The Return of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: A New Era of Glamour and Inclusivity

After a four-year hiatus, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show made a triumphant return in 2023, but not in the way fans may have expected. Known for its dazzling runway, extravagant costumes, and iconic performances, the show has re-emerged with a refreshed vision and a bold rebranding. In this post, we’ll explore how the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has evolved from its previous iterations, focusing on its new direction, the impact on fashion, and what this means for the future of the brand.

A Break from Tradition

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was once a staple of pop culture, attracting millions of viewers with its mix of high fashion and mainstream entertainment. However, in 2019, the company decided to put the show on pause amid criticism surrounding its lack of diversity and inclusion. The cancellation allowed the brand to re-evaluate its identity and approach, particularly in the wake of growing body positivity and inclusivity movements.

In 2023, Victoria’s Secret reintroduced the show not just as a fashion spectacle but as a documentary-style event called "The Tour '23." The change marked a pivotal moment for the brand as it aimed to move away from outdated beauty standards and showcase a broader array of body types, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds.

A New Direction: The VS Collective

One of the most notable shifts in Victoria’s Secret’s approach is the creation of the VS Collective—a group of women chosen to represent the brand in a more authentic and empowering light. This collective features athletes, activists, and models of various shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, including well-known names like Megan Rapinoe, Paloma Elsesser, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.

This move signifies a conscious departure from the “Angel” era, which had been criticized for promoting a narrow vision of beauty. The VS Collective aims to align with contemporary values, emphasizing inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment. Instead of glorifying unattainable body standards, the collective celebrates individuality, self-expression, and confidence for all women.

The New Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: The Tour '23

Victoria's Secret didn't just bring back the runway—they reinvented it. The Tour '23 was not your typical catwalk show; it was a blend of fashion, storytelling, and art. Set in different cities around the world, including Lagos, London, and Tokyo, it provided a global stage for designers, models, and artists from diverse cultures. This international approach highlights the brand's ambition to expand beyond the stereotypical Western beauty ideals and embrace a more global, inclusive aesthetic.

The Tour showcased collections from four female designers—Supriya Lele, Melissa Falcone, Bubu Ogisi, and Jenny Fax—who each brought their unique flair to the runway. From streetwear-inspired looks to avant-garde high fashion, the designs reflected the vibrancy and creativity of contemporary fashion in a way that celebrates women from all walks of life.

Inclusivity and Diversity at the Forefront

Perhaps the most significant change in this new era of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is its genuine commitment to inclusivity. The show now features models of all sizes, ethnic backgrounds, and gender identities, marking a stark contrast to the brand’s former image, which was often criticized for promoting unrealistic beauty ideals.

Plus-size models, including Paloma Elsesser, were celebrated for their curves, while models of color took center stage, breaking away from the previously homogenous line-up. Transgender model Valentina Sampaio also returned, solidifying Victoria’s Secret’s commitment to embracing all forms of beauty.

In addition to this, the show featured a behind-the-scenes look at the personal stories of these models and designers, humanizing the people behind the glamour and showcasing the impact of fashion beyond the runway.

What the Future Holds for Victoria’s Secret

The 2023 fashion show represents more than just a revival—it’s a redefinition. By aligning itself with modern values and moving toward a more inclusive, body-positive vision, Victoria's Secret is making strides in regaining its cultural relevance.

However, the question remains whether this shift will be enough to fully repair the brand's image and rebuild trust with consumers. For many, the change is a welcome and long-overdue transformation. For others, it may take time to see if this commitment to diversity and inclusivity will be sustained or if it's merely a rebranding tactic.

One thing is certain: the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is no longer just about beautiful lingerie and stunning models—it’s about celebrating diversity, creativity, and empowering all women, regardless of shape, size, or background. This new chapter signals a fresh start for the brand, and if it continues on this path, Victoria’s Secret could reclaim its place as a leader in the fashion industry, with a more meaningful and modern message.

Final Thoughts

The return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2023 marked a significant shift in both the fashion industry and the brand itself. With a focus on inclusivity, global influence, and celebrating a wide range of beauty, the show has evolved from a highly commercialized spectacle to a more thoughtful and empowering event. While it’s only the beginning of this new chapter, it’s clear that Victoria’s Secret is making a concerted effort to adapt to the demands of modern consumers. Whether it will successfully cement its place in today’s fashion landscape remains to be seen, but this new direction holds promise.