Sorry, Angels! Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Canceled After Years Of Backlash
Nov. 22 2019, Updated 5:00 p.m. ET
Sorry, angels, the Victoria’s Secret fashion show is canceled!
After much backlash over the brand’s alleged lack of diversity — in terms of bodies and gender identities — it’s been decided that the lingerie-clad models will not be strutting their stuff on the runway this year.
Victoria’s Secret’s parent company, L Brands, confirmed the news in an earnings call on Thursday, November 21, four months after top model and VS angel Shanina Shaik leaked the news in an interview with The Daily Telegraph.
Fortune reported that in the era of #MeToo, the over-the-top show has lost its relevance. The outlet then explained that the brand’s sales have dropped a substantial amount in the last few years. Essentially confirming that statement, Victoria's Secret closed down 20 stores in 2018 and as many as 53 in 2019. Plus, the brand’s former CEO Jan Singer resigned last November amid its steady decline.
Adding to the drama is the fact that many stars — models included — have slammed the lingerie label over the years, both for not employing a diverse cast of models in its shows, and for not carrying large enough sizes in its stores.
After performing at the show herself, Halsey, wrote on Instagram that she had “no tolerance for a lack of inclusivity.” Her comment came after Victoria’s Secret’s vice president of public relations told Vogue he didn’t think they should include trans models “Because the show is a fantasy. It's a 42-minute entertainment special. That's what it is."
Outspoken actress Jameela Jamil has also bashed the brand, calling it a “transphobic, fat phobic company that sets out to exclude most women.”
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Following backlash over the body-types featured on the VS runway, curvy model Iskra Lawrence shared an Instagram video of herself in a bikini — targeting the brand by saying “That cellulite, those rolls are cute, that jiggle is sexy and everybody deserves to feel confident in the skin they're in.” She was backed up by fellow model Ashley Graham who shared photos of women of all sizes walking the runway in lingerie. “#BeautyBeyondSize” she wrote in the captions.
Even former VS angel Karlie Kloss has spoken ill of the brand, saying in an interview with Vogue U.K. that she stopped modeling for it because she felt that it didn't reflect "the kind of message I want to send to young women."