As a woman who has spent countless hours scrolling through lingerie ads and fashion shows, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia when I think about Victoria’s Secret. The angels, the glitter, the spectacle—it was all so captivating. But as someone who values substance over style, I found myself questioning the relevance of the brand in today’s more conscious and inclusive market.
The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was not just a nostalgic journey; it was more like a leap through time, featuring angel wings, famous models, and an impressive lineup of stars: Cher, Tyra Banks, and BLACKPINK’s Lisa. It seemed as if they were attempting to appeal to every demographic—Asian pop sensations, legendary voices from the past, African representation—but in doing so, they risked losing their focus. Originally known for a very specific definition of sexiness, Victoria’s Secret is now struggling to define what “sexy” means in today’s world, which has moved far beyond the fantasies of the 2000s. Beneath the glitter and glamour lies a brand wrestling with its identity.
To put it simply: Over the years, Victoria’s Secret was known for peddling an idealized image—one encased in lace and unattainable body types. In the early 2000s, this ideal was tall, slim, and blonde. With a push-up bra, you could achieve sexiness instantly. However, by 2024, the definition of sexy has undergone a significant transformation. It’s all about self-confidence, diversity, and celebrating individuality. Savage X Fenty has already reshaped the norm with its bold, unapologetic approach to representation. So, one might wonder, is Victoria’s Secret now stuck in a predicament—a struggle to adapt or a crisis of rebranding identity?
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice it’s not just about the models strutting down the runway; it’s the story behind them that truly captures my attention. Victoria’s Secret, in their quest to appeal to all, seems to be experimenting with various ideas, throwing concepts against the wall to see what sticks. They have the iconic (Cher), the rising stars (Tyla), and the future icons (Lisa), but in trying to cater to everyone, they’re losing that distinctive edge they once possessed. It’s like attempting to create a three-course meal from nostalgia and buzzwords, yet what you end up with is a smorgasbord where nothing quite hits the spot.
The trio of Cher, Tyla, and Lisa from BLACKPINK performing together represents quite a formidable lineup. With Cher’s enduring elegance, Tyla’s burgeoning fame, and Lisa’s K-pop dominance, they promise an electrifying performance on stage. However, the intriguing aspect lies in deciphering the implications for the Victoria’s Secret brand with these three powerhouses performing together.
In a mix of nostalgia, represented by Tyra Banks and Alessandra Ambrosio, and contemporary stars, Victoria’s Secret appears to be sewing together an effort to cater to everyone. It seems as though the brand is striving to revisit its past and acknowledge current cultural changes, but this approach runs the risk of weakening its core message. Is Victoria’s Secret truly embracing diversity and self-confidence, or merely updating old concepts? The addition of Lisa may excite the younger demographic, yet without a solid, cohesive storyline, it feels more like marketing strategy than a genuine evolution of brand values.
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but acknowledge the exciting newcomers gracing the VS runway – trailblazing talents such as Paloma Elsesser, who made history by becoming the first plus-size model on this prestigious platform. Alongside young stars like Mayowa Nicholas and Devyn Garcia, they symbolize the transformation Victoria’s Secret is striving for. These extraordinary women are bringing vibrant hues to a once monochromatic vision of beauty associated with the brand.
The Glamour Factor: What worked
Without a doubt, Victoria’s Secret knows how to put on a captivating show. The runway became a visual feast, blending radiant materials, elaborate wings, and awe-inspiring performances. Witnessing legends like Cher take control of the stage with her natural charisma was a standout moment. On the surface, the event was filled with fun, glamour, and exactly what we’ve come to expect from VS.
However, the luster fades rapidly when there’s no depth beneath the surface. Victoria’s Secret finds itself in a quandary, sandwiched between its glamorous past and today’s progressive and diverse values. Yes, the angels have returned, but the real question is: are they still contemporary?
To put it frankly, Victoria’s Secret continues to dazzle with its extravagant displays, even causing a bit of blinding sparkle. However, while we’re awestruck by the spectacle, a more significant query arises: is it all just superficial glamour without genuine substance? The feathers and wings may capture attention, but when they fade, what remains? It’s like presenting an exquisite three-layer cake that disintegrates upon first bite. Yes, it looks stunning on social media, but does it truly fulfill? Victoria’s Secret is walking a tightrope between its legendary past and the expectations of today’s more conscious, diverse consumer market. And while the show was undeniably fabulous, without a stronger emotional bond with the audience, all that glitter could simply become another eye-catching distraction.
What Fell Flat: An identity crisis in lingerie
As a devoted admirer, I must admit that while Victoria’s Secret seems to be striving for a fresh image, it’s evident that they’re still leaning heavily on their traditional approach: models with towering heights and slender frames, albeit with some fresh faces sprinkled in. The inclusion of Paloma Elsesser, the first plus-size model to walk their runway, was a commendable move, but without a robust, unified narrative to support it, her presence felt more like a symbolic gesture than a genuine attempt to reshape our perception of beauty.
As a passionate supporter, I can’t help but admire how Savage X Fenty embodies true inclusivity—it’s not just about promoting body diversity, it’s about making it an integral part of their brand essence. Meanwhile, Victoria’s Secret seems to be lagging behind, though they made some strides in the 2024 show, they still need to catch up. They require more than just a few diverse models; they need to redefine what ‘sexy’ truly means in today’s world.
Adding some varied models doesn’t magically transform Victoria’s Secret into an icon of body positivity. It’s like giving a fresh coat of paint to an old house and calling it a renovation. Yes, Paloma Elsesser on the runway was a significant moment, but much more than a few strategic “firsts” is required to alter the core identity of the brand. They should practice what they preach—both literally and metaphorically. Currently, it seems like they’re trying to fix a deep-seated branding issue with superficial solutions instead of addressing the root causes. It takes more than scattering diversity throughout; inclusivity must be woven into the very essence of the brand.
The Bottom Line: What’s next for VS?
Victoria’s Secret maintains its charm, yet requires an update that goes beyond sparkle and reminiscent feelings. The 2024 show was a delightful walk through memory lane with hints of contemporaneity, but to remain current, it must wholeheartedly adopt what “sexy” represents in the year 2024. And here’s a hint: it encompasses far more than just feathered angel wings and delicate lace.
It’s time for Victoria’s Secret to face the truth: they can’t continue dancing around their history. They either need to embrace change wholeheartedly or risk fading into oblivion, only to be occasionally dusted off and shown with a touch more glamour. The modern consumer wants more than just lingerie; they want to invest in a tale, a cause, a self-image. If Victoria’s Secret wishes to stay relevant, it must let go of the shadows of its past runway shows and start crafting a narrative that resonates with today’s women. The runway may have been captivating, but if the brand can’t redefine what it means to be sexy in a way that matters, it will chase an ideal that no longer exists.
Time travel? Thankfully, it’s not possible – and we couldn’t be happier about that! Beauty doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all fairy tale, and the future certainly surpasses the past in terms of style.
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2024-10-18 19:16