Though I am not someone who squirms in their seating, awaiting the Victoria Secret Fashion Show, I do understand why it appeals to so many, men and women alike. Because the Victoria Secret Fashion Show is such a well known, greatly watched event, it has a large influence on people and society as a whole, as extreme as that sounds.
The VS Fashion Show has been in headline constantly due to its lack of representation, and though they have improved (although slightly) there is still much Victoria Secret as a company to do to increase representation, especially in their most televised event. As a woman of color, the lack of ethnic representation within Victoria Secret Fashion is evident. Though the company has greatly diversified over the years, including models like Winnie Harlow, which has brought attention to the beauty of her condition. Still, the show lacks diversity in body types, as well as gender.
There is a very defined image that comes to mind when one says Victoria Secret model, and that is the image Victoria Secret attempts to portray in their fashion show. However, this is not an accurate representation of women in society. And the lack of variety in the show tells women that do not have that body type that their body type is not beautiful. It is such lack of representation in the fashion industry that has cause so many plus sized model to create their own campaigns in order to push for self love for all body types.
Moreover, Victoria Secret is currently in the spotlight for the lack of transgender representation within their fashion show. These opinions were rightful aggravated by the comments of Victoria Secret executive, Ed Razek, due to his comment on the lack of plus sized and transgender models within their fashion show.
" If you're asking if we've considered putting a transgendered model in the show or looked at putting a plus-size model in the show, we have...I don't think we should. Well, why not? Because the show is fantasy."
To which I say, real women can fit the fantasy. Real women can be angels. And real women come in all different sizes, colors, and histories. Do not let the beliefs of ignorant individuals like Ed Razek make you feel insecure about yourself because you are beautiful and deserve to be loved.