Victoria's Secret Faces Backlash Over Brand Reboot Amidst Changing Fashion Standards
The lingerie giant's attempts to embrace diversity and body positivity have met with mixed reactions, with some critics arguing the brand has lost its original appeal.
Victoria's Secret has faced significant criticism following its recent brand reboot, with a segment of the public expressing disappointment over its shift away from its traditional image. The brand's attempt to embrace diversity and body positivity has been met with a mixed reception, with some viewing the changes as a necessary evolution and others as a move that has alienated its core customer base.
Caroline Bullock, writing for the Daily Mail, noted that the "pro-cellulite brigade" has impacted the brand's runway presence. The brand's recent fashion shows have featured a more diverse cast of models, including those with different body types and backgrounds. This inclusivity, while praised by many for reflecting a broader spectrum of beauty, has also drawn criticism from those who feel the brand has lost the aspirational allure that once defined it.
Kylie Jenner's appearance at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in California, where she wore the highly coveted fantasy bra, was a notable event. However, even this high-profile moment has been framed within the larger narrative of the brand's evolving identity. The bra itself, described as the lingerie equivalent of the Medal of Honor, signifies the prestige associated with the brand's top-tier presentations.
The original "Angels" have reportedly been "rested" and replaced by the VS Collective, a group composed of activists, athletes, and diverse spokesmodels. This shift, initiated in 2021 with a diverse campaign, was designed to represent a broader range of women. However, Bullock suggests these may have been "tokenistic box ticks" for some.
One such inclusion was Sofía Jirau, a Puerto Rican model with Down's syndrome, who was highlighted as a significant moment in the brand's evolution. However, the overall reception to these changes indicates a societal debate about beauty standards and brand authenticity. The "pro-cellulite brigade," as Bullock terms it, has influenced the runway, suggesting a cultural shift in how bodies are represented and accepted in mainstream fashion.