In recent years, the world of fashion has undergone significant changes. This is especially true regarding inclusivity, diversity, and the portrayal of beauty standards. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was one of the most iconic symbols of these debates. It was a cultural phenomenon that once dominated the world of fashion, glamour, and entertainment. The last traditional show took place in 2018. This occurred amidst rising controversies about inclusivity. There were also concerns about the unrealistic body ideals promoted by the brand. After a five-year hiatus, the show returned in 2023. It made a much-anticipated comeback with the Victoria’s Secret World Tour, streamed on Prime Video. However, the brand tried to rebrand and show a more inclusive image. Yet, the response to its return has been mixed.
A Troubled History: Controversy and Decline
Victoria’s Secret’s decline began in 2018. Societal standards shifted toward more inclusive representations of women. This movement pushed back against the outdated, narrow definitions of beauty that the brand had championed for years. During this period, scrutiny intensified over the extreme slimming practices models underwent before the show. This raised concerns about the unhealthy standards they set for women. The criticism reached a peak in November 2018. Edward Razek, who was then president of the brand, made dismissive remarks. He spoke against the inclusion of trans models during an interview with Vogue. These comments, paired with accusations of harassment and mobbing within the company, further damaged Victoria’s Secret’s reputation.
The controversies didn’t stop there. The company faced additional allegations of racism, stereotyping, and mistreatment of employees, casting a shadow over its image. Les Wexner founded the brand’s parent company. His connection with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, only exacerbated the scandals surrounding the brand.
Victoria’s Secret had to take a step back from its annual fashion show. The controversies forced the brand to reevaluate its direction. The brand had to acknowledge that unattainable beauty standards were no longer viable. Exclusionary practices also had to change in a more aware and diverse society.
The Attempt to Rebrand: Inclusion as a New Direction
Victoria’s Secret took several steps to recover from these setbacks. They reshaped their image and worked to rebuild trust with their audience. The brand hired trans models like Valentina Sampaio, Emira D’Spain, and Alex Consani. They diversified their campaigns by including public figures like tennis star Naomi Osaka. They also featured model Hailey Bieber and activist-athlete Megan Rapinoe.
Despite these efforts, the brand remained largely out of the spotlight for several years. This continued until the announcement of its return to the runway in 2023 with the Victoria’s Secret World Tour. The show streamed on Prime Video. It was promoted as a global tour. This showcase featured a more inclusive lineup of designers and models from cities like London, Lagos, Tokyo, and Bogota. This repositioning appeared intentional. It seemed to align with the values of modern audiences. These audiences prioritize diversity and body positivity.
The Cast: Old Faces and New Controversies
While Victoria’s Secret made significant strides in rebranding, the return of some familiar faces from its past created mixed reactions. Supermodels like Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Adriana Lima, and Candice Swanepoel appeared on the runway. Legendary figures such as Kate Moss, Tyra Banks, and Carla Bruni also joined them. These names were meticulously selected to generate social media buzz and evoke nostalgia for the brand’s earlier days of fame.
Stars like Tyla, Cher, and Lisa from Blackpink performed musical numbers. Their performances added a layer of entertainment to the event. These acts aimed to capture the attention of younger audiences. However, the return to this old-school lineup, complete with the iconic angel wings and bedazzled lingerie, sparked criticism. Many people wondered if the show had genuinely evolved. They questioned whether it was just replicating the same ideals that led to its initial decline.
Does It Still Make Sense?
The reactions to the Victoria’s Secret World Tour were mixed. Some praised the energy of the performances. Others criticized the show for failing to address the deeper issues that plagued the brand in the past. For some, the show felt like a relic from a different era. It reminded them of a time less aware of the harmful impacts of limiting beauty standards. Critics noted the brand’s attempt at inclusivity. However, the tone of the show was outdated. It was out of sync with contemporary conversations about femininity and body image.
The brand has made visible efforts toward inclusion. However, the essence of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has not shifted enough. It does not resonate with today’s more socially conscious audience. A decade ago, the flashy, glamorous, and often unrealistic portrayal of women’s bodies was celebrated. Today, this portrayal appears tone-deaf and out of place. The question remains: Can Victoria’s Secret truly reinvent itself? Or will it remain tied to a past that no longer reflects modern values?
Conclusion: A Brand in Transition
Victoria’s Secret is at a crossroads. The 2023 World Tour may have rekindled interest in the brand. However, it also reignited old debates about the portrayal of women in fashion. As the brand tries to balance its past and the future, it must genuinely embrace inclusivity. It should not rely too heavily on nostalgia. Only time will tell if Victoria’s Secret can fully transition. Can it become a more modern, forward-thinking company? Or will it be forever seen as a relic of the past?
For now, the 2023 show serves as a reminder. Some changes have been made. However, the brand has a long way to go in aligning with the evolving ideals of beauty and representation.
curlycurlworld: Get Twisted with CurlyCurl: The Latest in Curls, Coils, and Confidence! 