Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: What Happened?

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was a highly anticipated annual event that captivated audiences worldwide for many years. Known for its elaborate costumes, stunning models (the "Angels"), and star-studded musical performances, the show was a pop culture phenomenon. However, after a long and successful run, the show was canceled in 2019. In this article, we'll delve into the history of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, its cultural impact, the reasons behind its cancellation, and the brand's efforts to rebrand and connect with a modern audience.

The Rise and Reign of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Early Years and Evolution

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show began in 1995 as a relatively modest affair held at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Initially, it was conceived as a way to promote the Victoria's Secret brand, a lingerie company founded in 1977 by Roy Raymond. The early shows were more about showcasing the lingerie itself, but over time, they evolved into extravagant productions featuring elaborate sets, wings, and increasingly famous models. These models, dubbed "Angels," became celebrities in their own right, synonymous with beauty, glamour, and the Victoria's Secret brand. Gisele Bündchen, Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, and Alessandra Ambrosio are just a few of the iconic Angels who graced the runway, solidifying the show's place in pop culture history.

The Peak of Popularity

The late 1990s and early 2000s marked the peak of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show's popularity. The show became a major television event, drawing millions of viewers each year. Its blend of fashion, music, and celebrity appeal made it a must-watch spectacle. The show's broadcast slots were highly coveted, and its musical guests included some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Spice Girls, Destiny's Child, Justin Timberlake, and Kanye West. The show's influence extended beyond television, shaping beauty standards and influencing fashion trends. The Angels became household names, and their images were plastered across magazines, billboards, and television commercials. The show's economic impact was also significant, driving sales for Victoria's Secret and boosting the careers of the models and musicians involved.

Cultural Impact and Influence

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show had a profound cultural impact, shaping perceptions of beauty, femininity, and the lingerie industry. The show's emphasis on a specific body type – tall, thin, and conventionally attractive – contributed to the ongoing debate about body image and inclusivity in the fashion world. While the show celebrated and elevated a certain type of beauty, it also faced criticism for its lack of diversity and its portrayal of unrealistic beauty standards. The show's success also influenced the lingerie industry, with other brands attempting to emulate its glamorous and theatrical approach. The Angels became aspirational figures, and their influence extended to other areas of popular culture, including film, television, and endorsements. However, the show's cultural impact was not without its controversies, particularly regarding its portrayal of women and its impact on body image.

The Decline and Cancellation

Shifting Cultural Landscape

As the cultural landscape shifted, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show faced increasing criticism for its lack of diversity and inclusivity. The rise of social media and the body positivity movement challenged the show's narrow definition of beauty. Viewers and critics alike began to question the show's relevance in a world that was increasingly embracing diversity and inclusivity. The show's focus on a specific body type felt outdated and out of touch with the evolving values of its audience. Other brands, such as Savage X Fenty by Rihanna, emerged with a more inclusive approach, celebrating different body types, ethnicities, and gender identities. This shift in the market put pressure on Victoria's Secret to adapt or risk becoming irrelevant.

Controversy and Criticism

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show faced several controversies in its later years. In 2018, Ed Razek, then chief marketing officer of L Brands (Victoria's Secret's parent company), made controversial comments about transgender models, stating that they should not be included in the show because it was a "fantasy." These comments sparked widespread outrage and calls for Razek's resignation. The backlash highlighted the growing demand for inclusivity in the fashion industry and the need for brands to reflect the diversity of their customer base. The show also faced criticism for its portrayal of women, with some arguing that it objectified and sexualized them. The emphasis on thinness and perfection created unrealistic expectations and contributed to body image issues among viewers. The controversies surrounding the show contributed to its declining viewership and ultimately played a role in its cancellation.

Declining Viewership and Sales

In addition to the cultural shifts and controversies, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show also experienced declining viewership and sales. The show's ratings had been steadily declining for years, and its last broadcast in 2018 drew its lowest ratings ever. This decline reflected the changing tastes of audiences and the growing competition from other brands. Victoria's Secret's sales also began to decline, as consumers increasingly turned to brands that offered more inclusive sizing and messaging. The brand's failure to adapt to the changing market and address the concerns of its audience contributed to its financial struggles. The combination of declining viewership, sales, and mounting criticism ultimately led to the show's cancellation in 2019. The decision marked the end of an era for the fashion industry and signaled the need for Victoria's Secret to re-evaluate its brand and its approach to marketing.

The Future of Victoria's Secret

Rebranding Efforts

Following the cancellation of the fashion show, Victoria's Secret embarked on a rebranding effort aimed at aligning the brand with modern values. The company recognized the need to embrace diversity, inclusivity, and body positivity. One of the key steps in this rebranding was the launch of the VS Collective, a group of diverse ambassadors who represent a broader range of body types, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The VS Collective includes activists, athletes, models, and entrepreneurs, all of whom are committed to promoting inclusivity and empowerment. This initiative signaled a shift away from the traditional Angel image and towards a more diverse and representative brand identity. Victoria's Secret has also expanded its size range and introduced new product lines designed to cater to a wider audience. The company is working to create a more inclusive and welcoming shopping experience for all customers.

Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity

A central focus of Victoria's Secret's rebranding is embracing diversity and inclusivity. The company is working to reflect the diversity of its customer base in its marketing campaigns, its product offerings, and its overall brand messaging. This includes featuring models of different sizes, ethnicities, and backgrounds in its advertising and on its social media channels. Victoria's Secret is also partnering with organizations that promote body positivity and mental health, demonstrating its commitment to supporting its customers' well-being. The company recognizes that beauty comes in many forms and is striving to create a brand that celebrates and empowers all women. This shift towards inclusivity is not only a matter of social responsibility but also a strategic move to regain relevance and appeal to a broader audience.

Connecting with a Modern Audience

To connect with a modern audience, Victoria's Secret is leveraging social media and digital platforms to engage with its customers. The company is using these platforms to share its new brand messaging, promote its diverse ambassadors, and gather feedback from its audience. Victoria's Secret is also investing in new technologies and innovative marketing strategies to reach younger consumers. This includes exploring opportunities in the metaverse and using influencer marketing to connect with new audiences. The company understands that the way consumers engage with brands is constantly evolving, and it is adapting its strategies to stay relevant and competitive. By embracing digital channels and engaging with its audience in new ways, Victoria's Secret is working to build a loyal customer base and re-establish its position in the market.

Will the Fashion Show Return?

The question on many people's minds is whether the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will ever return. While the company has not ruled out the possibility of bringing back the show in some form, it is clear that any future show would look very different from its predecessors. Victoria's Secret has indicated that it is exploring new formats and approaches for its fashion shows, with a focus on inclusivity and representation. This could mean featuring a more diverse cast of models, showcasing a wider range of body types, and incorporating different forms of artistic expression. The company is also likely to prioritize digital platforms and social media in any future show, leveraging these channels to reach a global audience. Whether the fashion show returns or not, Victoria's Secret is committed to evolving its brand and connecting with its audience in meaningful ways.

In conclusion, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was a cultural phenomenon that captivated audiences for many years. However, changing cultural values, controversies, and declining viewership led to its cancellation in 2019. Victoria's Secret is now focused on rebranding and connecting with a modern audience by embracing diversity, inclusivity, and new marketing strategies. The future of the brand and the potential return of the fashion show remain to be seen, but one thing is clear: Victoria's Secret is committed to evolving and adapting to the changing landscape of the fashion industry. Guys, what are your thoughts on the future of Victoria's Secret and the potential return of the fashion show? Let's chat about it!