For decades, Victoria’s Secret has been a titan of the lingerie industry. But in recent years, the brand has been struggling. It has seen declining sales, controversy over the company’s former CEO’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, and criticism over their use of models. It’s no wonder that some people thought the company needed a major makeover. But now, Victoria’s Secret has announced that its iconic fashion show is coming back. The lingerie retailer has promised to “reimagine” the event, and it looks like it will succeed.
Victoria’s Secret was founded in 1977 by Roy Raymond. He was inspired to start the company after an uncomfortable trip to a department store where he saw very few women’s lingerie options. He started by opening a few stores in the Boston area and later launched the Victoria’s Secret catalog. By 1995, the company was already one of the largest lingerie retailers in the US. It was also around this time that the brand introduced its famous annual fashion show.
The show was a spectacle that saw models, affectionately called Angels by the company, strut down a catwalk adorned with hundreds of thousands of feathers and other decorative items. The women wore ethereal and seductive outfits that showcased their bodies in all their glory. They sported cascading curls and sculpted cheekbones. And they swathed themselves in pink and white lingerie.
During the shows, a number of celebrities would appear to promote the products and entertain the audience. The show would end with a climactic performance by the chosen celebrity. But the sexy show was just part of what made the brand so successful.
Victoria’s Secret’s sexy image had a big impact on the fashion world and society at large. But in the era of #MeToo and body positivity, it became apparent that the company’s image was out of step with the times.
In the past, Victoria’s Secret was one of the few fashion brands to employ a wide range of models of different shapes and sizes. The company even hired its first openly transgender model. However, many critics felt the brand was inclusivity-washing by including these models without fully changing their image and ethos.
Victoria’s Secret has taken steps to revamp its image and incorporate more diverse models. For example, it has started using more curvy models in its marketing campaigns. It has also started to hire more women of color. However, some critics argue that the brand still uses images of overwhelmingly white models and focuses on sexualized femininity in its ads.
Despite the controversy and the challenges, Victoria’s Secret is set to bring back its famed fashion show this year. The company is betting that it will be able to revive its reputation by creating a show that is fun, glitzy, and sexy while at the same time being more inclusive of all kinds of women. The reimagined show is scheduled to air on December 2. It will feature several new Angels and include both disabled and plus-size models.