Navigating a New Era of Inclusivity and Glamour
The world of fashion is abuzz as Victoria’s Secret, the lingerie giant, prepares to make a return after a four-year hiatus. On September 26th, this comeback will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime. However, this event is met with a cocktail of anticipation and skepticism. Before we explore what lies ahead, let’s revisit the controversies that have shaped this significant moment.
In 2018, Victoria’s Secret’s then-CEO, Ed Razek, sparked controversy with his comments on diversity. He boldly stated, ‘Shouldn’t you have transsexuals in the show? No. No, I don’t think we should. Well, why not? Because the show is a fantasy.’ His remarks ignited widespread criticism, suggesting that the brand was out of touch with evolving ideals of beauty and body positivity. The revelation that plus-size and transgender models had been excluded from Victoria’s Secret shows fueled a wave of criticism and boycotts from customers, activists, and celebrities. Razek’s comments, combined with declining sales and a growing number of customers who were turned off by the brand’s lack of inclusivity, eventually led to the cancellation of Victoria’s Secret’s annual fashion show in 2019
After years of silence, the brand has finally announced its return to the runway with a new image and a promise of inclusivity. But, we have to wonder whether consumers will welcome this transformation or remain wary.
In the trailers teasing the comeback, we catch glimpses of a diverse array of models, along with the return of some familiar faces. While the brand seems eager to rebrand itself as more relatable, it raises doubts about whether this shift in identity aligns with what Victoria’s Secret has long represented – sheer extravagance. Victoria’s Secret, after all, has thrived on the art of selling fantasies, whisking us away into a world of glamour and allure. But it appears that the new direction may veer away from this opulent past.
The question is whether Victoria’s Secret can successfully balance inclusivity with the signature extravagance that has defined the brand for decades. While inclusivity is undeniably commendable, it runs the risk of eroding the very essence of Victoria’s Secret. Can the brand continue to transport us into a realm of fantasy while making room for a broader spectrum of body types?
As Victoria’s Secret readies for its return to the runway on September 26, the fashion world awaits with both keen anticipation and a healthy dose of skepticism. Will this new iteration win over consumers, or is it charting a course towards becoming just another comfortable lingerie brand? Time alone will tell if the brand can navigate this transformation while preserving its identity.