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Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Returns: A Bold New Era of Inclusivity and Empowerment

After a six-year break, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made a grand return in Brooklyn, with a clear message: the brand is embracing a new future led by women. The iconic event, which had been criticized in recent years for its lack of inclusivity, made noticeable changes in its 2024 comeback.

This year’s show was a celebration of diversity and empowerment, featuring a broad range of models representing different ethnicities, sizes, and ages. In contrast to its former approach, the lingerie on display combined style with comfort, offering items like leggings and sheer cover-ups alongside the brand’s usual glamour. The catwalk showcased a mix of old and new faces, including supermodels like Gigi Hadid, Paloma Elsesser, and Adriana Lima, along with plus-size model Ashley Graham.

The evening opened with a performance by Lisa from K-pop sensation Blackpink, setting an electric tone. The runway itself, with vibrant ’80s-inspired elements, created a playful atmosphere. Gigi Hadid’s rise from the stage floor added a theatrical touch to the event, while models adorned with PETA-approved faux feather wings, brought back the iconic angel imagery in an updated, ethical format.

Cher’s surprise performance of her hits “Believe” and “Strong Enough” stole the show, captivating the audience and cementing the night’s theme of powerful femininity. The evening also saw nostalgic moments, such as appearances by Tyra Banks and Kate Moss, as well as performances by top music artists.

Victoria’s Secret is clearly intent on reshaping its brand to align with current cultural shifts. Once known for its exclusive focus on rail-thin, predominantly White models, the brand has now embraced inclusivity, with more Brown and Black faces than ever before, and a visible commitment to celebrating a wider range of body types. The inclusion of older models, such as Moss and Lima, and more natural hairstyles added to the evening’s refreshing take on beauty standards.

However, Victoria’s Secret is still navigating its way through the rebranding process. Over the years, the brand faced backlash for promoting an unattainable beauty standard, along with comments by former executives that alienated transgender and plus-sized communities. The rise of competitors like Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty, which championed inclusivity, also posed a challenge to Victoria’s Secret’s dominance in the lingerie market.

The decline of the once-celebrated fashion show, which saw viewership plummet from millions to just 3.3 million by 2018, further emphasized the need for a new direction. However, Victoria’s Secret has spent the past few years making notable efforts to win back consumers. In 2022, they introduced a documentary, Victoria’s Secret: The Tour, highlighting diverse collections from designers across the globe and featuring prominent models from different backgrounds.

The 2024 show appears to be a continuation of this attempt to modernize and create a more authentic connection with women today. While critics remain skeptical about whether this new direction will fully repair the brand’s image, the show’s focus on empowerment and inclusion is seen as a step in the right direction. As the brand’s leadership continues to listen to customer feedback, the future of Victoria’s Secret might once again find itself aligned with the desires of a more diverse and socially conscious audience.

Whether this effort will propel the brand back to its former heights remains to be seen, but the show’s return has certainly sparked conversations about the evolving standards of beauty and what it means to be “sexy” in today’s world. The question now is whether Victoria’s Secret can maintain this momentum and continue to evolve with the changing times.

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