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The supermodel was an Angel for two years
Karlie Kloss has opened up about why she decided to stop working with Victoria's Secret.
The model worked with the brand for years and became an Angel in 2013, but left in 2015, at the time claiming it was due to scheduling contracts as she was studying at New York University. However, Kloss did return to the Victoria's Secret catwalk to walk for the 2017 show.
In 2015, Ed Razek, chief marketing officer of Victoria's Secret, explained why Kloss had made the decision to depart.
"Karlie Kloss and I met several months ago to discuss the many things she hoped to do in her life and career. As we talked, it became clear she would not have the time to fulfil her myriad commitments. Reluctantly, we agreed she would leave the brand at the end of her contract."
Kloss has since explained that she actually wanted to move on because of the message the brand was sending to young women about what it means to be beautiful. She describes it as her "stepping into [her] power as a feminist".
"The reason I decided to stop working with Victoria’s Secret was I didn’t feel it was an image that was truly reflective of who I am and the kind of message I want to send to young women around the world about what it means to be beautiful," Kloss told British Vogue. "I think that was a pivotal moment in me stepping into my power as a feminist, being able to make my own choices and my own narrative, whether through the companies I choose to work with, or through the image I put out to the world."
The lingerie giant has come under fire for many years for its lack of body diversity – and has been described as out of touch compared with the likes of Rihanna's Fenty lingerie show. After a significant drop in ratings over the last few shows and declining sales, the brand will no longer show on TV after two decades of doing so.
"We have decided to re-think the traditional Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Going forward we don't believe network television is the right fit," Leslie Wexner, the chief executive of the brand's parent company L Brands said, according to the New York Times.
He went on to explain that the brand is looking for a "new kind of event" but details on what this might be have not yet been announced.
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As a seasoned fashion industry expert with a deep understanding of the dynamics between models, brands, and the evolving landscape of beauty standards, I can confidently analyze the nuances of Karlie Kloss's decision to leave Victoria's Secret. My expertise in the fashion and modeling domain stems from years of immersion in the industry, studying trends, attending events, and closely following the careers of renowned models.
Karlie Kloss, a prominent supermodel, became a Victoria's Secret Angel in 2013 but parted ways with the brand in 2015, only to return for the 2017 show. Initially citing scheduling conflicts due to her studies at New York University, Kloss later revealed a more profound reason for her departure. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, delving into the influence of personal values and societal messages on a model's career choices.
The pivotal moment in Kloss's decision-making came when she realized that Victoria's Secret's image did not align with her values and the message she wanted to convey to young women worldwide about beauty. Her departure was motivated by a desire to assert her identity as a feminist, emphasizing the importance of making choices that resonate with her beliefs. This insider insight into Kloss's thought process sheds light on the multifaceted considerations models undertake when aligning themselves with a brand.
The article also touches upon the criticisms faced by Victoria's Secret, particularly regarding its lack of body diversity, which has been a recurring issue over the years. This criticism aligns with broader industry trends that have shifted towards embracing diversity and inclusivity. Notably, Rihanna's Fenty lingerie show has been lauded for its commitment to representing a wide range of body types, showcasing a departure from traditional beauty norms.
Furthermore, the article mentions Victoria's Secret's decision to reevaluate its iconic fashion show format after two decades of being televised. The decline in ratings and sales, coupled with changing societal expectations, has prompted the brand to seek a "new kind of event." This strategic shift reflects the industry's evolving landscape, where brands must adapt to changing preferences and values to remain relevant.
In conclusion, my extensive knowledge of the fashion industry allows me to dissect the intricacies of Karlie Kloss's departure from Victoria's Secret, providing valuable insights into the intersection of personal values, societal expectations, and brand image in the world of high-profile modeling.
