Well, the secret’s out!
After months of speculation, Victoria’s Secret has officially confirmed its annual fashion show has been canceled this year — and the brand is finally taking a long hard look at itself in the mirror after years of choking on public criticism over non-inclusivity.
According to reports, the decision to cancel the walkway extravaganza comes amid efforts to “evolve the messaging of Victoria’s Secret” following quarters upon quarters of declining sales.
Related: Victoria’s Secret Gets Backlash After Hiring First Plus-Size Model
L Brands, which owns the once-revered lingerie company, made the announcement on Thursday, adding in a statement:
“Given the decline in performance at Victoria’s Secret, we have substantially pulled back on capital investment in that business while we focus on ensuring that our merchandise resonates with customers.”
The show’s demise shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone who remembers catwalk staple Shania Shaik leaking the news to the Daily Telegraph in July. She told the publication at the time:
“Unfortunately the Victoria’s Secret show won’t be happening this year. It’s something I’m not used to because every year around this time I’m training like an Angel. But I’m sure in the future something will happen, which I’m pretty sure about. I’m sure they’re trying to work on branding and new ways to do the show, because it’s the best show in the world.”
The show has taken place annually around this time of year since 1995. Modeling in the event used to be regarded as the ultimate achievement, but it’s now being chastised for its lack of body inclusivity.
Related: Let’s Not Forget About Those Sexual Harassment Allegations
Back in August, supermodel Kate Upton slammed the brand for celebrating a singular body type during a segment on Watch What Happens Live, noting:
“You know what? We’re sick of seeing the same body type. You have to be body inclusive now. Every woman needs to be represented, otherwise, it’s a snoozefest.”
But it looks like VS is finally starting to wake up: months after an L Brands marketing exec told Vogue he wouldn’t hire any trans people to walk the runway of the iconic fashion show, the brand hired Valentina Sampaio as its first transgender model.
So, Victoria’s Secret is taking baby steps to become a healthier, woke-er brand. This would be more commendable if it didn’t take a huge loss of business for the company to get to stepping, but we’ll take what we can get.
[Image via Victoria’s Secret]
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