After a six-year break, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is making its highly anticipated return, promising a revamped event that reflects the company’s new values of inclusivity and diversity. This year’s event marks the first time the brand has held a full-scale fashion show since 2019, following the cancellation of the show amid industry shifts in body positivity, transgender rights, and the #MeToo movement.
Victoria’s Secret has faced scrutiny in the past for its exclusion of plus-size and transgender models, which ultimately led to significant backlash. Controversial remarks by then-Chief Marketing Officer Ed Razek in 2018 only heightened the criticism, resulting in his resignation. Today, the company has taken deliberate steps to reshape its image, signaling a new direction for its 2024 fashion show.
In an Instagram post earlier this year, Victoria’s Secret stated: “We’ve read the comments and heard you. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is BACK and will reflect who we are today, plus everything you know and love—the glamour, runway, wings, musical entertainment, and more!”
What Can Fans Expect from the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?
As Victoria’s Secret brings back its iconic fashion show, fans will see a combination of familiar and new faces gracing the runway. Past Victoria’s Secret Angels like Adriana Lima and Jasmine Tookes will be joined by plus-sized model Ashley Graham, marking the brand’s commitment to more diverse representation. In a nostalgic twist, Tyra Banks, who last walked the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2005, will also return, adding to the excitement.
In another move to modernize the show, Victoria’s Secret will broadcast the event on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, allowing a broader audience to engage with the show in real time.
The lingerie giant is betting on this revival to reclaim some of its former glory. At its peak, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show drew over 12 million viewers, making it a cultural event in itself. However, the company has faced a rocky few years as younger shoppers turned to brands with more inclusive values, and competition in the lingerie market intensified.
The Evolution of Victoria’s Secret and Its Cultural Impact
Victoria’s Secret has long been a dominant player in the fashion world, but changing societal values and customer expectations demanded a shift. Criticism around the show centered on its narrow beauty standards, which some felt perpetuated harmful stereotypes. Movements like body positivity and transgender rights called out the lack of representation on the Victoria’s Secret runway, arguing that the brand’s vision of “fantasy” was outdated.
Ed Razek’s remarks, in which he dismissed the idea of including transgender and plus-sized models in the show, brought the brand under fire, leading to a major image problem. This, along with declining sales, prompted the company to cancel the annual fashion show in 2019.
Since then, Victoria’s Secret has worked to rebuild its image, launching campaigns focused on empowerment and diversity. The brand’s “VS Collective,” for instance, introduced ambassadors who embody a range of body types, backgrounds, and experiences. This has been seen as a direct response to previous criticisms and an attempt to reconnect with modern consumers.
Can the 2024 Fashion Show Revive Victoria’s Secret?
Financially, the stakes are high for Victoria’s Secret. The brand has struggled to maintain its market share as more inclusive lingerie companies, such as Savage X Fenty, have gained popularity with younger demographics. Competitors have capitalized on the shift toward body positivity and diversity, eroding Victoria’s Secret’s dominance in the mid-range lingerie market.
However, if this year’s show succeeds in balancing the glamour and fantasy of the past with a more inclusive and diverse vision, it could signal a positive turning point for the brand. By tapping into broader digital platforms like TikTok and Instagram, the company is also positioning itself to capture the attention of younger, more socially conscious consumers.
The return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show represents a pivotal moment for the brand, which is seeking to regain its footing in a more diverse and competitive market. With the inclusion of plus-sized models, the return of iconic faces, and a fresh focus on inclusivity, this year’s event could mark the beginning of a new era for Victoria’s Secret. As fans eagerly await the show’s debut on various streaming platforms, the fashion world is watching closely to see if the brand’s transformation will resonate with today’s audiences.
