For more than 20 years the annual Victoria’s Secret fashion show has filled our screens with sequin-studded bras and fabulously feathered wings on a runway that seems to have everything — but representation.
Though the brand has been criticized in the past for its lack of inclusivity at the annual show and beyond, it finally feels like reality has caught up with this year’s Victoria’s Secret fashion show ratings. According to Nielsen, the show’s viewership has been dwindling over the past five years, and 2018′s show was an all-time low at 3.3 million viewers, and a 0.9 rating among adults aged 18 to 49.
Viewers on Twitter couldn’t help roasting the lingerie brand’s lack of inclusivity:
While the brand does little to advertise their larger styles, Victoria’s Secret does, in fact, offer styles in sizes 30A to 40DDD. But, a scroll through their Instagram feed sends a different message — one that is not size inclusive, racially diverse, LGBTQ-supportive, or a reflection of the average American woman’s size 16 waist.
After hearing about the LGBTQ-insenstive remarks given by Edward Razek, the CMO of VS’s parent company, singer Halsey quickly went on to criticize the brand’s lack of diversity. The 24-year-old musician pre-recorded a performance for the show that aired after Razek’s remarks.
At a time where many brands are working to become more inclusive, it’s become clear that Victoria’s Secret just doesn’t want to be, despite growing consumer demand for more body positive, inclusive fashion.
While we don’t know what the future holds for Victoria’s Secret, we do know where we’ll be shopping for inclusive, body-positive lingerie. Click through these 10 inclusive lingerie brands that celebrate everyone and every body.
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