After a hiatus of several years, Victoria’s Secret has made its highly anticipated return to the runway. Once a defining force in the world of fashion, particularly in the realm of lingerie, the brand has faced immense scrutiny in recent years, resulting in the cancellation of its annual fashion show in 2019. The break was a period of re-evaluation for the company, as it sought to redefine its image amid shifting cultural conversations around inclusivity, diversity, and modern beauty standards. Now, with its grand return to the runway, Victoria’s Secret has found itself in the spotlight once again, but the reaction from audiences, critics, and fashion insiders has been far from unanimous.
While many fans and fashion enthusiasts are excited to see the brand back in action, others are questioning whether the changes made by Victoria’s Secret are enough to align with the evolving landscape of body positivity and representation. The brand’s revival faces a delicate balance between honoring its glamorous legacy and embracing the new demands of a more inclusive and progressive fashion industry. Follow us here at The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show After-Party.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Since its inception in 1995, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was more than just a lingerie showcase—it was a pop culture event that drew millions of viewers around the world. With its iconic "Angel" models, lavish sets, and musical performances by the biggest stars in the industry, the show became a yearly tradition that represented the epitome of beauty, glamour, and spectacle. Models like Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima, and Tyra Banks became household names, as the show catapulted them to supermodel status.
However, as the cultural conversation around beauty ideals began to shift in the late 2010s, Victoria’s Secret found itself at odds with the changing expectations of its audience. The brand's runway once celebrated for its extravagance and fantasy, began to be criticized for its narrow representation of beauty. With a lineup largely dominated by tall, slim models, Victoria’s Secret was increasingly seen as out of touch with the growing demand for inclusivity in the fashion world.
By 2019, the backlash had reached its peak, leading to the cancellation of the annual fashion show. The decision marked a significant turning point for the brand, signaling its need to rethink its identity and role in a more diverse and socially conscious marketplace.
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Victoria’s Secret's Runway Return
Fast forward to 2024, and Victoria’s Secret has attempted to make a bold comeback, reintroducing its runway show with a fresh approach. This time around, the company has made a concerted effort to be more inclusive, showcasing models of different body types, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The brand’s new vision seeks to embrace diversity in a way that better aligns with the current cultural climate. However, despite these efforts, the return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has sparked mixed reactions.
While many praised the inclusion of a more diverse range of models, some critics feel that the changes may not go far enough. The brand is still closely associated with its past image, and for some, the attempt to reposition itself feels more like a marketing tactic than a genuine commitment to change. The challenge Victoria’s Secret faces now is proving that its new direction is authentic and not just a response to public pressure.
Janie Schaffer
Much of the responsibility for steering Victoria’s Secret into this new era falls on the shoulders of Janie Schaffer, the brand’s Chief Design Officer. Schaffer, who has an impressive track record in the lingerie industry, was brought on board to help reshape the brand’s image and offerings. She has been instrumental in leading the charge toward greater inclusivity, focusing on creating products that cater to a wider range of body types and customer needs.
Under Schaffer’s leadership, the company has introduced new collections that aim to be more reflective of modern women’s diverse sizes and preferences. This includes a greater emphasis on comfort, fit, and everyday wear, moving away from the hyper-sexualized imagery that once defined Victoria’s Secret’s marketing campaigns.
However, Schaffer’s vision for the brand is not just about surface-level changes. She has spoken openly about wanting to rebuild trust with customers and ensure that Victoria’s Secret is seen as a brand that truly understands and celebrates women in all their forms. The return of the runway show, then, is not just about glamour and spectacle—it is about reintroducing Victoria’s Secret to the world in a way that feels relevant and responsible.
The Victoria’s Secret Brand
The larger question surrounding Victoria’s Secret’s runway return is whether or not the brand can successfully rebuild its image in a fashion world that has significantly evolved since its heyday. In recent years, competitors like Savage X Fenty, helmed by Rihanna, have redefined what a lingerie brand can be, centering inclusivity and body positivity as core principles. Savage X Fenty’s runway shows, which feature models of all shapes, sizes, and abilities, have been widely praised for pushing the boundaries of representation and setting a new standard in the industry.
In response, Victoria’s Secret has taken steps to distance itself from its past, including the disbandment of the “Angels” and the introduction of a new collective of women, known as the VS Collective. This group, made up of influential women from diverse backgrounds—ranging from athletes to activists—was intended to reflect a broader vision of beauty and power. However, despite these initiatives, some critics remain skeptical of the brand’s ability to fully shed its old image.
The return of the fashion show is undoubtedly a high-stakes moment for Victoria’s Secret. As the brand works to regain its place in the fashion industry, it must navigate the fine line between honoring its past and embracing the future. The question remains: can Victoria’s Secret adapt quickly and authentically enough to win back the trust of a new generation of consumers?