A Glamorized Ghost of a Bygone Era
After six long years of battling controversy, corporate rebranding attempts, and a cultural reckoning about body image, we are back here again. A brand notorious for its million-dollar bra, angel wings, and long legs, all supported by supermodels with equally superhuman bodies, took to the runway after six long years. Last night, Victoria's Secret made its 2024 debut, revamping the once-loved runway show that ruled the 2000s.
So, why did the show disappear?
In 2019, the brand and show faced society's demise, giving Victoria's Secret a massive reckoning. Shifting from its well-known brand identity, the company set out to redefine itself before it was too late. Embracing feminist ideas, the brand introduced a new lineup of activities, athletes, and body-positive ambassadors, shifting its look to comply with modern values and representations of diversity.
Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret
When 2020 was in full swing, we as a society experienced significant social changes during lockdown. The country was thrown into complete social upheaval, and cancel culture was at its peak, taking down our favorite athlete, artist, or tradition by the end of the day. With that, the disappearance of the beloved runway show became emblematic of the social shifts, symbolizing the old guard of beauty, fashion, and entertainment and the demands for accountability and reform.
Therefore, the return of the runway show signifies more than just a nostalgic nod to the past—it embodies a response to the social and cultural upheaval that characterized 2020. Years of introspection and societal demand for inclusivity reform have influenced the revival of Victoria's Secret. This endeavor signifies a reclamation of certain aspects of pre-pandemic life while also integrating newfound modern values.
It's not overlooked that industry regulation of varying body types is long overdue. Fortunately, social change has increased awareness that beauty standards are not one-size-fits-all. However, in discussing Victoria's Secret models, we often overlook their extraordinary discipline and dedication to their craft. Whether or not these women were "born this way,” they have undergone rigorous training, made countless sacrifices, and taken on the challenge of living a highly demanding and disciplined lifestyle. Living like elite performers, this extensive work makes the title “Victoria's Secret Angel” what it is.
As much as it was our social duty to gain recognition for all body types, it is also our job to recognize that “body positive” includes all bodies and that just because one’s look may represent a more traditional standard of beauty does not imply that they can't or should be included in this change. The dedication of these models and the effort placed into their craft deserve no less celebration than the praise we give a professional athlete. They are performers bringing clothing to life with their looks, walk, and personality. Being selected for an event like the Victoria's Secret Runway Show is to compete at the highest level of physical and mental conditioning. To overlook their accomplishments because of what society defines as “pretty privilege” diminished the commitment of these women to earn their place on the runway.
Yet, we must be careful with this praise. The conversation raises the question of whether Victoria's Secret glorifies such levels of physical perfection. Can Victoria's Secret honestly claim to champion inclusivity and diversity while continuing to celebrate a narrow standard of beauty six years later? The show's Rebirth highlights a very fine balance between commemorating the discipline and commitment of the models and remembering that the event is not here to perpetuate the damaging, unrealistic standards it once praised.
Ultimately, the reelection of the Victoria's Secret runway show demonstrates something more than a fashion event; it's a symbol of broader cultural contradictions that society currently navigates. In one aspect, society celebrates inclusivity and champions diversity. It opens itself to the new ideals of beauty, striving to acknowledge that there is no single model into which individuals should fit. However, on the opposing side, we continue to glorify a highly appropriate form of beauty that demands extreme discipline, privilege, and effort to achieve, which not many can realistically attain.
The duality of this understanding prompts society with the question of whether we are healing or if we are repeating ourselves. I'd personally like to feel that Victoria's Secret's return is a rebellion with a modern trend rather than simply masking old standards with a new lexicon. However, this idea will almost always remain subjective. While inclusivity should be praised, what sets anyone apart if no accomplishments make us exclusive? It's a constant unanswered battle. The only takeaway from the show's return has become a metaphor for society's ongoing struggle with identity, progress, and the tensions between tradition and evolution. Real progress will lie in celebrating all bodies and confronting the complexities of ideas we perpetuate, enforcing that we as a society genuinely reflect the diversity and authenticity we value.