Ah, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is back! After a six-year hiatus, it seems those satin wings and sequined bras are ready to grace the catwalk once more. It’s like the fashion world took a timeout, decided to reflect on its life choices, and is now strutting back with more sass than ever.
So, what’s changed? Well, let’s face it—when the show went on a break in 2019, it wasn’t exactly a warm farewell. Back then, we were knee-deep in conversations about body positivity, inclusion, and the colossal shift in what it means to be beautiful. And not to forget the cringe-worthy comments from then-chief marketing officer Ed Razek. The man who basically said, “Why include everyone when we could just keep it within a very specific fantasy?” Guess he thought the runway was a Nickelback concert—same old songs, same old crowd.
But fear not, dear audience! The new regime at Victoria’s Secret claims they’ve had a change of heart, as they brandish the phrase, “We’ve read the comments and heard you.” So this year’s show will not just feature the same size-zero models who seem to float out of a 2005 magazine, but also celebrated plus-size supermodel Ashley Graham. Talk about a fantasy! Heck, throw a cupcake in there and I’ll believe it’s Christmas!
Jasmine Tookes and Adriana Lima are back to sprinkle a bit of nostalgia (and the “remember when?” magic) while Tyra Banks, who last donned her wings in 2005, will be fluttering around trying to remind us how things used to be—like that funky member of your high school reunion who still thinks they can pull off their old look.
Streaming on Amazon Prime, with a cheeky sprinkle of TikTok and Instagram clips, this show is taking a 21st-century approach. They’re aiming to pull in the younger crowd who might have been previously put off by the brand’s outdated image. Let’s just hope this doesn’t turn into one of those awkward “let’s get down with the kids” moments, where the models start flossing on the runway. Seriously, who needs to see an 18-inch waist do the floss?
The reality is, Victoria’s Secret needs this comeback more than a late-night taco run. Following years of financial woes and the emergence of competitors in the mid-range lingerie market, they’re eager for their golden days back—when 12.4 million viewers would tune in like it was a family reunion show on national television.
In a world where body positivity is a movement and fantasy is being redefined, let’s just say Victoria’s Secret is walking a fine line. It’s like they’ve been in a coma, and suddenly they’ve woken up to a world where the Kardashians and Lizzo are leading fashion trends—what a time to be alive! Let’s see if they can actually make it on this revived runway without tripping over their old mistakes. Because as they say, “It’s all about the walk!” And with the stakes this high, it better be a fabulous one.
So, sit tight! The show is back, and whether they’ve nailed the rebranding or not, one thing’s for sure—there’ll be enough glitz, glamour, and maybe even a few double takes to keep us entertained. Here’s hoping they can pull off a triumph, not just for the models, but for those who’ve been cheering for a more inclusive and representative runway! And who knows, maybe they’ll even manage to do it without stepping on someone’s toes—figuratively, of course. Who wants to be THAT person at the after-show party?
Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images
Victoria’s Secret models are returning to the runway for the lingerie company’s fashion show, following a six-year hiatus of the once-famed event.
Tuesday night’s event will be the first time the company hosts a full fashion show since Victoria’s Secret execs announced the show’s cancellation in 2019.
At the time, the fashion industry was facing backlash amid the body positivity, transgender rights and #MeToo movements, which saw modeling as a key industry for change.
And controversial remarks from then-Chief Marketing Officer Ed Razek only brought additional scrutiny.
“Shouldn’t you have transsexuals in the show? No. No, I don’t think we should,” Razek said at the time, using an outdated term for transgender people. He also said that there was no interest in seeing plus-sized women on the runway and said the show was meant to be a “fantasy.”
Razek later resigned amid that and other controversies.
Now, as the models once again don the company’s fashionwear, Victoria’s Secret says its values have shifted and the 2024 show will be a reflection of those changes.
Writing on Instagram back in May, the company said: “We’ve read the comments and heard you. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is BACK and will reflect who we are today, plus everything you know and love—the glamour, runway, wings, musical entertainment, and more!”
Past Victoria’s Secret superstars like Jasmine Tookes and Adriana Lima will make their return to the stage, as well as plus-size model Ashley Graham. Television host and supermodel Tyra Banks, who last walked a runway in the 2005 Victoria’s Secret show, will also join the cast.
Hoping to bring in a wider audience, the fashion show will be available for streaming on Amazon’s Prime Video, as well as new media platforms: YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
The past several years have been tough financially on Victoria’s Secret as competition in the mid-range lingerie market has grown and the brand name lost some of its luster among younger shoppers.
A triumphant return of its annual fashion show, which at its peak saw 12.4 million viewers, could help the company claw back some of its declining market share.
