Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Comeback Is Not Free from Criticism, Considered Slow to Adapt to Inclusivity Trends

Kapanlagi.com - Written by: Bella Berlianti

KLovers, have you heard the exciting news yet? Victoria's Secret, once known for its glamorous and grand fashion runway shows, is trying its luck again in the fashion world after being on hiatus since 2018. Unfortunately, instead of a successful comeback, their return to the runway has been filled with harsh criticism from the public. So, what happened?

If we flashback a bit, Victoria's Secret was once very much associated with very narrow beauty standards. The 'Angels' who appeared on the runway were always depicted with very slim and nearly perfect bodies. Many of us, especially young women, grew up idolizing this body shape as the standard of beauty. It is not uncommon for these standards to make many people feel pressured to appear thin and to undergo various extreme diets.

1. Victoria's Secret Considered Too Slow to Adapt to Inclusivity Trends

(Source: Pinterest, Victoria's Secret, 2024, accessed October 16, 2024)

But KLovers, times have changed! The body positivity trend and the movement to embrace various body shapes are growing stronger. Other fashion brands are starting to shift towards more inclusive beauty standards. Amid this wave of change, Victoria's Secret is deemed too slow to adapt. It seems they are still stuck in the past, continuing to promote the same body type without providing broader representation.

Criticism of Victoria's Secret peaked in 2018 when their former Chief Marketing Officer, Ed Razek, made a controversial statement. In an interview with Vogue, Razek stated that they had no intention of hiring transgender or plus-size models for their fashion show, as he believed the show was a "fantasy".

This statement certainly drew massive backlash. Many felt that this brand was extremely non-inclusive and stuck in outdated beauty standards that have fallen behind the times.

2. But Is It Still Relevant in the Era of Inclusivity?

(Source: Pinterest, Victoria's Secret, 2024, accessed October 16, 2024)

After a wave of widespread criticism, Victoria's Secret attempted to improve their image by taking steps that were seen as a response to public pressure. They hired Valentina Sampaio, the brand's first transgender model in history, and also Ali Tate Cutler as the first plus-size model. However, many people view this move as merely a "gimmick" or a public relations strategy and not a genuine commitment to embrace diversity.

So, what happened with Victoria's Secret's runway comeback? Although they tried to present something new, the public felt that the efforts were not enough to erase the long history of narrow and exclusive beauty standards they once upheld. In today's era, society is increasingly open and expects major brands to be more inclusive and represent various body types, genders, and backgrounds.

Additionally, Victoria's Secret is also faced with stiff competition from newer brands that are fresher and more relevant to current trends. One of them is Savage x Fenty, Rihanna's lingerie brand, which has successfully dominated the fashion stage by featuring models of different sizes, skin tones, and gender identities. The Savage x Fenty catwalk in 2018 sent shockwaves through the fashion world and made many people feel represented.

So, even though Victoria's Secret is trying to make a comeback with a runway splash, unfortunately, they still have to work hard to win back the public's heart. In an industry that now demands inclusivity and representation, the small steps taken by Victoria's Secret feel insufficient.

What do you think, KLovers? Does Victoria's Secret still have a chance to rise again, or is it time for another brand to take over the fashion world stage?

(kpl/bbb)