Since 2018, the Victoria’s Secret fashion shows had seemed to be on pause until 2023, where their reinvented brand was not taken very well. However, on October 15, 2024, this iconic brand went back to their roots and launched with a more classic feel.
Back in 2023, there was much criticism surrounding the “Adaptive Collection”, designed for those with disabilities, then they faced more backlash regarding their appearance at New York Fashion Week (NYFW).
The Cut states that their presence at NYFW, “could have been an email”.
To combat this negative response, Victoria’s Secret decided to feature original Victoria’s Secret angels like Bella Hadid and Kate Moss. Also introducing and highlighting popular newer models like Alex Cosani and Anok Yai.
A plethora of artists performed at this event including Cher, Tyla, and Blackpink’s Lisa. Everyone seemed to be crazed surrounding these highly influential artists of the past and present.
Some viewers were so impressed with these performances, in fact, that they brought their applause to social media. Supportive posts and hashtags for these artists at this specific show trended worldwide, contributing to the popularity of the resurfacing of Victoria’s Secret.
Although this performance was much better received than the 2023 appearances, people still had their complaints. One being the chosen hairstyles.
A hair stylist, named Duffy, decided to feature many high-fashion slick back styles. This led to the longing for the classic “bombshell blowout”.
Many opinions were expressed, suggesting they would “retire the slick back” because the “swish of an elongated ponytail was often disguised by the models’ angel wings”, according to Harper’s Bazaar.
However, some feel that this out of the way look allows for the model’s features to be completely showcased and show off “a lethal face card.”
Another aspect of this show that was highly criticized was the presence of the big, recognizable Victoria’s Secret angel wings. These made their huge comeback at the 2024 show, after not being seen since 2018. But, they were much different from their outdated counterparts. Now, they are much lighter and seem to be more easily worn. This ease, though, was to be compromised with the looks.
Seemingly fastened to the angels’ backs with a backpack-strap-like design, many viewers thought they looked cheap and unflattering.
“A lot of them also looked as if they had been bought at the Halloween store down the street,” says the New York Times.
Personally, I think each model was perfectly displayed and choreographed and these complaints should not be capitalized, as there were worse crimes being committed on the runway, like Adriana Lima’s opening look.
Overall, their execution of the comeback had mixed reviews but definitely deserves much applause and recognition considering the budget cuts. The time off and rocky road behind them must also be accounted for in regards to this presentation.
Victoria’s Secret’s journey of rebuilding their iconic brand looks to be on the up-and-up and this is only the beginning of the road of perfecting their well-balanced, new and improved, diverse and empowering line of merchandise.