Victoria's Secret was once a glamorous brand, featuring renowned and beautiful models on its website and in its catalogues. However, it has now succumbed to the trend of inclusivity, even in its famous runway show.
Gone are the days when Gisele Bündchen graced the lingerie runway, as the brand now features everyday individuals of various shapes, sizes, and abilities to showcase their underwear.
Watch the video:
This is Victoria’s Secret’s new inclusive line. pic.twitter.com/MxFrlU5Po8
— Catch Up (@CatchUpFeed) October 13, 2023
From Yahoo News:
Victoria's Secret has spent the last few years merely teasing its efforts to be a more inclusive, approachable brand, following a history of unsavory comments from former executives and a lack of inclusivity, both internally and externally. The lingerie giant has long faced criticism for its approach to body diversity (or lack thereof), but after its major controversies in 2019, models perceived to be representative of a broader range of people started to get hired — a move many hoped would be a turn in the right direction. It also cleaned house, hiring a slate of new leaders and undergoing a well-publicized rebrand. Still, a huge group was still missing from this conversation: customers with disabilities.
Despite a handful of appearances in its campaigns, Victoria's Secret had never made a concerted effort to cater to disabled people when it came to product. That is, until now.
Lydia Smith, who was appointed Chief Diversity Officer of Victoria's Secret in 2021, recalls attending an event hosted by Runway of Dreams, a public charity that stages runway shows to platform brands with adaptive lines and support emerging adaptive designers: "I can't tell you how many women came up to me and said, 'The one thing we don't have that we would love is an adaptive bra,'" she says.
Luckily, Runway of Dreams Founder Mindy Scheier is also the founder of Gamut Talent Management, a consulting group that "helps companies find authentic ways to engage with, create products for and represent people with disabilities," according to its website. The organization has also helped brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Target, Adidas and more develop more inclusive and adaptable clothing for shoppers with disabilities.
This is undeniably a highly sensitive subject because, naturally, individuals with disabilities should never be subjected to shame or differential treatment. However, is this taking things to an extreme?
It appears that Victoria's Secret has transitioned from potentially promoting eating disorders among girls to this new approach. It's challenging to ascertain how young women might perceive this change: is it viewed as positive, negative, or neutral?
What is your opinion? Is this the right direction for the brand?
