Unveiling the Controversy: The New Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

What typically comes to mind when discussing the legendary Victoria's Secret Fashion Show? Perhaps it's the striking wings adorning the models, ranging from ethereal butterfly wings to those of a peacock. Maybe it's the diverse themes of each show or the performances of superstars like Harry Styles and Taylor Swift. However, in a bold move that has both intrigued and divided fashion enthusiasts worldwide, Victoria's Secret announced a shift from their iconic fashion show.

The renowned fashion show, which peaked in viewership in 2001, once was a high-profile event where millions tuned in to watch the world's top models grace the runway. A magnet for celebrities, entertainers, and fashion aficionados alike, the show captivated audiences through lavish productions featuring supermodels adorned in extravagant Victoria's Secret lingerie and elaborate accessories, like the iconic angel wings. Yet, as time passed, the event faced increasing criticism for its lack of model diversity.

Critics argued that the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show perpetuated the objectification of women, as it failed to embrace a diverse range of body sizes and often displayed cultural appropriation in the costume designs. Public scrutiny of former CEO Edward Razek, coupled with the cultural reckoning of the Me Too Movement, ultimately led to the show's cancellation in late 2019.

Fast forward to March 2023, Victoria's Secret Tim Johnson, the chief financial officer, unveiled plans to revive the fashion show in a new guise: "The Victoria's Secret World Tour." This revamp premiered in September of 2023 on Amazon Prime Video. With a format of part fashion show and part documentary, the show has an entirely different look. In a bid to showcase greater diversity, the show highlights work from collections of designers hailing from Lagos, London, Tokyo, and Bogotá. Set against the backdrop of a Barcelona villa, the production features celebrity hosts like Gigi Hadid, who guides viewers through the immersive narrative.

While some aspects of the show, including iconic models like Winnie Harlow and Hailey Bieber, remain unchanged, Victoria's Secret has demonstrated a concerted effort to foster a more inclusive brand image, a move met with both praise and critique from viewers.

Many, including students at Penn, applaud Victoria's Secret for taking strides toward greater diversity in its runway lineup. For example, sophomore Erin Hong states, "It's amazing to think about the diversity that Victoria's Secret incorporated in hiring their runway models - from different ethnicities to sizes, it seems like a stepping stone for the future."

However, amidst the prevailing sentiment of progress, some lament the loss of the original charm in the traditional show. For example, the decision to pivot towards a documentary-style format was met with extreme skepticism, as people felt it took away from the liveliness of the show.

Senior Kiln Chen voices concern, remarking, "I love that Victoria's Secret is finally incorporating more diverse models into their lineup. However, I do feel that moving from an in-person fashion show to a documentary-style show was a bad move on their part. It's just not as engaging. There is also a big cultural impact of the in-person fashion show style as it speaks to how others react to the live fashion, given how dynamic the fashion world is."

Moreover, concerns were raised about the outfits and designers featured in the show. Rather than emphasizing Victoria's Secret's signature creations, the brand spotlighted designs from a myriad of global designers. While this does promote diversity in their creations, it has led some students to question whether this move dilutes the brand's identity. Combined with concerns over subpar angles and videography, some critics wonder if this revamped show falls short of the original. Michael Kim, a sophomore, expresses a sentiment many students echo: "All I know is that they've gone downhill post-COVID. I miss the classic essence of what used to be the iconic VS fashion shows."

Therefore, while opinions ranged across campus, the opinion shared by many is that while the reimagined show succeeds in showcasing a more diverse array of models and promoting body positivity and cultural inclusivity, its execution left much to be desired. Technical flaws and creative missteps overshadowed the event's potential, underscoring the challenges inherent in modernizing a beloved event while staying true to its roots.

Featured image courtesy of CNN.