After a prolonged hiatus and much public discourse surrounding its relevance and impact, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is making a much-anticipated comeback. For five years, the annual spectacle, which once captivated millions with its flashy aesthetics and A-list models, was absent from our screens. However, the iconic brand is reinvigorating its format, responding to both the criticisms and changing societal attitudes towards body image, diversity, and representation in fashion. This year’s show promises significant alterations designed to align with contemporary values while attempting to maintain the grandeur for which it was once famous.
What’s New for 2023
Set to stream live on October 15 at 7 p.m. ET, fans across various platforms including Amazon Live, Prime Video, and social media channels can witness this latest edition of the extravagant event. The red carpet excitement will commence at 6:30 p.m. ET with popular figures like Olivia Culpo and TikTok sensation Tefi Pessoa hosting the pre-show. This transition away from traditional network broadcasting signifies a strategic shift towards platforms that resonate with the modern audience, enabling broader access and engagement.
The lineup boasts a remarkable return of renowned supermodels, including Tyra Banks, who will grace the runway nearly two decades after her last appearance. Other well-known names such as Gigi Hadid, Adriana Lima, and Behati Prinsloo will also return, signaling a blend of nostalgia with contemporary flair. The inclusion of Carla Bruni, making her debut in the show, speaks volumes about the brand’s intent to embrace its heritage while reaching out to new demographics.
This year’s show also introduces a groundbreaking musical ensemble. For the first time, the event will feature an all-female performer lineup with musical legends like Cher and rising stars such as Tyla and K-pop sensation Lisa. This deliberate choice not only aims to emphasize female empowerment but also indicates a conscious decision to foster an inclusive environment. Tyla’s enthusiastic remarks about performing alongside Cher reveal a genuine excitement and recognition of the significance of this shift in the musical landscape of the show.
As the event evolves, it aims to shed its past identity as a potentially exclusionary spectacle critiqued for its lack of diversity. The past era saw criticisms about the presentation of women and the racial homogeneity showcased on the catwalk. The acknowledgment of these critiques has prompted internal changes, not just in representation but in the cultural narrative that the Victoria’s Secret brand conveys.
Victoria’s Secret has recognized the significance of adapting to an era where inclusivity and representation are regarded as pivotal. In 2019, the company announced a comprehensive rethinking of its annual presentation, reflecting a commitment to a more diverse and inclusive future. The involvement of public figures like Priyanka Chopra and Megan Rapinoe in shaping the new narrative symbolizes the brand’s recognition of the broader societal dialogue concerning women’s empowerment and representation.
In a revealing statement, the company expressed awareness of its critics by stating, “We’ve read the comments and heard you.” This candid acknowledgment is crucial as it seeks to establish an emotional connection with audiences who felt alienated by past editions of the show. The return of the fashion show aims to not only recapture its past glory but also forge a path forward that resonates with the present-day ethos of representation and support for all women.
As we look forward to the 2023 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, it’s essential to recognize the broader implications of this revival. It reflects an industry grappling with its identity and the desires of its audience. The spectacle of fashion—once merely about aesthetic beauty—is evolving to incorporate deeper themes of inclusivity and authenticity. As the show resumes, it will be vital to watch how the narrative unfolds under the spotlight, and whether the changes implemented are embraced genuinely by both the audience and industry.
This new iteration signifies a renewed opportunity for Victoria’s Secret to redefine its legacy, suggesting that the future of fashion lies not just in visual appeal but also in meaningful representation and empowerment.