Swami Hinojosa
Editor-in-Chief
It has been nearly two weeks since the much-anticipated Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned, marking its first show since 2017. Known for its glamorous productions and iconic models, the show has been a cultural phenomenon that showcases top models from around the world. Typically, the runway is graced by a mix of Victoria’s Secret and PINK brand items, with live performances by popular artists and elaborate sets. This year, the show has made a powerful comeback, with changes that reflect a more inclusive approach to beauty and diversity.
Victoria’s Secret has long been seen as a brand primarily to adult women, with products ranging from elegant lingerie to fragrances. The PINK line, on the other hand, has a youthful, playful vibe, offering bold colors and designs that focus on underwear, casual college apparel, and swimwear. The annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has historically been a stage for showcasing new collections and trends, captivating audiences worldwide, including fashion lovers and influencers. Yet, the star attraction of every show has been the Fantasy Bra—a oneof-a-kind, luxurious piece adorned with gemstones, costing millions of dollars.
The fashion show has long been a subject of admiration but has also drawn criticism. From its inception, it showcased a narrow beauty standard, often featuring very thin models and promoting an unrealistic ideal of perfection. Over time, this has drawn backlash, with concerns about the impact on young viewers who aspired to these beauty standards, potentially affecting their mental and physical well-being. Consequently, the brand paused the annual fashion show after 2017, using the break to reassess and reimagine its vision.
This year, Victoria’s Secret made a strong comeback with notable changes that reflect the evolving values of its audience. The 2024 fashion show featured a roster of iconic models, including veterans Adriana Lima and Tyra Banks, both of whom are celebrated figures in the modeling world and have been instrumental in defining the legacy of the Victoria’s Secret runway. The Hadid sisters, Gigi and Bella, brought their signature style to the show, captivating audiences as they opened and closed the runway with flair. What truly set this year’s event apart was its commitment to inclusivity. For the first time, the runway featured curvey models such as Ashley Graham, Devyn Garcia, and Paloma Elsesser, as well as trans models like Valentina Sampaio. In a groundbreaking move, the brand also included models in their 40s and 50s, showcasing that beauty and confidence come in many forms and ages. This emphasis on diversity resonated deeply with audiences, making the show feel more representative of a broader range of women.
With its revamped approach, Victoria’s Secret has proven that it can still be an industry leader while embracing inclusivity and redefining beauty standards. The success of this year’s show indicates that audiences are ready for a new era of fashion, one that celebrates all women. As Victoria’s Secret moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the brand continues to evolve and adapt, maintaining the balance between glamour and inclusivity.
