Victoria's Secret Show: A History Of Fashion & Angels

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show! Just hearing those words probably conjures up images of dazzling lingerie, iconic supermodels (the Angels!), and over-the-top performances. For years, it was a cultural phenomenon, a televised spectacle that both captivated and sparked debate. But what's the real story behind this legendary show? Let's dive deep into the history, the highlights, and what the future might hold.

The Glamorous Beginnings and Rise to Fame

In the mid-1990s, Victoria's Secret was already a well-known lingerie brand, but the annual fashion show catapulted it to global fame. The first show in 1995 was a relatively low-key affair, held at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. But as the years went on, the show grew bigger, bolder, and more extravagant. It became the place to be for models, celebrities, and anyone who wanted a taste of high-fashion glamour. The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show quickly transformed from a simple runway event into a full-blown entertainment spectacle, complete with elaborate sets, musical performances by A-list artists, and the now-iconic Angel wings. The brand understood the power of merging fashion with entertainment. This wasn't just about showcasing lingerie; it was about creating an aspirational lifestyle, a world of beauty, confidence, and glamour. The Angels, with their million-dollar contracts and global recognition, became more than just models; they became celebrities in their own right. Stars like Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima, and Alessandra Ambrosio walked the runway, solidifying their status as supermodels and cementing the show's place in pop culture history. The show was a masterclass in branding. Victoria's Secret created a world that many aspired to, and the show was the ultimate embodiment of that world. The limited-edition collections, the Fantasy Bras worth millions of dollars, the elaborate wings – it all contributed to the mystique and allure of the brand.

Iconic Moments and Memorable Performances

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show wasn't just about the clothes; it was about the moments. Think back to some of the most talked-about moments. Who could forget Gisele Bündchen's record-breaking contract in 2000, or the annual unveiling of the Fantasy Bra, a bejeweled masterpiece that often cost millions of dollars? The performances, too, were legendary. From the Spice Girls in 2007 to Kanye West in 2011 (and his on-stage support of the models), the show consistently featured some of the biggest names in music. These performances weren't just background music; they were an integral part of the show's energy and excitement. The collaborations between the models and the musicians created some truly unforgettable moments. Remember when Justin Timberlake serenaded the models as they walked the runway? Or when Taylor Swift joined the Angels on stage for a dance-off? These were the moments that went viral, the moments that people talked about for days, weeks, and even years after the show aired. But beyond the glitz and glamour, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show also served as a launchpad for many models' careers. Walking the VS runway was a huge deal, a sign that you'd made it in the industry. For many aspiring models, it was a dream come true, a career-defining moment. The show provided a platform for these women to showcase their talent and personality, and it helped them build their brands and launch successful careers.

Controversies and Criticisms

However, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show wasn't without its critics. In recent years, the show faced increasing scrutiny for its lack of diversity and its portrayal of an unrealistic body image. Many felt that the show's focus on a very specific type of model – tall, thin, and predominantly white – was outdated and out of touch with the diverse world we live in. There were calls for more body positivity, more inclusivity, and a more realistic representation of women's bodies. The brand's former marketing officer's controversial comments about transgender models further fueled the criticism. These comments sparked outrage and led to calls for a boycott of the brand. It became clear that Victoria's Secret was facing a crisis of relevance, and that it needed to adapt to the changing times. The show's emphasis on a narrow definition of beauty felt increasingly out of sync with the growing body positivity movement and the push for inclusivity in the fashion industry. Social media played a huge role in amplifying these criticisms, with many people using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to voice their concerns and call for change. The rise of social media influencers who promote body positivity and self-acceptance also contributed to the shift in public opinion. People were looking for brands that celebrated diversity and authenticity, and Victoria's Secret was struggling to keep up.

The Hiatus and Rebranding Efforts

In 2019, facing declining ratings and increasing criticism, Victoria's Secret announced that it was canceling the fashion show. It was a significant moment, a sign that the brand was finally acknowledging the need for change. The company stated that it was rethinking the show and looking for new ways to connect with its audience. This decision was seen by many as a victory for those who had been calling for change. It was a recognition that the show, in its previous form, was no longer relevant or appropriate. The brand needed to evolve, to embrace inclusivity, and to redefine its image. The cancellation of the show marked the end of an era, but it also presented an opportunity for Victoria's Secret to reinvent itself. In the years since the cancellation, Victoria's Secret has made some efforts to rebrand and become more inclusive. They launched the VS Collective, a group of diverse women who represent the brand and share their stories. This initiative was a step in the right direction, a move towards showcasing a wider range of body types, backgrounds, and perspectives. The VS Collective includes women like soccer star Megan Rapinoe, actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and transgender model Valentina Sampaio. By partnering with these influential figures, Victoria's Secret is signaling its commitment to diversity and inclusion. However, some critics argue that these efforts are just a superficial attempt to rebrand and that the company still has a long way to go. They point to the fact that the brand's core products and marketing materials still largely cater to a narrow ideal of beauty. The challenge for Victoria's Secret is to make genuine, lasting changes that resonate with consumers and demonstrate a real commitment to inclusivity.

What's Next for the Victoria's Secret Show?

So, what does the future hold for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show? In 2023, the brand announced that the show would be making a comeback, but in a new format. This announcement generated a lot of buzz and speculation. What would the new show look like? Would it be more inclusive? Would it still have the same over-the-top glamour? The brand has hinted that the show will be a "reimagination" of the original, with a focus on celebrating women and their stories. This suggests that the new show will be more than just a runway event; it will be a platform for showcasing diverse voices and perspectives. It remains to be seen whether the new show will be able to recapture the magic of the original while also addressing the criticisms that led to its cancellation. One thing is certain: the world will be watching to see what Victoria's Secret does next. The brand has a huge opportunity to redefine itself and to create a show that is both entertaining and empowering. The pressure is on to deliver a show that is not only visually stunning but also reflects the values of inclusivity and diversity. The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has a complex legacy. It was a cultural phenomenon that shaped the fashion industry and pop culture for decades. It launched the careers of countless models and created some truly iconic moments. But it also faced criticism for its lack of diversity and its portrayal of unrealistic beauty standards. As the show makes its comeback, it has the chance to learn from the past and to create a new chapter that is more inclusive, more empowering, and more relevant to the world we live in today. Only time will tell if Victoria's Secret can pull it off. But one thing is for sure: the world will be watching.