After a six-year break, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its much-anticipated return in 2024, aiming to reinvent its image and embrace a more inclusive approach. The revival featured popular models like Tyra Banks, Gigi and Bella Hadid, and Ashley Graham, who brought a new dimension to the show that was once a primetime television staple from 1995 to 2018. The iconic event, paused in 2019, had faced cultural backlash concerning body image, inclusivity, and changing societal norms.
The show’s original cancellation was influenced by controversies, including ties between Les Wexner, CEO of L Brands, and Jeffrey Epstein, along with former CMO Ed Razek’s remarks about transgender and plus-size models. These challenges prompted Victoria’s Secret to re-evaluate its branding and adapt to a more inclusive market. By May 2024, the company announced the return of the fashion show, emphasizing a commitment to diversity while retaining the glamour and elaborate stage production that fans remember.
The 2024 show was streamed on Amazon Prime Video and social media platforms, featuring an all-female musical lineup, with performances from K-Pop star LISA, South African artist Tyla, and Cher, who energized the audience with classic hits like “Strong Enough” and “Believe.” This focus on diverse performers reflected the brand’s effort to create a show that resonated with a broader audience.
Returning to the stage were former “angels” like Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, and Claudia Schiffer, alongside newcomers such as Kate Moss, Carla Bruni, and Ashley Graham. Graham’s presence was particularly significant, as she advocated for greater body diversity in the fashion industry. Although she initially hesitated to join the show, she was encouraged by Victoria’s Secret’s promise to highlight more diverse body types and expand its size range.
Tyra Banks was celebrated as the first Black model to secure a Victoria’s Secret contract. A glittering cape accentuated her already great figure, and the crowd went wild for her. Fans gushed over her return on social media, and her participation stirred up a mix of nostalgia and excitement.
Still, some felt the comeback was underwhelming . Some fans thought the diversity promise was unfulfilled, especially when it came to plus-size representation, even though the show did a good job of showing a variety of body types and styles.
