The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Returns. It Shouldn’t.
- The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned after a six-year hiatus with an emphasis on diversity and inclusivity, featuring a wide array of models from different backgrounds, body shapes, and ages, including transgender models, as a response to previous criticisms.
- The show included performances by an all-female music lineup led by Cher, aiming to rejuvenate its image through nostalgia rather than innovation, with appearances from iconic models like Tyra Banks and Adriana Lima to bridge generations.
- Despite efforts to revamp its image, the show faced criticism for falling short of true inclusivity, as it continued to rely on traditional beauty standards and lingered on objectification, suggesting a struggle to move beyond its past conventions.
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Introduction
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, once a spectacle of opulence and glamour, has made its long-awaited return after a six-year hiatus. The event, which took place in Brooklyn, New York, was keenly anticipated, especially given the significant changes the brand has undergone to address criticism regarding its lack of diversity and inclusivity. However, despite these efforts, the question remains: does the show truly represent a shift towards a more inclusive and empowering vision of femininity, or is it merely a nostalgic revival of a bygone era?
The Revival of a Controversial Icon
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which was initially canceled in 2019 due to widespread backlash over its perceived sexism and lack of diversity, has returned with a new mission statement. The brand's executive producer, Janie Schaffer, emphasized that the show would "span the spectrum" and focus on models selected based on their confidence and fierce spirit. This time around, the lineup boasts a diverse array of models, including supermodels like Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid, as well as newcomers like Paloma Elsesser and Ashley Graham.
A New Era of Representation
One of the most significant changes in this year's show is its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The runway featured models from 25 different nations, showcasing various backgrounds, body shapes, and ages. This expansion is a clear response to the criticisms the brand faced in the past. For instance, Ashley Graham, a prominent advocate for body diversity and positivity, made her debut at the event alongside Paloma Elsesser, a plus-size model.
Another notable addition is the inclusion of transgender models. Valentina Sampaio and Andreja Pejić were among the first transgender models to grace the runway, marking a significant step forward for the brand's inclusivity. This move was met with both applause and skepticism, with some critics arguing that it was more about lip service than genuine commitment to change.
The Return of Legendary Models
The show also saw the return of several legendary models who had stepped away from modeling for various reasons. Tyra Banks, an original ‘Angel’ who had not modeled professionally in nearly two decades, made a stunning return at 50 years old. She showcased her signature ‘smize’ on the runway, rekindling the magic that once defined her career.
Adriana Lima, another iconic model, also made an appearance, donning her wings once more. The Brazilian model has been featured in numerous VS catalogs throughout her career, and her return was met with warm applause from the audience.
Kate Moss, who graced the catwalk for the very first time at 50 years old, joined her daughter Lila Moss on the runway, turning the event into a family celebration. This moment highlighted the show's attempt to bridge generations of style icons.
The Music Lineup
In a notable first, the show featured an entirely female ensemble of musicians. Leading the lineup was 78-year-old Cher, who entertained the audience with her classics ‘Strong Enough’ and ‘Believe.’ Other artists included K-pop sensation Lisa, South African vocalist Tyla, and Australian guitarist Orianthi.
The high-energy opening act featuring Lisa, who appeared draped over a motorcycle launching into her hit ‘Rockstar,’ set the tone for the evening. Gigi Hadid followed, dazzling in a pink satin teddy and oversized, mechanized pink wings. The 29-year-old opened the show with a wink and a kiss to the audience, which included celebrities like Idris Elba.
The Show Itself
Despite the efforts to revamp the show, critics argue that it still falls short of genuine inclusivity. The runway, though diverse in terms of body types and ages, remained largely focused on traditional notions of beauty. Models were seen donning wings or elegant robes with trains, moving away from some of the more extravagant accessories of earlier shows. However, some of these wings looked as if they could have been picked up from a local Halloween shop, raising questions about the authenticity of the brand’s commitment to inclusivity.
Lingerie and Nostalgia
The show featured a mix of lingerie pieces designed by various brands, including some pieces from designer Joseph Altuzarra. While the lingerie was available for purchase during the livestream, making it more accessible than before, it also highlighted the lingering issue of objectification. Many models were presented in scantily clad outfits, which critics argue leans towards objectification rather than empowerment.
Cher's Performance
Cher's performance was one of the highlights of the evening. Dressed in glittering cargo trousers and a corset, she delivered classic hits that got the audience cheering. However, this moment also underscored the show's reliance on nostalgia rather than innovation. Cher’s performance was more about paying homage to the past than about pushing boundaries forward.
Conclusion
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, despite its efforts to revamp its image, remains a relic of a bygone era. While it showcased a wider range of body types and ages, it also fell short of genuine inclusivity. The show’s focus on traditional notions of beauty and its reliance on nostalgia rather than innovation suggest that it may not be the best way to celebrate femininity in today’s world.
Showcasing scantily clad bodies on a runway, regardless of size or age, is not about empowerment; it leans towards objectification. The fantasies and interpretations of allure are as varied as the individuals in the world, and many do not include wings. Perhaps it is time for the fashion industry to move beyond this outdated format and embrace more inclusive and empowering ways to celebrate women.
