Unachievable Perfection: Why the Legend of the Victoria's Secret Angel Lasts, While the Brand’s Influence Has Long Vanished

For decades, Victoria's Secret reigned supreme in the fashion and lingerie industry, captivating the world with its glamorous runway shows and iconic Victoria's Secret Angels. The Victoria's Secret Angel models became a symbol of unattainable beauty, setting an unrealistic standard for women worldwide. However, as the years have passed, the brand's influence has dwindled, and its once-dominant position has been challenged by evolving cultural norms and demand for inclusivity.

The Rise of the Victoria's Secret Angel Model

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Victoria's Secret Angel model persona was a cultural phenomenon. Women aspired to embody the beauty, confidence, and sensuality projected by these supermodels. The annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, featuring the Victoria's Secret Angel lineup, became a highly anticipated event, showcasing intricate lingerie designs, extravagant Victoria's Secret Angel wings, and performances by renowned artists. The brand carefully curated a sense of fantasy, presenting the Victoria's Secret Angels as ethereal beings with flawless bodies and flawless lives.

The Myth of Perfection: Victoria's Secret Angel Requirements and Criteria

While the Victoria's Secret Angel image had undeniable allure, it was built upon a foundation of unattainability. The Victoria's Secret Angel audition and selection process focused on a very specific set of Victoria's Secret Angel requirements and criteria, characterized by ultra-thin physiques, long limbs, and chiseled features. This created an unhealthy standard of perfection that left many women feeling inadequate and unrepresented.

Shifting Cultural Paradigms and the Victoria's Secret Angel Fashion Show

As societal attitudes evolved, so did the demands of consumers. The fashion and beauty industry witnessed a seismic shift towards body positivity, inclusivity, and the celebration of diverse forms of beauty. The Victoria's Secret Angel lineup no longer resonated with an increasingly diverse and empowered audience. Women demanded to see themselves represented on the Victoria's Secret Angel fashion show runway, reflecting their own body types, ethnicities, and identities.

The Impact of Social Media on the Victoria's Secret Angel Model Lifestyle

The rise of social media platforms played a significant role in exposing the flaws of the Victoria's Secret brand and the Victoria's Secret Angel lifestyle. Consumers gained access to a wide array of voices and perspectives, and the once-omnipotent image of the Victoria's Secret Angel came under scrutiny. Social media became a platform for promoting body positivity, self-love, and inclusivity, challenging the traditional beauty standards propagated by Victoria's Secret. Influencers and everyday people used their platforms to advocate for authenticity and the acceptance of all body types.

A Lapse in Innovation and the Victoria's Secret Angel Contract

While the Victoria's Secret Angel model image remained stagnant, other brands seized the opportunity to fill the void left by the iconic lingerie label. Competitors like Savage x Fenty, ThirdLove, and Aerie embraced diversity and inclusivity, featuring models of various sizes, ages, and backgrounds in their campaigns. These brands recognized the need to cater to a wider range of consumers, embracing the beauty of real women and fostering a sense of empowerment and self-acceptance. Victoria's Secret, with its rigid Victoria's Secret Angel contract, failed to adapt to this changing landscape.

The Ed Razek Controversy: Sexual Harassment Claims

In addition to the brand's struggles with inclusivity and diversity, Victoria's Secret faced severe backlash when sexual harassment claims were made against Ed Razek, the former chief marketing officer of Victoria's Secret's parent company. The allegations further tarnished the brand's reputation and eroded public trust, contributing to its decline.

The Rebirth of the Victoria's Secret Angel: Beauty Tips and Workout Routine Still Trend on Social Media Platforms

Amidst declining sales and public backlash, Victoria's Secret realized the urgent need for change. In recent years, the brand has attempted to redefine its image, pledging to be more inclusive and diverse. They retired their iconic Victoria's Secret Angel fashion show, hired diverse spokespeople, and announced partnerships with influential women like Megan Rapinoe and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. However, the brand still faces skepticism from critics who question the authenticity of their newfound commitment to inclusivity. As part of this transformation, Victoria's Secret has also started sharing Victoria's Secret Angel beauty tips and workout routines to resonate with a broader audience.

The legend of the Victoria's Secret Angel model persists because it represents an era when beauty standards were unattainable and perfection was idolized. However, this notion of unattainable perfection has proven unsustainable in a world that demands representation, inclusivity, and authenticity. While the brand has struggled to adapt and lost its dominant position, the story of the Victoria's Secret Angel serves as a cautionary tale—a reminder of the importance of embracing diversity, celebrating real beauty, and evolving with the changing times. The future of the lingerie industry lies in brands that empower and uplift women of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, allowing them to embrace their own unique versions of beauty.