Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Returns with a Revamped Image

The return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was marked by its staging in Brooklyn on October 15, 2024, following a six-year hiatus. The lingerie brand presented a revamped image focusing on diversity and inclusivity, an effort to address past criticisms regarding representation.

The event, which was held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Duggal Greenhouse, featured a diverse lineup of models of different sizes, ages, and ethnic backgrounds. Iconic figures such as Adriana Lima and Tyra Banks, alongside newer faces like plus-size model Paloma Elsesser and Kate Moss, who made her debut at the age of 50, were among those who walked the runway adorned in the brand’s updated designs.

Musical performances were exclusively by female artists, with Lisa from the K-pop group Blackpink opening the show. Cher delivered an exceptional performance, further emphasizing the evening’s focus on female empowerment.

Victoria's Secret‘s historical challenges were evident as the company faced significant criticism in recent years for its lack of body diversity and controversial statements by former executives. The brand had previously halted its fashion shows in 2019 following declining viewership and mounting accusations of sexism and insensitivity towards transgender and plus-size individuals.

The show, traditionally a showcase of lingerie with a fantasy appeal, underwent revisions following controversies and the market rise of inclusive brands such as Rihanna‘s Savage X Fenty. In contrast, Victoria’s Secret sought to rebrand itself by adopting more inclusive practices and imagery, featuring models with a broader range of body types and appearances.

In an effort to resonate with contemporary values, Victoria’s Secret also made leadership changes and redefined its image hoping to regain its standing in the competitive lingerie market. The company’s chief design and creative officer, Janie Schaffer, confirmed that a priority was to modernize the show by aligning it with current consumer expectations.

The revamped fashion show is available on streaming platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, a move reflecting shifting media consumption habits and a strategy to reach a broader audience.