The Victoria’s Secret fashion show has been synonymous with dazzling wings, stunning performances, and shows of perfect supermodels that dominate worldwide subtitles.
After its abolition in 2019, however, the spectacle on the runway fell into an unfortunate reputation, plagued by controversy around its insufficient diversity and outdated ideals. Quickly forward to 2024, the highly expected return of the show was charged as a revised celebration of inclusion and modernity.
But how did the lights on the runway go out and the glitter stabilized, the fans remained in doubt – indeed Victoria’s Secret fulfilled their promise of transformation, or did the show simply put on its old image in the new wings?
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is expected to return on October 15, which is five years since its cancellation. The redesigned event was an electrifying performance of Cher, Tyl, and Lisa from Blackpink, along with the performances of iconic models such as Gigi and Bella Hadid, Adriana Lima, Irina Shayk, Alessandra Ambrosio, Jasmine Takees and Candice Swanepoel. The show also saw legends like Tyra Banks and Kate Moss decorate The Runway and mix nostalgia with new energy.
While 2024 is honored by re-calling the former fashion show Victoria’s Secret, he also tried to take significant steps in diversity and integration – an area that has attracted considerable resistance in the past.
In 2018, the former Chief Marketing Director Ed Rzek of L Brands raised controversy with negative comments on plus-size and transgender models when he claimed that the show was “fantasy” and that there was no interest in expanding representation. These notes were later withdrawn and the rave was described as “insensitive” than he resigned in 2019.
When Victoria’s Secret announced the return of the fashion show, the brand promised a new, inclusive approach. “We read the comments and heard you,” shared the company on Instagram in May 2024. , wings, wings, wings, wings, wings, wings, wings, wings, wings, wings, wings, wings, wings, wings, music entertainment and more!
This year, the show introduced a breakthrough change, including the inclusion of Valentina Sampaio and Alex Consani Transgender models, who entered history as the first Trans Women who walked along the track for Victoria’s Secret. Fans also celebrated the presence of plus-size models Jill Kortleve and Ashley Graham and older icons such as Carla Bruni, Eva Herzig, Tyra Banks, and Kate Moss. Social media lit up with praise during the update, and many applauded the diversity and inclusiveness shown on the track.
However, not all viewers were satisfied with the production. Critics complained about the lack of atmosphere and taste that defined an earlier show. Fans went on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their disappointment and point out the absence of sophisticated topics, dazzling jewelry, and bulky hairstyles that were once typical show elements. “No colors, no backdrops, no drama or glamor,” one fan wrote, while another complained about the absence of dramatic, fluttering hair.
Even The Angel Wings, a characteristic feature of the show, could not impress some fans. Doutzen Kroes, a famous model, returned to the track to face criticism for her inconspicuous, bland wings. “I can’t believe that Doutzen woke up for these wings from hibernation,” one of the fans wrote on Twitter.
Despite the mixed acceptance, Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024 was a step forward in inclusion and tried to maintain the essence of its charming past. Maybe next year the brand will find a perfect balance that will combine the whim and show of its beginnings with a progressive representative audience that now requires.
The return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2024 was undoubtedly a significant step forward for the brand, especially in solving earlier criticisms of diversity and representation. With the introduction of transgender models and icons plus-size shows, visible steps to inclusiveness. However, it seems that the action was still trying to regain the charming essence that made it a global phenomenon in the times of greatest glory.
While some celebrated the show of the show, others complained about the absence of its characteristic charm, creativity, and theater taste. Mixed reactions suggest that even though Victoria’s Secret is on the right track, it is still necessary to work on the balance of meaningful representation with fans of extravagant bets.
As the brand moves forward, it has the opportunity to combine its newly discovered inclusion with the magic and whim that once defined its track. If Victoria’s Secret can find this harmony, he can really get his place back as a cultural and fashionable moloch. Until then, fans will be closely watching the iconic show is constantly evolving.