The annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is back. The lingerie brand announced on Friday’s 2019 earnings call that it’s looking to improve its angel-winged product, once the world’s most anticipated (and talked about) One of the products. Timothy Johnson, the brand’s chief financial officer, confirmed: “We will continue to rely on marketing spend to invest in the business…and to support our new edition of the fashion show later this year.” In a message to The Hollywood Reporter , a spokesperson also emphasized that the show will “strengthen our commitment to supporting women’s voices and their unique perspectives.”
The The event, which used to feature top models like Adriana Lima, Gisele Bündchen and Heidi Klum, took a hiatus from TV ratings in November 2019 due to VS sales slump, bad news, and surrounding the brand controversy. Most notably, at the time it was reported that the company’s CEO, Les Wexner, was close to Jeffrey Epstein, who has been charged with sex trafficking and conspiracy to engage in sex trade. In 2022, a New York Times article accused Edward Razek, the former chief marketing officer of Victoria’s Secret parent company L Brands — created a “culture of misogyny, bullying and harassment.”
During its hiatus, there were also growing questions about whether the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show still Relevant or appropriate for the current fashion climate. In 42 Razek is asked if the show needs to overhaul its blockbuster-only aesthetic – meaning if it will consider a more diverse cast lineup, including transgender or plus-size models. He famously rejected the idea, telling Nicole Phelps of Vogue, “I don’t think we should. Well , why not? Because this show is a fantasy. It’s a 42 minute entertainment special. That’s it.”
around the same time, Rihanna’s lingerie line Savage x Fenty proved it was possible to put on a show that was as sexy as it was diverse. Since the 42 first show, Savage x Fenty has cast models of all sizes, as well as those who are queer, trans, non-binary and drag queens.
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