We remember the best moments of the firm marred by scandals

It has been neither more nor less than 26 years since Victoria’s Secret began to shape what would become an event of global impact. We talked about their traditional fashion show in which they presented their novelties and for which they had some of the most wanted models of the moment. But little by little, the impact and success turned into a nomination that received a lot of criticism for the controversial decisions of its leaders. The pandemic arrived and, like so many other things, it was called off. An indefinite pause punctuated by a few controversy which they questioned and doubted it would stand again.

It was in August 1996 that the first of the parades took place. The Plaza Hotel in New York also became the go-to venue for the next three years. Unforgettable Tyra Banks wearing the brand’s lingerie with maxi angel wings, to name a highlight from the early years. In 1999, we witnessed the birth of two angels who would give a lot to say: Gisele Bundchen there Heidi Klum. Aware of the interest it aroused, it began to be broadcast on the Internet, until in 2001 the ABC network bought the broadcasting rights.

A good way to understand that it was an important show was that artists of great prestige at the time began to perform there, such as Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony or Destiny Child. In this sense, one of the unforgettable performances was that of Justin Timberlake in 2006, completely revolutionizing the fashion show.

In 2003, one of the most historic moments took place when Heidi Klum was chosen to wear the Very Sexy Fancy Bra valued at $11 million. The German was also the protagonist of a romantic moment during the Victoria’s Secret fashion show with singer Seal.

To talk about Victoria’s Secret is to talk about such important names in the fashion industry as Behati Prinsloo, Candice Swanepoel, Lais Ribeiro, Elsa Hosk, Jasmine Tookes, Adriana Lima, Sara Sampaio, Martha Hunt, Alessandra Ambrosio, Stella Maxwell or Gisele Bundchen. Not to mention the ebony goddess, Naomi Campbell. All of them have played in unique moments but little by little they have given way to a new generation of models among which Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid or Bella Hadid have stood out, to name but a few.

Victoria’s Secret controversies

They say that what goes up, comes down. And the event also suffered the same fate. After nearly a quarter of a century of TV shows, the pandemic has arrived and with it some weak links in the firm have come to light. The thunder box was opened when from the direction of Victoria’s Secret they adamantly refused to include plus size models and transgender models.

Added to this was the complaint of harassment by Bella Hadid. It happened when in 2018, Ed Razek, a company executive at the time, made lewd comments about him. As the model adjusted her underwear to step out onto the catwalk, the executive snapped at her, “Forget the panties,” also alluding to her “perfect boobs.” And not only that, but he also tried to kiss models, make misogynistic comments and demanded that they undress in front of him.

The lean cows continued because they also experienced a loss of your sales (500% during the third quarter), the drop in audience at the event and inrevolution in brand marketing. The company’s chief executive, Martin Waters, has spoken of a ‘re-definition’ of the appointment which has given hope to naysayers, but the truth is that there is inevitably a certain flavor that any time passed for Victoria’s Secret was better.