After a five-year hiatus, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is set to return this fall, promising glamour, music, and iconic wings. The lingerie brand announced the news on Instagram, acknowledging feedback from fans and teasing a show that reflects their current values. The show, known for featuring supermodels strutting in lingerie and angel wings, was last canceled in 2019 amidst scandals and criticism for lack of diversity and inclusivity. Former chief marketing officer Edward Razek, who resigned in 2019, faced backlash for dismissing ideas of inclusivity in the show and allegations of harassment.
Following the cancelation of the fashion show, Victoria’s Secret underwent significant changes to rebrand itself as more inclusive and appealing to a wider audience. The brand removed its hallmark angel imagery from stores and began featuring a more diverse range of models in its marketing. The shift in focus from what men want to what women want and from exclusivity to inclusivity has been part of Victoria’s Secret’s strategy to redefine its image. The term “angel” was even retired by the brand’s creative director in a move away from the once-emphasized title.
There have been promises of a revival of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for years, with the brand vowing to redefine the event. In 2021, CEO Martin Waters made a statement about moving towards a more inclusive and grounded representation of women in the show. Last year, a revamped iteration of the fashion show was delivered in the form of a film titled “The Tour.” This new version of the show focused on celebrating beauty in all forms rather than the overtly sexualized image of the past.
The return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has been highly anticipated, with fans eager to see how the brand will reinvent the iconic event. The show is expected to reflect the current values and vision of Victoria’s Secret, moving away from the controversies of the past towards a more inclusive and diverse representation of beauty. The brand has been working to overhaul its image and marketing strategies to appeal to a wider range of customers and create a more welcoming environment for all women.
With the promise of a more inclusive and diverse Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, fans are hopeful that the brand will deliver on its commitment to redefining the event. The return of the iconic runway show is expected to bring back the glamour and excitement that made it a cultural phenomenon in past years. As the brand continues to evolve and adapt to changing cultural norms, the reimagined fashion show will be a test of Victoria’s Secret’s ability to stay relevant and connect with its audience in a meaningful way.
