For years, the iconic Victoria's Secret has defined mainstream beauty standards, but the winds of change are blowing. The question on everyone's mind is: Will Victoria's Secret ever embrace plus size models? This is a topic loaded with discussions about body positivity, inclusivity, and the evolving perceptions of beauty. Let's dive into the history, the controversies, and the potential future of Victoria's Secret and its relationship with plus size representation.

A History of Exclusivity

Historically, Victoria's Secret has been synonymous with a very specific body type: tall, thin, and conventionally attractive. The brand's annual fashion show, a glitzy, televised spectacle, featured a lineup of supermodels known as "Angels," who embodied this narrow definition of beauty. This image was carefully curated and heavily marketed, creating a powerful, albeit limited, ideal for women worldwide.

The impact of this exclusivity has been significant. For many years, the brand faced criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and contributing to feelings of inadequacy among women who didn't fit the mold. The lack of diversity extended beyond size, with limited representation of different ethnicities, ages, and body types.

While Victoria's Secret dominated the lingerie market for decades, its approach began to feel increasingly outdated. As social media amplified voices calling for greater inclusivity, the brand's resistance to change became a liability. Competitors who embraced body positivity and diverse representation started to gain ground, challenging Victoria's Secret's dominance.

The Rise of Body Positivity

The body positivity movement has played a crucial role in shifting the narrative around beauty and acceptance. This movement advocates for the acceptance of all body types, challenging the idea that there is only one "ideal" body. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for spreading this message, with influencers and activists promoting self-love, body confidence, and the importance of representation.

Brands that have embraced body positivity have seen significant success. Companies like Aerie, Savage X Fenty, and ThirdLove have made inclusivity a core part of their brand identity, featuring models of all sizes, shapes, and ethnicities in their campaigns. This approach has resonated with consumers who are looking for brands that reflect their own experiences and values.

The pressure on Victoria's Secret to evolve has intensified as consumers increasingly demand greater representation. The brand's initial reluctance to change led to a decline in sales and brand perception, highlighting the importance of adapting to the changing social landscape. It became clear that maintaining the status quo was no longer a viable option.

Controversies and Challenges

Victoria's Secret's journey toward potential inclusivity has been far from smooth. The brand has faced numerous controversies and challenges along the way, including:

• Lack of Diversity: The consistent absence of plus size models and diverse representation in its campaigns and fashion shows has been a major point of criticism.
• Outdated Marketing: The brand's marketing strategies, which often relied on hyper-sexualized imagery and unrealistic beauty standards, have been seen as tone-deaf and out of touch.
• Leadership Missteps: Comments made by former executives regarding plus size models and transgender models further damaged the brand's reputation and fueled calls for greater accountability.

These controversies have highlighted the need for a fundamental shift in the brand's culture and values. Simply including a few plus size models in a campaign is not enough; Victoria's Secret needs to demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusivity at all levels of the organization.

The Future of Victoria's Secret

So, what does the future hold for Victoria's Secret and its potential embrace of plus size models? While the brand has taken some steps toward greater inclusivity, there is still much work to be done.

In recent years, Victoria's Secret has made efforts to diversify its model lineup, featuring models with different body types, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The brand has also launched campaigns that focus on body positivity and self-acceptance. However, these efforts have been met with mixed reactions, with some critics arguing that they are merely superficial attempts to appease public opinion.

To truly embrace inclusivity, Victoria's Secret needs to:

• Feature Plus Size Models Prominently: This means including plus size models in major campaigns, fashion shows, and in-store displays.
• Expand Size Ranges: Offering a wider range of sizes to cater to different body types is essential.
• Promote Body Positivity: Creating campaigns that celebrate body diversity and promote self-love can help shift the brand's image.
• Address Internal Culture: Ensuring that the brand's internal culture is inclusive and supportive of all employees is crucial for long-term success.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to fully embrace plus size models rests with Victoria's Secret. However, the brand's future success may depend on its ability to adapt to the changing demands of consumers who are looking for greater representation and inclusivity.

Other brands with plus size models

Okay guys, so Victoria's Secret may or may not get there in the near future, but here are some brands that already have a commitment to plus size models.

Aerie

Aerie, a brand under American Eagle Outfitters, has been a pioneer in body positivity and inclusivity. They showcase unretouched images of models of various sizes, shapes, and ethnicities. Aerie's commitment to realness has resonated deeply with customers, fostering a sense of authenticity and self-acceptance. The brand's success demonstrates that prioritizing inclusivity can be both ethical and profitable.

Savage X Fenty

Rihanna's Savage X Fenty has revolutionized the lingerie industry by celebrating diversity and inclusivity. The brand's runway shows and campaigns feature models of all sizes, races, and gender identities. Savage X Fenty's unapologetic approach to body positivity has made it a favorite among customers who appreciate its empowering and inclusive message.

ThirdLove

ThirdLove is another brand that has made inclusivity a core part of its identity. The brand offers a wide range of sizes, including half-cup sizes, to ensure a perfect fit for every body. ThirdLove's commitment to inclusivity extends beyond size, with campaigns that feature models of different ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. By prioritizing fit and representation, ThirdLove has gained a loyal following of customers who feel seen and valued.

ASOS

ASOS, the online fashion retailer, has also embraced plus size models and offers a wide range of clothing in extended sizes. Their commitment to showcasing diverse body types in their campaigns and on their website has made them a popular choice for shoppers looking for inclusive fashion options. ASOS's efforts to promote body positivity have helped to normalize diverse representations of beauty in the fashion industry.

Universal Standard

Universal Standard is a brand dedicated to creating high-quality, stylish clothing for women of all sizes. Their commitment to inclusivity is evident in their size range, which spans from 00 to 40. Universal Standard's focus on fit and quality has made them a go-to destination for plus size women looking for fashionable and well-made clothing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether Victoria's Secret will embrace plus size models remains open. While the brand has taken some steps toward greater inclusivity, there is still much work to be done. The rise of body positivity and the success of brands that prioritize inclusivity demonstrate the growing demand for diverse representation in the fashion and lingerie industries. Whether Victoria's Secret can adapt to these changing demands will determine its future success. Brands like Aerie, Savage X Fenty, ThirdLove, ASOS, and Universal Standard are already leading the way in showcasing plus size models and promoting body positivity, setting a new standard for the industry.

What do you guys think? Will Victoria's Secret embrace plus size models in the near future? Let me know in the comments below!