After six years of absence, the wings, the walk, and the queens of Victoria's Secret are back. Iconic supermodels from the Nineties and Noughties have returned to the runway, rekindling the magic that made us fall in love with the show. Legends like Tyra Banks, Kate Moss, Adriana Lima, Jasmine Tookes, Candice Swanepoel, Alessandra Ambrosio, and many others.
Victoria’s Secret has faced significant backlash following scrutiny and controversy surrounding its former CEO, Les Wexner, particularly due to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein (though Wexner said he cut ties in 2006). Additionally, models have spoken out against the company regarding their treatment: lack of support, body image pressures, harassment and limited representations.
In 2019, Victoria's Secret officially cancelled its annual fashion show, which had become a cultural phenomenon since it began in 1995. The decision to discontinue the show followed several years of declining ratings and increased criticism regarding the brand's lack of diversity and inclusivity. Several factors contributed to the show being cancelled.
Not many people are discussing Victoria's Secret's long history of controversy; instead, fans seem more focused on their discontent with Tyra Banks walking in the show. TikTok has been buzzing about Tyra Banks since, especially given her plus-size appearance. If you grew up watching America's Next Top Model, you witnessed how harsh she could be towards girls who weren't size zero.
Over the years, specific episodes and moments from the show have drawn criticism. For example, some contestants experienced extreme makeovers that didn't align with their preferences, and the emotional reactions to these changes sometimes led to feelings of humiliation or distress. In certain instances, Banks has been seen delivering tough love, which some former contestants interpreted as bullying. Banks has faced criticism over the years regarding her approach to mentoring contestants.
In recent interviews and social media posts, Tyra Banks has reflected on her time as a host and acknowledged that some of her actions may not have been appropriate. She has expressed regret for the way certain situations were handled and emphasized the importance of kindness and support in competitive environments.
I used to dream of the day I could finally have breasts so I could wear bras with matching underwear
Banks’s return to the Victoria's Secret runway is significant, as it symbolizes a new era for the brand. Her presence highlights the importance of inclusivity and the celebration of diverse beauty, aligning with the shifting values in the fashion industry. Banks closed the Victoria's Secret show in a stunning black and silver jumpsuit with a cape. While she looked absolutely amazing, some viewers expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that she didn't belong in the show.
Even though Banks has faced her share of controversies, she has helped make many models' dreams come true through the show. Some contestants gained significant popularity after their appearances and went on to establish successful careers in the modeling industry. Additionally, Tyra Banks has built an impressive career for herself, transitioning from a top model to a successful television host, producer, and entrepreneur.
As a long-time fan of the show since I was 12 years old, I used to rush home after school to watch the show, dreaming of the day I could finally have breasts so I could wear bras with matching underwear. Being part of the show has been one of my long-held dreams even more now that it has finally delivered what we needed: diversity, inclusivity, and a sense of sexiness. The models represented a range of sizes from double zero to standard and plus sizes, and seeing women in their 40s and 50s was a refreshing touch especially when In the past, being a 25-year-old model was considered to be old.
I firmly believe it is essential for women to continue speaking out, standing up for one another, and offering support. For meaningful change to occur and to ease the path for the next generation, we must take action. The world has already faced enough challenges as it is.
Now that Fashion Week is over, many people have expressed concerns about the wellbeing of models, particularly regarding the frequent showcasing of their extremely thin bodies. Watching the Victoria's Secret show was a refreshing change. Let's hope they continue to prioritize diversity and body positivity moving forward.
Adot Gak is an Evening Standard contributing editor
