On March 4, Victoria's Secret announced that its popular Fashion Show is making a comeback at the end of 2023. The news excited nostalgic fans who missed the show during its four-year hiatus. But others weren't as happy and questioned if the four-year break actually improved the rather monotonous (read: slim) look of Victoria's Secret Angels. One of those critics was pop star Lizzo, who took to Twitter to share her thoughts — quite frankly, she said what a lot of us were thinking.
The "Special" singer quote tweeted a post showcasing a video of the lingerie brand's Valentine's Day collection with the caption, "The Victoria's Secret fashion show is coming back THIS year!" Lizzo's response read, "This is a win for inclusivity for inclusivity's sake. But if brands start doing this only because they've received backlash then what happens when the 'trends' change again? Do the CEOs of these companies value true inclusivity? Or do they just value money?"
Let's rewind a bit to provide context. In 2019, the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show — known for the Victoria's Secret Angels dressed in elaborate lingerie with towering heels and massive wings and performances from musicians such as Rihanna, Rita Ora, and Lady Gaga — was canceled due to a few reasons, namely the brand's declining sales and reputation plus additional controversy from L Brands, the parent company to the lingerie brand, and its former chief marketing officer Ed Razek. Some might recall his rather offensive and short-sided comment claiming that plus-size and trans women don't fit into the "fantasy" that Victoria's Secret aims to promote.
X content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
As someone deeply entrenched in the world of fashion and pop culture, it's evident that the resurgence of Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2023 has sparked a mix of excitement and criticism. My extensive knowledge of the fashion industry, including the historical context of Victoria's Secret, allows me to provide insights into the dynamics at play.
Firstly, the announcement on March 4th about the return of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show after a four-year hiatus is a significant event in the fashion calendar. The show, known for its elaborate presentations featuring Victoria's Secret Angels adorned in luxurious lingerie and accompanied by high-profile musical performances, has been a cultural phenomenon for years.
The decision to bring back the show after a prolonged break has generated nostalgia among long-time fans. However, the reaction has been polarized, with some expressing disappointment over the perceived lack of diversity and inclusivity in the brand's previous presentations. Notably, concerns have been raised about the "monotonous" or "slim" look of Victoria's Secret Angels, prompting discussions about body image representation.
Pop star Lizzo, a vocal advocate for body positivity and inclusivity, took to Twitter to critique the brand's past practices. In response to a post showcasing the Valentine's Day collection, Lizzo questioned the motives behind the revival. She highlighted the potential concern that inclusivity might be pursued only in response to public backlash, raising a crucial question about the authenticity of the fashion industry's commitment to diversity versus the pursuit of financial gains.
To understand the controversy fully, it's essential to revisit the circ*mstances leading to the cancellation of the 2019 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. The decision to halt the annual event was driven by factors such as declining sales, tarnished reputation, and controversies surrounding L Brands, the parent company, and its former chief marketing officer Ed Razek.
Ed Razek's controversial comments, notably stating that plus-size and trans women do not align with the "fantasy" Victoria's Secret aims to promote, played a pivotal role in the backlash. These remarks underscored the need for a reevaluation of the brand's messaging and practices, especially in the context of evolving societal expectations regarding body positivity and inclusivity.
In summary, the revival of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2023 is a complex and nuanced development within the fashion industry. It reflects both the brand's attempt to reclaim its cultural significance and the ongoing discourse surrounding diversity and inclusivity in the world of fashion. As we eagerly anticipate the show's return, it remains to be seen how Victoria's Secret addresses these concerns and whether the fashion industry as a whole continues to evolve in response to changing societal values.
