The ladies of Victoria’s Secret put on a cheeky show… literally.

Heidi Klum, who gave birth to her fourth child just five weeks ago, proved the biggest crowd pleaser at last night’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show as she strutted down the catwalk in a purple corset covered with a half gown and tulle train.

Appropriately so, Heidi Klum was more covered up than the rest of the Victoria’s Secret models, but the 36-year-old German model was supposed to be hosting the show when she made a surprise runway appearance to the delight of the audience. Klum, who gave birth to daughter Lou Samuel with her singer husband Seal last month, kept her stomach covered after revealing she is still trying to get her figure back. On Wednesday she spoke about how she is working with her personal trainer to shed another 20lbs.

Even with Klum’s modest undergarments, there was plenty of flesh flashing to go around thanks to Australian model Miranda Kerr, 26, American stunner Marisa Miller, 31, and Brazilian beauty Alessandra Ambrosio.

Klum, who normally wears the most elaborate outfits, only appeared once, so it was former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover girl Marissa Miller who had the honor of wearing a $3 million, diamond-encrusted bra. Splashy jewels, it seemed, were one of the themes of the show with many models dripping in diamonds, crystals and other bling.

Australian model Miranda Kerr hit the catwalk in a bejeweled lingerie ensemble, while others wore faux fur stoles over their bras and panties. Thigh-high boots were this year’s must-have accessory.

The sexy outfits fell into one of four themes: Star Trooper with breast plates and body armor; Pink Planet, which had a hippie vibe; the ethereal Enchanted Forest; and Romantic Journey that featured a lot of lace.

The lingerie retailer inducted five more women into its Angel ranks – a designation reserved for top models – in front of a packed house last night at the Lexington Avenue Armory. They are Emanuela de Paula, Chanel Iman, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Lindsay Ellingson and Candice Swanepoel.

Victoria’s Secret always puts on an elaborate production and this year’s show was no different featuring a choir, acrobatic dancers and a giant polka-dot dog balloon. An online model search started earlier this month and is now down to two contestants, one of whom will be chosen by the public to appear in the televised version of the fashion show that CBS will air December 1.

‘I could watch this online, but it’s a fun scene,’ said Russell Simmons from his front row seat. ‘This show is always fun and a great production.’ ‘It’s always a spectacular,’ agreed costume designer Patricia Field. ‘Victoria’s Secret does that extra thing I like.’

Black Eyed Peas provided the entertainment at the event at the Lexington Armory, with singer Fergie who wore a black, jewelled bodysuit and came out later in a green corset gown.