22 exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from the victoria’s secret fashion show

With 47 models, 81 outfits, 39 pairs of wings, and two Fantasy Bras going into the 2014 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, you could expect there to be, oh, just a little bit of a frenzy happening backstage. Candice Swanepoel needed eye drops; Joan Smalls needed water; Lily Aldridge needed the ladies’ room. Through the scrum of photographers and press, you could see Doutzen Kroes sneak off with a salad, while her fellow Angels took turns spray-painting a mural devoted to London. The makeup tables were covered with backup hair extensions in every hue, plates of picked-at fruit, and jars of Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream. The models themselves donned pink slip robes, and managed to smile—or at least selfie—through it all.

Click through the gallery for a taste of the action.

Karlie Kloss enjoys a rare break amidst the backstage melee.

Constance Jablonski’s body confidence tip? “Be happy with yourself and what you have.”

Nothing like a little backstage bonding.

Here’s lookin’ at you, Ming Xi.

It’s Q&A time for Adriana Lima.

Lily Aldridge’s post-show plan: “I’m going to take a hot bath tonight.”

That’s the smile that says, “In a few hours I can pig out.”

Coffee helps.

First-timer Taylor Hill says Lindsay Ellingson offered her some words of advice during rehearsals.

Barbara Fialho makes time for a mini photo-shoot. The room was designed to appear upside-down.

Showing some love for the 2014 host city.

Feel the love.

Everyone was calling Alessandra Ambrosio “Ali”—here with her Mouwad-designed Fantasy Bra—backstage.

These Fantasy Bras are worth $2 million apiece ($1 million a cup). So, yeah, no touching.

The models took turns spray-painting their favorite adjectives on the backstage graffiti wall.

Shanina Shaik spends some quality time with the ghd hair team.

Isabeli Fontana’s Moschino iPhone case is perfection.

#IWokeUpLikeThis.

Lily Donaldson fueled up pre-show with a breakfast of bacon and porridge to “coat the stomach.”

Eat your heart out, Banksy.

Jourdan Dunn’s bob gets some Angel waves.

Candice Swanepoel makes the interview rounds. Overheard: “Sex, or chocolate?”