistants prime Adriana Lima for the catwalk

California girl

California girl: American model Marisa Miller adjusts her bra backstage

On stage

On stage: Gisele Bundchen struts her stuff at the Victoria Secret show last year