US star Lizzo has given her reaction to lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret’s announcement that its fashion show is returning after four years away.
The annual catwalk show started in 1995 and its line-up regularly featured supermodels including Gisele Bundchen and Gigi Hadid - dubbed angels - as well as performances by acts such as Lady Gaga.
By 2019, millions of people tuned in to watch but it was cancelled that year after the firm’s then chief marketing officer Ed Razek caused uproar when he said the show’s “fantasy” style meant it would not include plus-size or transgender models.
The firm’s current chief financial officer Timothy Johnson it would “support the new version of our fashion show, which is to come later this year” as part of a new marketing drive.
A Victoria’s Secret spokesperson said the company was committed to championing women.
“This will lead us into new spaces like reclaiming one of our best marketing and entertainment properties to date and turning it on its head to reflect who we are today,” the spokesperson said. “We’re excited to share more later this year.”
Lizzo, who is known for her campaigning for plus-size body positivity and runs her own fashion firm, said: “This is a win for inclusivity for inclusivity’s sake. But if brands start doing this only because they’ve received backlash then what happens when the ‘trends’ change again? Do the CEOs of these companies value true inclusivity? Or do they just value money? “
This is a win for inclusivity for inclusivity’s sake
— FOLLOW @YITTY (@lizzo) March 5, 2023
But if brands start doing this only because they’ve received backlash then what happens when the ‘trends’ change again?
Do the CEOs of these companies value true inclusivity? Or do they just value money? https://t.co/ykmcUTLayQ
Victoria’s Secret has previously said it would bring back the annual show but never confirmed a date.
