By Smartencyclopedia with Agencies

New York – October 16, 2024 – After a five-year hiatus, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made a highly anticipated return to the runway, aiming to revamp its image following years of criticism for promoting outdated beauty standards. The lingerie brand, once a powerhouse in the fashion world, suspended its iconic annual event after the 2018 show faced a steep decline in viewership and backlash over its perceived sexism and lack of inclusivity.

The star-studded comeback event, held in New York, featured supermodel Kate Moss, 50, making her debut on the Victoria’s Secret runway alongside her daughter, Lila Moss, 22. Performances by musical acts such as Cher, South African artist Tyla, and Lisa of the K-pop group Blackpink added to the evening’s allure, marking a clear attempt by the brand to merge high fashion with pop culture.

A Troubled Past

Launched in 1995, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was once a major cultural event, drawing millions of viewers worldwide and featuring performances by top artists like Taylor Swift and Rihanna. However, by 2018, audience numbers had plummeted. The 2018 show garnered only 3 million viewers on American television, down from a peak of 9 million in 2014. The steep drop led to the resignation of the company’s CEO and increased scrutiny of the brand’s image.

At the time, outlets like The New York Times called Victoria’s Secret a “name in steady decline,” while The Wall Street Journal reported that the brand had “lost its appeal.” Controversies surrounding the 2017 Shanghai show—including visa issues for model Gigi Hadid and pop star Katy Perry—further contributed to the brand’s troubles. The tipping point came in 2018 when Ed Razek, the company’s then-chief marketing officer, made controversial remarks about the exclusion of transgender and plus-size models, sparking a firestorm of criticism.

A New Approach to Inclusivity?

This year’s show promised to take a more progressive approach, with Victoria’s Secret aiming to “celebrate all women.” British design and creative director Janie Schaffer told Women’s Wear Daily that the brand had undergone significant evolution in the past three years, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity. For the first time, the runway featured transgender models such as Brazilian Valentina Sampaio and Alex Consani. Plus-size models Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsesser also made appearances, signaling an effort to break away from the brand’s narrow portrayal of beauty in the past.

However, despite these changes, some observers remain skeptical. Harper’s Bazaar’s Dani Maher noted, “While there were some beautiful moments, it’s hard to say if any were as memorable as the shows of the past.” Similarly, Teen Vogue editor Aiyana Ishmael remarked that seeing “model after model who looked like they stepped out of the 2010s” reminded her of an era when Victoria’s Secret promoted an unattainable beauty ideal for many women.

Familiar Faces and Mixed Reactions

Although the return of familiar faces like Gigi and Bella Hadid, as well as veteran models Barbara Palvin and Candice Swanepoel, sparked nostalgia, the show also included unexpected appearances. Kate Moss, known for her iconic status in the fashion world, donned a lace black dress and angel wings, a Victoria’s Secret hallmark. Brazilian model Adriana Lima, who had last walked in 2018 before the show’s cancellation, made a triumphant return.

Notably, Tyra Banks, former host of America’s Next Top Model, graced the runway for the first time since 2009. Her participation was seen as a nod to the show’s legacy while also showcasing a more inclusive image.

Despite the brand’s attempt to highlight diversity, some critics remained unconvinced. Ishmael, reflecting on the representation in the show, wrote, “Watching model after model who looked nothing like me walk down the runway… it felt like I was transported back to my childhood, watching women set unattainable beauty standards that most women will never reach.”

A New Chapter for Victoria’s Secret?

The question remains whether the changes are enough to shift public perception of the brand. Schaffer pointed out that 50 models from 25 different countries participated in this year’s show, underscoring the brand’s global outreach. However, many critics still see the changes as superficial.

As Victoria’s Secret embarks on this new chapter, it faces the challenge of balancing its glamorous past with the evolving cultural demands for representation and inclusivity. Whether the brand can truly shed its old image and embrace a more inclusive future remains to be seen.