Victoria’s Secret made its big comeback this year, and after a six-year hiatus, they promised us a more inclusive runway show. We all got a little excited, right? Maybe they’d finally shake off those outdated beauty standards. But, spoiler alert: things didn’t exactly go as planned.
Let’s be real—we all love a bit of nostalgia, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to relive those glitzy runway moments. I mean, who didn’t secretly dream of strutting down the catwalk with those iconic wings? But this time, Victoria’s Secret promised diversity, representation, and inclusivity. So where was it?
Yes, they did make some changes. Trans models Alex Consani and Valentina Sampaio were a welcome addition, and seeing body-positive icons like Paloma Elsesser and Ashley Graham finally get their moment on the runway was pretty epic. But here’s the kicker—while the thinner models paraded in barely-there lingerie, the curvier gals were more, um, covered up. Why the double standard? If we’re all about celebrating all body types, let’s show it off!
It’s not just about having a few plus-size models. It’s about treating them the same as everyone else. Yet, here we were again, watching a fashion show that still felt like it was stuck in the early 2000s. Sure, they had a new shiny tagline—“for women, by women”—but the execution left a lot to be desired.
What Happened to Real Change?
The original show ended in 2019 for a reason, right? The lack of inclusivity, questionable comments from their former marketing chief, and overall outdated vibes put Victoria’s Secret on pause. This new version was supposed to be their redemption arc, but honestly, it felt like they were trying to have their cake and eat it too. They were hyping up diversity, but where was the follow-through?
I mean, even Paloma Elsesser, who’s been part of their “VS Collective” since 2021, said she wanted the brand to offer sizes up to 5X. And guess what? We’re still waiting. Instead, we got the same size range we’ve always seen. If the brand is serious about change, where’s the progress?
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Now, let’s talk about the Amazon partnership. Not only could you watch the show, but you could also shop the looks in real-time. It’s fashion and shopping rolled into one. Fun, right? Except, if inclusivity stops at mid-size models, it leaves a lot of us out in the cold. Where do the rest of us fit in?
Time for a Reality Check
Look, if you enjoyed the show, good for you! There’s nothing wrong with loving a bit of sparkle and glam. But sometimes, things we loved in the past just don’t work anymore. Victoria’s Secret can talk about change all they want, but if the runway doesn’t reflect it, what’s the point?
Maybe it’s time to let go of the fantasy. Maybe some things—like those glittery wings—are better left in the past. After all, we’re in 2024. Shouldn’t inclusivity be the standard, not a marketing gimmick?
In the end, Victoria’s Secret’s comeback felt like a half-baked attempt to be modern while holding onto their old ways. It was fun to revisit for a moment, but maybe it’s time to move on to fashion that celebrates all of us.
