The Return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show: A Step Backward?

Victoria’s Secret recently revived its iconic fashion show, attempting to strike a balance between nostalgia and progressive values. Despite efforts to rebrand—emphasizing female empowerment and diversity—the show’s revival raises questions about its relevance and impact in today’s society.

At this event, the runway glittered with an array of models like Gigi Hadid, Paloma Elsesser, and Valentina Sampaio, adorned in the brand’s trademark wings and lingerie. Superstars like Cher added glamour, performing hits that seemed aligned with messages of strength and resilience. Yet, despite these elements, the show struggled to shake off its historical baggage.

Victoria’s Secret had previously shelved the annual spectacle in 2018 amidst criticisms of promoting a singular, objectifying view of beauty. Their new approach aimed to showcase a broader spectrum of beauty, including more diverse body types and ages, and even featured designs by Joseph Altuzarra that were more wearable than the fantastical creations of past shows.

However, the inclusion of elements like smoke machines, pink confetti, and nostalgic acts seemed to blur the lines between a genuine celebration of diversity and a mere rehash of its previous self. The show’s attempt to recapture its old glamour, while claiming to champion empowerment, left viewers pondering the authenticity of its transformation.

This event underscores a critical dialogue about the evolution of VS fashion shows and whether the format can ever truly embody empowerment, if it inherently leans towards objectification. As society’s expectations shift towards more genuine representations of diversity and inclusion, one must question if Victoria’s Secret’s revamped show is a step forward or merely a relic dressed in modern rhetoric.