The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is back for the second year after having been cancelled for five years. It was cancelled in 2019 due to increasing criticism for its lack of diversity and sexism, which was especially controversial as it was during the #MeToo movement. However, it returned with a renewed purpose to empower and represent all women.

They have recently strived for this, through their promotion of body positivity and inclusion of models of different sizes, ages and backgrounds. This level of representation was unheard of in pre-2019 Victoria’s Secret. When asked in an interview with Vogue regarding his position on the inclusion of transgender people in the show, Ed Razek – the chief marketing officer for L Brands at the time – answered, “No, I don’t think we should.” Following his resignation, Victoria’s Secret hired their first transgender model: Valentina Sampaio. In recent years, the show has featured transgender models on the runway, including Alex Consani who walked in 2024 and 2025.

This year, Victoria’s Secret brought back PINK – a sub-brand that focuses on activewear and loungewear for younger women. The decision to bring Olympians in, such as Suni Lee, to model this line, was arguably a step in the right direction – since using legitimate athletes to model athletic looks, further represents different body types. This representation of powerful women to young girls is Victoria’s Secret’s fundamental message: empowerment.

The inclusion of influencers within the show, such as Quen Blackwell, may allow the everyday woman to envision themselves on the runway. This choice sparked criticism on social media platforms such as TikTok and X, with some wanting to protect the exclusivity that surrounded the 2010s Victoria Secret Angels. However, this contradicts the brand’s inclusive message of diversity and representation. Why should there be a return to the dangerous exclusivity of the 2010s, which ultimately culminated in its cancellation? So, whilst Victoria’s Secret might be changing with the times, it is apparent that viewers may not be following suit. It should be considered that judgemental viewers are likely a product of the show’s own controversial past, and perhaps by broadening their definition of feminine beauty this judgement will be forgotten.

Beyond activewear and influences, further representation was provided through the musical performances featured throughout the show. Pre-hiatus, musical groups featured were mostly white and American.  This year Victoria Secret brought out Twice to perform, a K-pop group, continuing on from last year’s theme when Blackpink member, Lisa, performed. On social media platforms, such as TikTok, this was also met with criticism, with people arguing that K-pop does not fit the aesthetic of Victoria’s Secret. However, I argue that it does fit the Victoria Secret of today, which aims to represent their global audience – how could they represent this without including global groups?

With K-Pop growing in popularity in recent years, it is also a good marketing move for Victoria’s Secret as they can reach a wider audience. Included within this audience are the younger generations, who should be the primary target of Victoria’s Secret, as they determine the future of the brand. This further strengthens my belief that their use of influencers was the right choice – TikTok and other social media is increasingly popular with the younger generation, thus further appealing to them.

While I can understand the nostalgia for the old Victoria’s Secret, its lack of inclusivity is one thing I am not nostalgic for. However, I was happy to see that the signature ‘bombshell’ hair was back this year. Last year, the brand faced criticism for the slickbacks worn by the models, breaking away from their classic blowout. If they can respond to criticism about the hairstyles, I hope to see them respond similarly to other criticism – for example, the lack of disability representation. Through the inclusion of transgender models, athletes and global music groups, it seems that Victoria’s Secret is on the path to inclusivity, but they are not fully inclusive just yet. Nevertheless, it is important to note that representation should be a bare minimum. I am still excited to see what 2026 holds in store – maybe next year is the year we see the return of the notorious fantasy bra.

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