Victoria’s Secret is one of the most trendy and hot clothing lines around, and although their lines are on the more expensive side, people love their underwear, pajamas, beauty supplies, and accessories. This show season, there was as much discussion over the models as the lingerie.
Victoria’s Secret is known for having thin, young, and female models strut their runways, but this year, the company received a lot of post-show backlash. People all over the world were outraged that there was a disturbing lack of plus size models and transgender women in the show, causing a spark of anger among not only viewers but also loyal customers and the RESPECT program. People rallied and tweeted their irate thoughts on the topic. Those in the spotlight had had much to say.Phillip Picardi, CEO of Out Magazine, said, “We, as an industry, must stop honoring this arcane pageantry and demand that they change. The fact that this show exists, the way that it does in 2018 is absurd.”
Many in the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning) society were outraged at the lack of representation as well. To add to the already controversial topic, Ed Razek, Vice President of VS, explained why there were no plus-sized models in their show, adding a lust for equality to the hearts of their loyal viewers and customers along with the bystanders.
“In 1999, 2000, after we’d done the show for a few years, none of the designers who did shows would use any of our girls, they were too ‘fat’ was the prevailing wisdom of the time…Progress gets made, and part of what’s happened is that the girls have continued to get more physically fit,” Razek says.
He assured viewers, Vogue, and critics that in no way does he or any other director, board member, or shareholder hold a grudge or a negative bias against plus-sized models.
Even though there was a debate over the castings, there were both members of LGBTQ and plus-sized women at the show, including music artists. Bebe Rexha, a current music artist known for her songs like “Meant To Be” featuring Florida Georgia Line, “Me Myself and I” featuring G-Eazy, and “In the Name of Love” with Martin Garrix was there to witness the show and truly be apart of the issue.. She, though considered plus size, is both loved for her music and her looks. Alongside Bebe was Halsey (Ashley Frangipane), a very active and vocal member of the LGBTQ community. When talking about her performance at the show, Halsey assured the viewers and listeners that she enjoyed performing at the show and continued to talk about the amazing experience.
One of the exclusive designers of the show, Mary Katrantzou said, “Everything that Victoria’s Secret creates is about a woman feeling confident and empowered-and also having fun with what she’s wearing. This collaboration is going to be bold, fun and playful.” The purpose of the performance is to show off the works of art that the designers create and the angels bring to life, not to offend anyone. The show aired on ABC on December 2nd at 10:00 PM.
