A Contrast between Inclusivity and Nostalgia
My thoughts on the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
The Victoria’s Secret Show returned in 2024, six years after their last show in 2018 due to a combination of funding shortages and mounting criticism regarding the show’s potentially harmful branding messages. Millions took to social media to discuss their hopes and expectations for this year’s show, with many curious about how the brand would change to accommodate the changes in the world since the show in 2018. But although people looked forward to seeing how the brand would reinvent itself to dodge the usual criticism surrounding the promotion of unhealthy beauty standards, the reactions to this year’s show, which took place among the bustling glamour of New York City, were more divided and passionate than ever.
The show itself was established in 1995, where conventionally attractive, white, tall models would strut around with a playful energy in sexy lingerie and extraordinary wings, that always managed to match the theme of that year. What was fascinating was that not every model would be allowed to wear wings. They needed to earn them, just like how one Angel was given the privilege of wearing the famous (or perhaps infamous) fantasy bra of the year.
When I sat down on October 15 to watch the live premier on YouTube, I did not realize how much I missed watching it until it started. The production was a staple of my middle school and high school experience: wearing all pink and sipping hot chocolate, with my television or laptop screen adorned with the fanciest lingerie, fiercest walks, and phenomenal musical performances from the leading artists of that year. It was also a time I was the most “girly,” as I used to be a big “tomboy”— terms I used before but find problematic now. But I cannot lie and say that the show made me feel particularly good about myself: the whole concept of the Angels is that their beauty is unattainable, goddesses amongst average mortals such as myself and countless other girls around the world.
Later on, when I became more conscious of my body insecurities (yes, I am white and fairly tall standing at 5’9-10, but I was never model skinny), watching beautiful women such as Adriana Lima, Gisele Bündchen, and Taylor Hill were not entertaining anymore, but a constant reminder of what I am not (but should be in my mind).
However, now at 22, as a young woman who came very far in her self-acceptance journey, I find myself agreeing with others that the show was boring compared to the previous ones. There was no playfulness between the models, the wings were not as spectacular and dashing as they used to be, there was no bombshell hair or fun themes, nor any interaction between the models and the performers/audience. One viewer even commented on Reddit that “most of the girls look like they’re at a funeral and for some reason were forced to do a runway for the first time ever.”
On the other hand, the goal of this year’s show was to promote Victoria’s Secret as a more inclusive brand, involving more gender-diverse, older, or racially varied women. I believe they achieved this at some level with the inclusion of Ashley Graham, a champion for body positivity, and Tyra Banks and Kate Moss, the much older models, to close the show. On top of this, I noticed that this is the first year where all the performers were women, which I felt was a step in the right direction in silently declaring that Victoria’s Secret should not be entirely for the male gaze and instead is a cultural spectacle for women, by women (mostly).
But many viewers were disappointed that the show lacked authenticity, especially since the crowd present seemed very bored to be there. Also, due to the lower budget compared to previous shows, some thought that the show felt cheap. I also heard some people commenting that although Gigi Hadid had beautiful wings, opening the show in “pajamas” was not a good look for the brand.
Despite negative reactions, others had no problem in declaring their love for the 2024 show, expressing that the lingerie and wings were beautiful, the performers Lisa, Tyla and Cher were amazing contributions, and that Victoria’s Secret maintained the essence of their personality.
In the end, I think the true beauty of the show is the complexity of responses that it evokes. Everyone has their reactions to what the show makes them feel. As stunning models take to the runway with their dashing outfits, some feel empowered, while others understandably don’t. But we can’t deny the even the most scathing critic will take the time to sit down and watch it.
