On October 15, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned spectacularly in New York, marking the first event of its kind in nearly six years.
For Generation Z and Millennials, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is undeniably an iconic event that evokes memories of their youth. In particular, the moment when Taylor Swift took the stage with Victoria’s Secret models in 2013, captivating the world with her beauty and commanding presence, remains a vivid memory for many.
The Scandals and Cancel Culture That Led to the Show’s Hiatus
However, in 2018, the brand experienced a sharp decline in viewership, leading to the decision to cancel the show. A major factor behind this decision was former CMO Ed Razek’s controversial statement in Vogue magazine that he would not cast transgender models, which caused significant backlash. Additionally, the scandal involving former L Brands CEO Les Wexner’s ties to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein further tarnished the brand’s reputation. These events pushed Victoria’s Secret into the realm of “cancel culture,” ultimately resulting in the cancellation of the show.
A Rebranding Effort to Reclaim Success
In the face of these challenges, along with the impact of the pandemic, the brand closed approximately 350 stores over the past five years, and its former glory began to fade. Nevertheless, Victoria’s Secret aimed for a comeback and embarked on a rebranding journey. The brand shifted away from the exclusive use of tall, slender models for its Angels and embraced a more inclusive community by featuring models of various body types, ages, and ethnicities. This strategy paid off, with the company achieving $6.2 billion in sales in 2023.
The Show Opens with BLACKPINK’s Lisa
Fans eagerly awaited the return of the rebranded Victoria’s Secret and wondered what kind of fashion show the brand would present. The show kicked off with a performance by BLACKPINK’s Lisa, who made a grand entrance on a motorcycle and performed her hit song “Rockstar.” Alongside scantily clad dancers, Lisa’s powerful vocals and captivating dance moves electrified the audience.
Lisa returned mid-show in a sultry lingerie ensemble to perform her latest track, “Moonlit Floor.” Another standout performer, South African singer Tyla, captivated the audience with her stunning beauty and perfect performances of her songs “PUSH 2 START” and “Water,” both of which added to the evening’s excitement.
Gigi Hadid Opens the Runway
Opening the runway show was none other than who strutted down the runway in an enormous pair of pink wings. The wings were so large that they seemed on the verge of toppling her, yet her confident walk garnered cheers from the crowd.
The runway also saw the triumphant return of iconic Victoria’s Secret Angels, including Adriana Lima, Grace Elizabeth, Taylor Hill, Candice Swanepoel, Tyra Banks, Imaan Hammam, and Joan Smalls. These legendary models showcased their stunning presence on the runway, reminding the audience of their enduring allure.
Many of the models, now mothers, proudly displayed their beautifully toned bodies, serving as a source of inspiration for women of their generation. Their confidence and poise resonated with the audience, who undoubtedly looked upon them with admiration.
A standout moment of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was the debut appearance of Kate Moss. Dressed in black lace lingerie, she captivated the audience, exuding the undeniable aura of a veteran supermodel.
Equally noteworthy was the presence of former French First Lady Carla Bruni, who graced the runway at 56 years old. Her elegance and poise defied age, proving that femininity and grace transcend time.
Cher: The Legendary Performer Closing the Show
The runway featured 52 models from over 25 different countries, showcasing diversity on a global scale. The grand finale was none other than the legendary Cher. Dressed in a dazzling sequined bondage-style corset and black suit, Cher delivered a performance that belied her 78 years. She brought the house down with powerful renditions of “Strong Enough” and “Believe,” providing a fitting and triumphant climax to the evening.
The Angels Embody Diversity and a New Era of Womanhood
After a five-year hiatus, this Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show embodied not just beauty and glamour, but a new vision of strength and confidence in women. Of course, opinions on the show will vary, and some may draw comparisons to the previous shows and offer critiques.
However, the Angels that night undoubtedly represented diversity and strength, guiding us toward a new era of womanhood.
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