Victoria’s Secret just announced the addition of a plus-sized model in their line up and we’re thinking it could be too little, too late.
Now we’re not saying people don’t deserve second chances, and we’re definitely not saying brands can’t undergo change based on modern audiences and criticisms.
But what we are saying is that Victoria’s Secret came down with some pretty heavy and insensitive words in 2018, have failed to adequately deal with the sexual misconduct victimising their models, and have altogether stood as a brand that catered to one shape and gender.
In other words, it’s just not cutting it.
It seems that maybe the once luxury brand now plagued with controversy may be attempting to reconcile their relationship with the public and regain their status in the industry. But we predict it’s going to take a lot of grovelling on their part.
Their most recent attempt is made in the form of Ali Tate-Cutler, otherwise known as the first size-14 model at Victoria’s Secret.
“I believe I’m the first size-14 on Victoria’s Secret. Regardless I’m pretty stoked to work with a brand I idolized when I was a teen. Great step in the right direction for bodies,” Tate-Cutler wrote on Instagram.
Internet claims that Barbara Palvin was the first plus-sized model casted as a VS Angel are simply inaccurate, considering Palvin is not ‘plus-sized’ by industry standards.
Model Tate-Cutler announced that she would be featured in Victoria’s Secret’s new ad campaign in collaboration with BlueBella.
Essentially, Victoria’s Secret is now placing curvier women, otherwise known as the women they insulted for not “portraying the VS fantasy’, as the face of their ad campaigns in order to seem more body-inclusive.
Let’s not forget the iconic words said by ex-VS Chief Marketing Officer, Ed Razek: “We attempted to do a television special for plus-sizes. No one had any interest in it, still don’t.”
He’s since been forced to quit, thankfully.
In August, VS followed their cancellation of their annual show with the casting of 22-year-old Brazilian transgender model, Valentina Sampaio. Because, you guessed it, Razek also excluded transgender individuals from the ‘VS fantasy’!
These may be the ramblings of a woman sick of VS’ one-sized-fits-literally-no-one-but-supermodels ‘fantasy’ lingerie, over-sexualisation of women and tired vision of what’s ‘sexy’, it’s understandable to think so.
Yet, perhaps there is something to be said about VS’ recent efforts to clean up their image and become more inclusive, all criticism being made have suggested these very moves be made after all.
Let’s hope VS continues proving their changed attitude and efforts to become a beloved brand once more.
And as for Razek, good riddance.
Subscribe to FIB’s newsletter for your weekly dose of music, fashion and pop culture news!
