The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is back in full force. The show is an annual promotional event sponsored by Victoria’s Secret, a brand of lingerie and undergarments. From 1995 to 2024, the brand used the show to market its products in high-profile settings. Featuring iconic models such as the Hadid sisters and Barbara Palvin, this show is what some people call their “Super Bowl.”
History of Victoria’s Secret
Roy Raymond, after shopping for his wife and often finding dull, old-fashioned lingerie, founded Victoria’s Secret in 1977, with the name and original stores inspired by Queen Victoria and Victorian-era boudoirs. The now-billion dollar company debuted its first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show to the world 18 years later in 1995, changing the lingerie industry forever. This show portrayed lingerie as a fashion statement and a way of empowerment for women, but it overall lacked diversity, facing criticism for its failure to represent individuals of color, plus-size models and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Cancellation
In 2019, the brand canceled its show for the first time since its inception. The cancellation stemmed from criticism for their lack of inclusivity and allegations of sexual misconduct from company executives amid the #MeToo movement, a global campaign against sexual violence. These allegations resulted in the company’s lowest viewership in history at their 2018 show, leading to the six-year hiatus.
Rebrand
In 2021, Victoria’s Secret attempted to turn around its brand by making an effort to redefine not just the brand, but also the idea of what ‘sexy’ is. The lingerie brand collection featured women for their career achievements rather than their physical appearances. The list included soccer star Megan Rapinoe and plus-size model Paloma Elsesser, marking a shift in who is represented by the brand. Although the sincerity behind these efforts has been called into question, these steps reflect Victoria’s Secret plans to become, as its Chief Executive Officer Martin Waters said, an “advocate” for female empowerment.
