Victoria’s Secret, known for its bombshell models and iconic fashion shows, faced criticism for promoting a narrow definition of sexy that lacked diversity. In response to cultural changes and a decline in viewership, the brand cancelled its annual fashion show in 2019 and promised to evolve its marketing strategies. Over the next few years, Victoria’s Secret made efforts to be more inclusive by expanding its product offerings, size ranges, and collaborating with an array of spokespersons including Megan Rapinoe and Naomi Osaka. In 2023, the company released a documentary that aimed to shift the narrative around the brand by showcasing a female perspective through the eyes of women directors and creators.
While Victoria’s Secret worked to revamp its image, it faced ongoing scrutiny from documentaries like Matt Tyrnauer’s “Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons” and books like Lauren Sherman and Chantal Fernandez’s “Selling Sexy: Victoria’s Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon.” These expose highlighted the company’s missteps, including former owner Les Wexner’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein and its struggle to keep up with changing trends. Despite these challenges, the brand saw an opportunity to make a comeback by reintroducing its iconic fashion show, signaling a return to its bombshell roots.
The highly anticipated Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made a grand return, featuring performances from Cher, Lisa from Blackpink, and Tyla, along with fireworks that lit up the night sky. Models like Candace Swanepoel and Adriana Lima took to the runway wearing elaborate lingerie and wings, captivating the audience. Sarah Sylvester, the brand’s executive vice president of marketing, emphasized the importance of putting customers at the forefront of their transformation, stating that the fashion show was a response to feedback from loyal fans. As attendees gathered outside the venue for a pre-show cocktail hour, questions lingered about whether the show would embrace inclusivity and how the six-year hiatus would impact its overall aesthetic.
The revival of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show sparked curiosity about whether the brand would maintain its traditional standards of beauty or embrace a more diverse representation of sexy. As the night unfolded, it became clear that the show would blend elements of nostalgia with a modern twist. The performances, models, and elaborate lingerie designs all paid homage to the brand’s iconic aesthetic, while also incorporating new elements that reflected a changing cultural landscape. The inclusion of diverse talent and body types signaled a shift towards a more inclusive definition of sexy, resonating with audiences who had long called for greater representation in the fashion industry.
By bringing back the Fashion Show, Victoria’s Secret aimed to reignite the excitement and allure that had made the event a global phenomenon. The star-studded performances, elaborate set designs, and glamorous lingerie collections all contributed to a night of spectacle and entertainment. As the brand continues to navigate a changing industry landscape and address past controversies, the return of the Fashion Show serves as a statement of renewal and reinvention. Moving forward, Victoria’s Secret appears poised to embrace diversity, inclusivity, and authenticity, redefining its image for a new era of consumers.
