The world’s largest lingerie show, Victoria’s Secret, returns later this year, pledging to not only promote white ‘angels’ but diversify the models who perform.
Victoria’s Secret lingerie show is watched by a global audience. Photo: Victoria’s Secret.
After nearly six years of absence, the world’s largest lingerie show, Victoria’s Secret, is set to return. The show was canceled in 2019 due to declining sales and poor TV ratings.
When Victoria’s Secret announced its return later this year, it signaled a number of changes. The brand pledged to diversify its runway models, move beyond white “angels,” bring its iconic wings to the stage, and sell its designs on the catwalk.
The Victoria’s Secret show was canceled due to poor ratings and declining sales, leading to a 6-year hiatus, announcing its return later this year. Photo: J.Lee.
The white, blonde “angels” with wings on their backs, the defining feature of the world’s biggest lingerie show, Victoria’s Secret, have been criticized for promoting skinny bodies and expressing racist attitudes. Photo: Victoria’s Secret.
Victoria’s Secret is committed to innovation
Victoria’s Secret has been criticized for its lack of diversity in its use of models, especially when compared to Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty lingerie show.
While most Victoria’s Secret “angels” are white, blonde girls, Rihanna’s show includes transgender, black, and plus-size models.
However, when announcing its comeback, this lingerie brand affirmed to bring diversity, no longer favoring white-skinned, blue-eyed female models.
Marketing director Sarah Sylvester and design and creative director Janie Schaffer say the public can expect big changes.
Schaffer revealed that the iconic Victoria’s Secret wings will be making a comeback. Many of the old “angels” will also be returning to the runway, along with many new faces being introduced to the public.
The most notable change is that all designs on the catwalk are available for sale afterwards, not just show pieces.
The show’s return was confirmed by CFO Timothy Johnson. “We will continue to invest in marketing and efforts to bring an impressive lingerie fashion show later in the year,” Johnson said.
Victoria’s Secret has affirmed its focus on body diversity in this comeback, but has been suspected of only changing because of public condemnation and putting the goal of making money first. Photo: Victoria’s Secret.
Change is skeptical
In 2021, Victoria’s Secret decided to “transform” and revive after a series of events.
The brand uses images of ambassadors instead of “angels”. Victoria’s Secret ambassadors come from many professions and fields, possessing diverse body measurements.
“This group of women shares their passion for life, promotes positive change, and helps society develop,” said a brand representative.
This lingerie brand also participates in a number of charitable activities, supporting the lives of disadvantaged women around the world.
However, in 2021, the public has yet to welcome the return of this lingerie show. Opposition has appeared on many social media platforms.
“I still won’t support them until I know they’ve actually changed. I don’t know if these things are real or fake,” one social media user commented.
Singer Lizzo also expressed doubts about Victoria’s Secret’s actions: “This is a good sign. But if the CEO only changes because of the backlash, what will they do when times change. Do they really want to change or just make money?”