The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, once synonymous with glitz, glamour, and a very specific image of feminine beauty, has undergone a significant transformation. After facing backlash for promoting unrealistic standards and a lack of diversity, the brand took a step back in 2019. Now, following a few years of reflection and rebranding, Victoria’s Secret has returned with a revamped show in 2023, presenting a more inclusive and creative vision. But while the changes have been praised by many, there are critics who question whether the brand’s evolution is enough to truly break away from its problematic past.
A New Direction: Inclusivity at the Core at Victoria’s Secret
The shift in Victoria’s Secret’s approach is undeniable. The brand has retired its iconic Angels in favor of the VS Collective, a group of women who represent diverse backgrounds and accomplishments. Figures like Megan Rapinoe and Priyanka Chopra Jonas embody this new vision, which celebrates not just physical appearance but also personal achievements and social impact. By incorporating models of different body types, ethnicities, and even gender identities, the brand is clearly attempting to distance itself from its previous narrow portrayal of beauty.
Additionally, the show now highlights personal stories of empowerment, moving away from simply showcasing lingerie and focusing on the women behind the designs. The 2023 edition reflected this, integrating storytelling with fashion, and emphasizing the creativity behind the collections rather than just the products.
Creativity Over Commodity
The latest version of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show also embraced a more artistic direction. Collaborating with a range of designers and artists, the show brought in elements of culture and creativity that were often overshadowed in past editions by the sheer extravagance of the event. This new focus on storytelling and artistry has broadened the show’s appeal beyond traditional fashion enthusiasts, inviting more discussion on how the fashion world can serve as a platform for diverse voices.
Criticism: Is It Enough?
Victoria’s Secret has made significant strides in addressing past criticisms, but many still view the brand’s evolution as a surface-level change. Despite incorporating more diverse models, the core product remains the same—lingerie designed and marketed for a specific demographic. This shows the brand hasn’t made enough of a shift to keep pace with truly body-positive and inclusive movements seen across the fashion industry.
Another critique focuses on how the brand struggles to integrate this new diversity into its everyday marketing. While the reimagined show features more varied lineups, many believe the brand risks coming off as performative if it doesn’t follow through with these values in its advertising and product lines.
Furthermore, some question Victoria’s Secret’s commitment to this new ethos, suspecting these changes are more of a reaction to market pressures. Competitors like Savage x Fenty, which centers inclusivity and body positivity at its core, present tough competition. It may take more than a revamped fashion show for Victoria’s Secret to regain relevance in today’s competitive landscape.
Takeaways:
–Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show evolution: The iconic fashion event has shifted to embrace inclusivity, creativity, and storytelling.
-Critique of inclusivity: While the brand has added diversity to its runway, critics question whether it’s enough to overhaul its image or if it remains performative.
–Competition from brands like Savage x Fenty: As competitors like Rihanna’s brand focus on genuine body positivity, Victoria’s Secret faces pressure to truly commit to its new direction.
-Future challenges: Victoria’s Secret must prove its commitment to inclusivity in its broader marketing efforts, not just through a rebranded show.
A Step in the Right Direction, But More to Prove
There’s no denying that the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has evolved. Its 2023 edition showcases a bold new vision that moves away from the unattainable standards of beauty it once promoted. The brand’s embrace of inclusivity, storytelling, and creativity reflects the changing societal norms around body image and empowerment.
However, whether this rebranding is enough to undo years of criticism remains to be seen. Victoria’s Secret must continue to push these new values beyond the runway, embedding them deeply within the brand’s DNA to resonate with modern consumers. While the latest show signals a promising shift, the real test will be in the brand’s ability to sustain this progress in the face of fierce competition and ever-evolving consumer expectations.