Victoria’s Secret is Out

From Angels to Controversy

Adriana+Lima%2C+Victorias+Secret+Angel+for+18+years%2C+takes+her+final+walk+down+the+runway+%28courtesy+of+Evening+Standard%29.

Adriana Lima, Victoria’s Secret Angel for 18 years, takes her final walk down the runway (courtesy of Evening Standard).

Harley Johnson, Editor-in-Chief

On Sunday, December 2, the 23 annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show aired on ABC at 10 pm.

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is one of the most anticipated fashion shows of the year. With heavy competition of who will walk in the show to seeing all the looks and musical performances, the event puts on a show like no other. This year, however, wasn’t the best for the fashion show.

In early November, Chief Architects Ed Razek and Monica Mitro, had an interview with Vogue. When released, the interview quickly sparked controversy. Razek had stated that, “If you’re asking if we’ve considered putting a transgender model in the show or looked at putting a plus-size model in the show, we have. We invented the plus-size model show in what was our sister division, Lane Bryant. Lane Bryant still sells plus-size lingerie, but it sells a specific range, just like every specialty retailer in the world sells a range of clothing. As do we. We market to who we sell to, and we don’t market to the whole world. We attempted to do a television special for plus-sizes [in 2000]. No one had any interest in it, still, don’t.” This comment quickly caused outrage. Many believed that it is now 2018 and Victoria’s Secret should be including plus-size models and transgender models, as they are equally important to today’s society and that some people can’t relate or feel sexy or beautiful with the models “representing” them (thecut.com).

Celebrities also took to social media about the issue. Halsey, who performed at this year’s fashion show, stated, “I have adored the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show since I was young. However, after I filmed the performance, some comments were made regarding the show that I simply cannot ignore. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have no tolerance for a lack of inclusivity,” (thecut.com).

According to The Cut, Victoria’s Secret has apologized for Razek’s comments, but that doesn’t explain how the Victoria’s Secret Fashion has been decreasing in views the last 3 to 4 years. This year is the lowest with only 3.27 million people watching, despite it being Adriana Lima’s final year walking the runway.

Lima, Victoria’s Secret Angel, has delivered some of the best looks and walks on the runway. The 37-year-old has decided to hang up her wings after 18 years. Many are sad to see her go but loved that Victoria’s Secret gave her the proper ending. A video played, during the show, that showed all the highlights throughout the years with Lima, then, when it was over, Lima made her final walk on the Victoria’ Secret runway. Lima received a standing ovation which made her overwhelmed with tears of joy (etonline.com).

Lima was one of the fifty models that walked the runway. Others included Kendall Jenner, Gigi and Bella Hadid, Winnie Harlow, Duckie Thot, Barbara Palvin, Behati Prinslo, and Candice Swanepoel.

According to UK Vogue, this year’s performers consisted of The Chainsmokers featuring Kelsea Ballerina, Halsey, Shawn Mendes, Bebe Rexha, Rita Ora, and The Struts.