Victoria's Secret Releases Documentary
First in 5 Years Since 2018 Fashion Show Suspension
'Thin Body' Criticism... Emphasizing Change
The famous lingerie brand 'Victoria's Secret' fashion show, which was abolished in 2018 amid criticism for imposing a standardized beauty standard, has returned as a documentary. Featuring lingerie designs that emphasize rather than hide belly fat and plus-size models, the documentary highlights the changes in Victoria's Secret.
On the 26th (local time), according to US CNN and The Washington Post (WP), the documentary 'The Tour 23,' which captures Victoria's Secret's collection, was released for the first time on Amazon Prime Video.
Victoria's Secret fashion shows gained popularity from 1995 with glamorous stages featuring top supermodels and pop star performances.
Top models of the time such as Heidi Klum, Gisele B?ndchen, and Miranda Kerr walked the stage wearing angel wings and lingerie, known as Victoria's Secret 'Angels.' From 2001, the fashion show was broadcast on major US networks like ABC and CBS, attracting over 10 million viewers.
Riding on the show's popularity, Victoria's Secret enjoyed great success, holding a high market share in the US lingerie market until the early 2000s.
However, as times changed, Victoria's Secret faced criticism for enforcing a uniform beauty standard and distorting femininity. Additionally, allegations surfaced linking the brand to Jeffrey Epstein, a sex offender targeting minors, which further hurt Victoria's Secret's performance.
Viewership of the fashion show plummeted from 12.4 million in 2001 to 3.3 million in 2018, and ultimately, Victoria's Secret discontinued the iconic fashion show after 2018.
The documentary, released five years later, emphasizes that Victoria's Secret has changed.
For example, designer Michaela Stark introduced lingerie designs that accentuate rather than conceal belly fat. In the documentary, she prepared plus-size models and said, "Back in high school, the Victoria's Secret fashion show was huge, and after watching it, there was a culture of not wanting to eat."
She also posted a photo on her Instagram of a plus-size model wearing Victoria's Secret's signature angel wings, writing, "I wanted to prove that angels can represent all women." She added, "I was thrilled to have the opportunity to break down the roots of my childhood anxiety and body dysmorphia."
The documentary features collections from independent designers in four cities: Lagos, Nigeria; Tokyo, Japan; Bogot?, Colombia; and London, UK.
In addition, ahead of the documentary showcase, Victoria's Secret introduced 20 creators and artists, including female designers and film directors from various countries, and announced plans for new funding initiatives for female artists and entrepreneurs beyond the documentary.
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