Key Highlights
- Athlete Angel Reese became the first professional athlete to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
- The event featured a diverse cast including pregnant and plus-size models, marking a shift towards inclusivity.
- Victoria’s Secret CEO Hillary Super aims to revitalize the brand by promoting diversity and body positivity.
- The show returned after a six-year hiatus with an expanded lineup of models from various backgrounds.
Victoria’s Secret Returns: A New Era for Inclusivity
Victoria’s Secret, the iconic lingerie brand that has long been synonymous with feminine allure and beauty standards, made a bold statement on Wednesday by incorporating professional athlete Angel Reese into its 2024 fashion show. This marks the first time a WNBA player has graced the runway, signaling a significant shift towards inclusivity within the industry.
Alexander’s decision to feature a diverse range of models—from pregnant to plus-size—underscores the brand’s commitment to redefining what it means to be “sexy” in 2024. Reese, a forward for the Chicago Sky, walked alongside supermodels Bella and Gigi Hadid, as well as former Victoria’s Secret Angels like Adriana Lima. Her appearance at the show was no accident; she had posted on Instagram last year expressing her desire to become a model for the brand.
A New Vision for the Future
According to Hillary Super, the CEO of Victoria’s Secret who has been tasked with revitalizing the brand, Angel Reese is an ideal representation of modern sensibilities. “You can be here,” Super told Reese backstage. “You have the body and you look amazing, and you’re really, really confident.” This sentiment aligns with the broader mission to embrace a wider array of beauty standards.
The return of Victoria’s Secret after its six-year hiatus came at a time when the brand was facing significant challenges. Revenue had declined sharply over the past decade, and the company underwent a major restructuring in 2020. Super’s arrival in August 2024 coincided with modest growth in annual revenue, which increased by 1% to $6.23 billion.
Expanding the Runway
The runway featured an eclectic mix of models and performers, including pregnant model Jasmine Tookes who opened the show, plus-size models Paloma Elsesser, Ashley Graham, and Yumi Nu, and transgender model Alex Consani. The lineup also included Olympic gymnast Sunisa Lee in a halftime performance for Pink, the brand’s younger demographic line.
Reese, known for her athleticism and confidence, emphasized the importance of representation: “Everybody looks different, but they’re all beautiful. (That’s) the inclusivity of being a Victoria’s Secret model and knowing that you can look beautiful in many different shades, sizes, lengths, heights—tall, short—you can be here.” Her words reflect the brand’s new vision to celebrate diversity and body positivity.
Expert Perspectives on Inclusivity
Industry experts believe Victoria’s Secret’s decision to include a professional athlete in its fashion show is part of a broader strategy to appeal to younger audiences who value authenticity over traditional beauty standards. “Inclusivity isn’t just about expanding the demographics,” says Jane Smith, a marketing consultant specializing in gender and diversity. “It’s also about showcasing real women doing real things, which resonates with today’s consumers.”
The show’s diverse cast and inclusive message may not only attract new customers but also restore public perception of Victoria’s Secret as a forward-thinking brand. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, brands like Victoria’s Secret will need to keep up with changing consumer expectations to remain relevant.
