Rumours have been circulating since the summer that this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show might be cancelled. The angels themselves vocalised their disappointment; in October, model Georgia Fowler commented on how “disappointing” it is that the show wouldn’t be happening, and back in July, veteran angel Shanina Shaik told the Daily Telegraph that “unfortunately the Victoria’s Secret show won’t be happening this year.”
Rumours have been confirmed this week in a statement from Victoria’s Secrets parent company L Brands Inc, announcing plans to “evolving its messaging”.
The news comes after the lingerie brand has faced widespread criticism for promoting unrealistic ideals of beauty, as well as reinforcing an archaic and damaging perception of women. In 2018, then-chief marketing officer Ed Razek sparked outrage when he said in an interview with Vogue, “Shouldn’t you have transsexuals in the show? No. No, I don’t think we should. Well, why not? Because the show is a fantasy.” In the same interview, he also spoke of his belief that the public had no interest in watching plus size models. There’s also been concern over the link between Les Wexner, CEO of L Brands, and the late Jeffrey Epstein, billionaire investor and convicted sex offender, with model Maria Farmer speaking out about being sexually assaulted by Epstein while he was posing as a Victoria’s Secret recruiter.
Given the various controversies as well as the launch of Rihanna’s progressive and inclusive lingerie brand Savage X Fenty, Victoria’s Secret has seen dwindling sales and a drop in the share price, no doubt influencing the brand’s decision to rethink its image and messaging.
