The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, a dazzling spectacle that once defined pop culture, remains a significant, albeit controversial, chapter in fashion history. For over two decades, this annual event captivated audiences worldwide, blending lingerie, music, and celebrity into a high-octane performance. While the show is no longer in production, its impact on the fashion industry, media, and public perception of beauty is undeniable and continues to be a topic of discussion. This retrospective delves into the show's origins, its rise to fame, the controversies it faced, and its eventual cancellation, offering a comprehensive look at its legacy.

The Rise of an Icon

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show debuted in 1995 as a relatively modest affair held at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Initially conceived as a marketing tool to boost the brand's image and sales, the show quickly evolved into a major media event. By the late 1990s, it had moved to larger venues and began incorporating musical performances by A-list artists. The show's popularity skyrocketed in the early 2000s, becoming a cultural phenomenon that drew millions of viewers each year.

Key to the show's success was the carefully curated image of the Victoria's Secret Angel. These models, selected for their striking beauty and charismatic personalities, became household names. Figures like Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima, and Alessandra Ambrosio embodied the brand's aspirational ideal of feminine beauty. Their presence on the runway, adorned with elaborate wings and extravagant lingerie, helped to create a sense of fantasy and spectacle that resonated with audiences. The Angels were not just models; they were celebrities, brand ambassadors, and symbols of a particular type of idealized beauty.

The show's production value also played a crucial role in its rise to prominence. Each year, the runway was transformed into a themed wonderland, complete with elaborate sets, dazzling lighting, and state-of-the-art sound systems. The musical performances were seamlessly integrated into the show, creating a high-energy atmosphere that kept viewers engaged. The combination of stunning visuals, popular music, and celebrity appearances made the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show a must-watch event for many.

The Peak Years: A Cultural Phenomenon

During its peak years, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was more than just a fashion show; it was a cultural phenomenon that influenced trends, shaped perceptions of beauty, and generated massive media buzz. The show's broadcast on major television networks drew millions of viewers, making it one of the most-watched fashion events in the world. Its impact extended beyond the runway, influencing everything from lingerie design to popular culture.

One of the key factors driving the show's popularity was its ability to create a sense of exclusivity and aspiration. The Victoria's Secret Angels were portrayed as the epitome of feminine beauty, and their association with the brand helped to elevate its image. The show's extravagant production values and celebrity appearances reinforced this sense of luxury and glamour, making it an aspirational event for many viewers. The show also had a significant impact on the careers of the models who walked the runway. For many aspiring models, being chosen as a Victoria's Secret Angel was a career-defining moment that could lead to lucrative endorsement deals and other opportunities. The show helped to launch the careers of numerous models, solidifying their status as fashion icons.

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show also played a significant role in shaping popular culture. The show's music performances often featured the biggest names in the music industry, helping to cross-promote both the brand and the artists. The show's themes and visuals influenced fashion trends, and its portrayal of feminine beauty helped to shape public perceptions of what was considered attractive. The show's impact was so profound that it became a regular topic of discussion in the media, sparking debates about body image, feminism, and the role of fashion in society.

Controversies and Criticisms

Despite its popularity, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was not without its critics. Over the years, the show faced numerous controversies related to its portrayal of women, its lack of diversity, and its impact on body image. These criticisms eventually contributed to the show's decline and eventual cancellation. One of the most common criticisms of the show was its narrow definition of beauty. The Victoria's Secret Angels were typically tall, thin, and conventionally attractive, which led many to accuse the brand of promoting an unrealistic and unattainable ideal of beauty. Critics argued that the show's emphasis on thinness and perfection could have a negative impact on young women, contributing to body image issues and eating disorders.

Another major criticism of the show was its lack of diversity. For many years, the Victoria's Secret runway was dominated by white, cisgender women, with very few models of color or transgender models being represented. This lack of diversity led to accusations of racism and exclusion, with many critics arguing that the show failed to reflect the diversity of the real world. In recent years, the brand attempted to address these criticisms by including more models of color and featuring models with different body types. However, these efforts were often seen as tokenistic and insufficient, failing to address the underlying issues of representation and inclusion.

The show also faced criticism for its sexualized portrayal of women. Some critics argued that the show's emphasis on lingerie and scantily clad models objectified women, reducing them to mere objects of desire. Others argued that the show's portrayal of sexuality was empowering and celebratory, allowing women to express their confidence and sensuality. However, the debate over the show's portrayal of women remained a contentious issue throughout its run.

The Decline and Cancellation

In the late 2010s, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show began to experience a decline in viewership and relevance. Several factors contributed to this decline, including increased competition from other brands, changing consumer preferences, and the growing awareness of the show's negative impact on body image. As consumers became more conscious of the issues surrounding diversity and inclusivity, they began to turn away from brands that failed to reflect these values. The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, with its narrow definition of beauty and lack of diversity, was increasingly seen as out of touch with the times.

The rise of social media also played a role in the show's decline. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok allowed consumers to discover and support a wider range of brands and influencers, many of whom promoted more diverse and inclusive ideals of beauty. This made it harder for Victoria's Secret to maintain its dominance in the market, as consumers had more options to choose from.

In 2019, Victoria's Secret announced that it would be canceling the annual fashion show. The decision was seen as a response to the declining viewership, the growing criticism of the show's portrayal of women, and the brand's overall financial struggles. While the cancellation of the show marked the end of an era, it also signaled a shift in the fashion industry towards more diverse and inclusive representations of beauty.

Legacy and Impact

Despite its controversies and eventual cancellation, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show left a lasting legacy on the fashion industry and popular culture. The show helped to popularize lingerie as a fashion statement, influencing trends and shaping consumer preferences. It also played a significant role in launching the careers of numerous models, solidifying their status as fashion icons. The show's impact on popular culture is undeniable. It sparked conversations about body image, diversity, and the role of fashion in society. While the show's narrow definition of beauty and lack of diversity drew criticism, it also paved the way for more inclusive and representative fashion events.

Today, the fashion industry is moving towards more diverse and inclusive representations of beauty. Brands are increasingly featuring models of different races, sizes, and gender identities in their campaigns and on the runway. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the importance of representation and the need to challenge traditional beauty standards. The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show may be gone, but its legacy lives on, serving as a reminder of the power of fashion to shape perceptions of beauty and the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion.

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was a cultural touchstone for many years, and while it is no longer with us, its impact—both positive and negative—continues to resonate within the fashion world and beyond. It serves as a valuable case study in how cultural tastes and societal values can influence even the most entrenched institutions.