What changes has Victoria’s Secret made to it’s runway to support body positivity and inclusivity?

Victoria’s Secret Reboots Its Runway for a Body‑Positive Generation

For decades, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a cultural behemoth – a spectacle of glitter, wings, and a very specific, often unattainable, ideal of beauty. But times have changed. Consumer expectations have shifted, and the brand has been forced to confront criticisms of exclusivity and unrealistic body standards. Now, Victoria’s Secret is attempting a meaningful overhaul, reimagining its runway show and brand identity to resonate with a more diverse and inclusive audience. This isn’t just a cosmetic change; it’s a fundamental shift in how the brand approaches depiction and empowerment.

the Fall From Grace: Understanding the Backlash

The decline of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion show wasn’t sudden.Several factors contributed to its downfall, primarily stemming from a growing disconnect between the brand’s image and societal values.

* Lack of Diversity: For years,the runway featured a homogenous group of models,largely excluding women of color,plus-size women,and those with disabilities.

* Objectification Concerns: The show was often criticized for objectifying women, focusing heavily on physical appearance rather than celebrating individuality and strength.

* Rise of Competitors: Brands like Aerie and Savage X Fenty, founded by Rihanna, gained popularity by championing body positivity and inclusivity, directly challenging Victoria’s secret’s dominance.These competitors offered lingerie for all bodies, a message that resonated deeply with consumers.

* changing Consumer Values: A growing awareness of body image issues and a demand for authenticity led consumers to reject brands that perpetuated unrealistic beauty standards.

The Victoria’s Secret 2.0: A New Vision

In 2021, Victoria’s Secret announced its intention to revamp its image with the “VS Collective,” a group of diverse women representing different backgrounds, body types, and achievements. This marked a departure from the brand’s previous reliance on “Angels” – a select group of supermodels.

The revamped runway show, which returned in 2023 after a four-year hiatus, reflected this new direction. Key changes included:

* Expanded Representation: The runway featured models of varying sizes, ethnicities, ages, and abilities. This included plus-size models, pregnant models, and models with visible differences.

* focus on Storytelling: The show moved away from purely showcasing lingerie and rather incorporated storytelling elements, highlighting the models’ personal journeys and accomplishments.

* Festivity of Individuality: The emphasis shifted from a singular ideal of beauty to celebrating the unique qualities of each model.

* The VS Collective’s Influence: Members of the VS Collective were prominently featured,sharing their perspectives and experiences.

Beyond the Runway: Brand-Wide Changes

The changes extend beyond the runway show. Victoria’s Secret has implemented several initiatives to demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity and body positivity:

* expanded Size Range: The brand has significantly expanded its size range, offering lingerie in a wider variety of sizes to accommodate more body types.

* Inclusive Marketing Campaigns: Marketing campaigns now feature diverse models and focus on themes of self-love and empowerment.

* Partnerships with Advocacy groups: Victoria’s Secret has partnered with organizations that promote body positivity and mental health.

* Revamped Store Experience: Stores are being redesigned to create a more welcoming and inclusive habitat for all customers. This includes offering personalized bra fittings and creating a more comfortable shopping experience.

The Impact of Rihanna’s Savage X fenty

It’s impossible to discuss Victoria’s Secret’s reboot without acknowledging the impact of Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty. Fenty disrupted the lingerie industry by prioritizing inclusivity from the start.

* Direct Competition: Savage X Fenty offered a direct alternative to Victoria’s Secret, appealing to consumers who felt excluded by the brand’s previous image.

* Innovative Show Format: The Savage X Fenty shows were praised for their dynamic presentation, diverse casting, and celebration of body positivity. They set a new standard for inclusivity in the fashion industry.

* Consumer Loyalty: Rihanna’s brand cultivated a loyal following by consistently delivering on its promise of inclusivity and empowerment.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While Victoria’s Secret has made significant strides, challenges remain. Some critics argue that the brand’s efforts are merely performative and that it still has a long way to go to truly embody body positivity. Maintaining authenticity and avoiding accusations of “woke-washing” will be crucial.

Looking ahead, Victoria’s Secret’s success will depend on its ability to:

* Sustain its commitment to inclusivity: This requires ongoing effort and a willingness to listen to feedback from diverse communities.

* Continue to innovate: The brand must continue to evolve and adapt to changing consumer expectations.

* Build genuine connections with its customers: This involves fostering a sense of community and empowering women to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.

The reboot of Victoria’s Secret’s runway is more than just a fashion show; it’s a reflection of a broader cultural shift. The brand’s journey demonstrates the power of consumer demand and the importance of embracing diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. Whether it can fully regain its former glory remains to be seen,but its willingness to adapt is a positive sign for a more representative and empowering future.