Angelic Comeback? Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Returns this Fall
Photo: ABC News
The iconic Victoria’s Secret runway might see angel wings fluttering again after a four-year gap. The comeback announcement has elicited excitement and apprehension, given the company's colourful past.
This return won't mirror past extravaganzas. The company has rebranded its iconic fashion show to “The Tour”, and this new version will intertwine a fashion event with a documentary-style narrative. As reported by WWD, it aims to "celebrate women and global creatives, exploring fashion and art in a cinematic way." The documentary will take us behind the scenes to showcase the vision and creation by VS20, a diverse group of 20 global creatives. They are set to produce four unique “fashion curations” inspired by the brand's essence.
This revamped version of the show will premiere on Prime Video on September 26th. Subsequent to the show, inspired pieces will be available for purchase on Victoria's Secret's official website and its Amazon storefront.
A sneak peek into the model lineup reveals familiar Victoria’s Secret faces including Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, and Naomi Campbell. The ramp will also feature Taylor Hill, Gigi Hadid, and Winnie Harlow. New entrants like Amelia Gray, Lila Moss, and Iris Law might grace the runway as well. While not yet confirmed, other potential appearances might include Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, Paloma Elsesser, and Jill Kortleve based on their recent association with the brand. Athletes Megan Rapinoe and Naomi Osaka, as well as actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, might make surprise appearances.
Historically, the event has combined fashion with music. Interestingly, Honey Dijon is tagged in their promotional content on Instagram, hinting at a potential musical presence or as a model.
The cancellation of the show back in 2019 was attributed mainly to criticisms over the brand's perceived lack of model diversity. This came to a head when Ed Razek, the brand's Chief Marketing Officer, made controversial comments about transgender models. Following this, the 2018 show had the lowest viewership in its 18-year history. Misconduct allegations, accusations of misogyny, and internal investigations only intensified the brand’s woes.
Additionally, the 2022 documentary, Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons, shed light on more issues, to which the company responded by emphasizing their break from L Brands and asserting their commitment to champion all women.
Reactions to the show's return have been mixed. Pop star Lizzo expressed concerns over the brand's motivation, questioning if this was a genuine move toward inclusivity or a reaction to past backlash.
As the curtains rise this fall, the world will be watching closely. Will Victoria's Secret truly manage to champion and uplift women on a global scale? Only time will tell.