Rethinking the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: A Missed Opportunity for True Inclusivity

In 2014, a journalist found herself immersed in the glamorous yet problematic world of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Grappling with her own eating disorder, she witnessed firsthand the brand's narrow and unattainable standard of beauty, which had long fueled the myth that thinness was the ultimate measure of desirability. As the brand's comeback in 2024 promised a more inclusive approach, the journalist revisits the experience, examining whether Victoria's Secret has truly evolved or if it remains trapped in its past.

Uncovering the Myth of Perfection: A Journalist's Firsthand Account

Backstage at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: A Glimpse into the Unattainable

In 2014, the journalist found herself backstage at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in London, surrounded by a sea of "Angels" – the brand's iconic models. Captivated by their otherworldly beauty, she was struck by the realization that these women were even smaller in real life than they appeared on the catwalk. Immersed in a culture that equated thinness with everything, the journalist felt increasingly worse about herself as she listened to the models discuss their extreme pre-show workout regimes and restrictive eating plans.

The Lasting Impact of Victoria's Secret's Beauty Standard

The journalist acknowledged that while Victoria's Secret was not solely responsible for her eating disorder, the brand's unapologetic embrace of a narrow and flawless standard of beauty had undoubtedly fueled the myth that to be attractive, desirable, and sexy, one had to be thin. This message resonated with the journalist and countless other women and impressionable young girls of her generation, shaping their perceptions of beauty and self-worth.

The Downfall of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

The brand's refusal to embrace diversity and inclusivity eventually led to its downfall. In 2018, former chief marketing officer Ed Razek's controversial remarks about not including transgender or plus-size models in the show sparked widespread backlash. Despite the brand's attempts to redeem itself by hiring its first transgender and curve models, the damage had been done, and the famous lingerie show was ultimately cancelled.

The Promise of Change: Victoria's Secret's Comeback

In 2024, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show made a highly anticipated comeback, with the brand promising to "reflect who we are today" and deliver "everything you know and love – the glamour, runway, wings, musical entertainment, and more!" The journalist was cautiously optimistic, hoping that this would be an opportunity for the brand to truly embrace inclusivity and diversity in both body and gender representation.

The Disappointing Reality: A Missed Opportunity for True Inclusivity

However, the journalist's hopes were quickly dashed as she watched the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. While the show featured two transgender models, the overall representation of body diversity remained severely lacking. The inclusion of Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsesser, both considered "mid-size" models, felt more like a token gesture than a genuine commitment to inclusivity. The journalist observed that these models were more covered up than their thinner counterparts, further highlighting the brand's reluctance to fully embrace a diverse range of body types.

Perpetuating the Narrow Lens of Beauty

The majority of the models showcased in the 2024 show embodied the same narrow and unattainable standard of beauty that had long been associated with Victoria's Secret. Tall, tanned, extremely lean, with zero cellulite and Hollywood-worthy hairstyles, the models on the runway felt like a direct continuation of the brand's problematic past.

The Future of Victoria's Secret: Adapting to a Changing Landscape

The journalist questioned whether Victoria's Secret still has a place in a world that has moved on from the golden days of a single, dominant beauty standard. As society increasingly celebrates a diverse range of body types and gender identities, the brand's failure to truly embrace inclusivity may ultimately be its downfall. The journalist concluded that the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was a missed opportunity to make a meaningful impact and provide a healing moment for those who had been excluded and marginalized by the brand's past.