The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show controversy explained!

The return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marks a significant moment in the evolution of fashion spectacles, especially considering its history and the controversies surrounding it. Originally launched in 1995, the show became a cultural phenomenon by blending high fashion with entertainment, featuring major supermodels like Tyra Banks, Adriana Lima, and Gisele Bündchen, along with extravagant musical performances and elaborate staging. However, its downfall was precipitated by a shift in societal values around body positivity and inclusivity, leading to a decline in viewership from over 10 million in 2010 to just 3 million in 2018.

The criticism of the show intensified during the 2010s, as it increasingly became associated with hyper-feminine, objectifying imagery that felt out of touch with the growing movements for body diversity and women’s empowerment. The lack of body diversity and the strict beauty standards upheld by the brand—favoring tall, thin, mostly white models—alienated many potential viewers. The backlash was compounded by controversial remarks from Ed Razek, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, regarding transgender models, which further tarnished the brand’s image.

In light of these criticisms, the brand underwent significant changes. After splitting from L Brands in 2021, Victoria’s Secret embraced a more inclusive approach, promoting diverse and body-positive models. The 2023 reimagining of the show, titled **Victoria’s Secret World Tour**, was released on Prime Video, featuring an updated lineup and aesthetic.

The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show aimed to strike a balance between its glamorous past and the contemporary demand for inclusivity. The show featured a mix of iconic supermodels and introduced a more diverse array of performers, including the legendary Cher and K-pop star Lisa. For the first time, it also showcased transgender models like Valentina Sampaio and Alex Consani, along with plus-size supermodel Ashley Graham, marking a significant step towards inclusivity.

However, despite these efforts, the production received criticism for lacking the traditional “glam” associated with past shows. Many viewers noted that the iconic angel wings appeared cheap, and the overall spectacle failed to impress compared to its predecessors. Tyra Banks’ return to the runway was also a talking point, as she opted for leggings instead of wings, highlighting the shift away from the show’s original aesthetic.

While the 2024 show did succeed in terms of representation and inclusivity, it struggled to recapture the magic and excitement of earlier events. The tension between its glamorous roots and the need for modern relevance continues to shape the brand’s identity. It remains to be seen how Victoria’s Secret will navigate this complex landscape moving forward, but the attempt to revive the show signifies a recognition of past mistakes and an ongoing evolution in response to changing cultural narratives. As fashion continues to adapt, Victoria’s Secret has the opportunity to redefine itself in a way that resonates with today’s audiences, blending glamour with genuine representation.