Apart from the obvious unrealistic and unhealthy expectations it has for women to look in their underwear, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has seemingly become a parade of everything that is wrong within the fashion industry.
- NEPOTISM
Most models don’t have it easy. In fact, they live their lives working hard to be physically perfect in order to pay bills. Black models and plus size models have both been completely discriminated against by the fashion industry- and still are.
‘Models’ like Kendall Jenner stepped on the scene merely too quick and painless. She scored major campaigns and booked high regarded shows in months. This would most supermodels their entire career. Kendall and her fellow model friends don’t even have to show up for the castings that most models have to show up for. So why is it that Kendall Jenner doesn’t rightfully deserve to be associated as a supermodel? Let me explain.
Since the 80s supermodels have been sexually harassed, verbally abused and used behind the scenes. Tortured souls like Karen Mulder and Carré Otis would happily call their careers of being a model a living hell. So is it fair to say that Kendall will ever know the authentic supermodel experience? No, but we will give her praise and covers, and have her walk with all the lesser-known models.
Kendall won’t ever have to stress about hair and make-up not working for her shoots. Nor will she ever have to apply it to herself. She will never be too she is too fat for a gig, or be asked to lose some weight. She will never be recommended plastic surgery either, or be called too ugly. Everyone knows how to cater the Kardashian hair, and how to profit the Kardashian name. Kendall won’t ever is cancelled from a show because “there is already a black girl.” She could break out in a thousand pimples, and still be the headliner at any fashion show. Chanel Iman always reminisces how unfair her cancellations were as a supermodel. She quotes that people said to her face she was not needed because there was already a black girl chosen.
Is this surprising? Not really. As far as I’m concerned, Kendall will proceed to have the most flawless modelling career us normal people would ever dream about. Her fame bought her right into the doors of the one and the only Victoria’s Secret, Chanel, Balmain and many more….
The industry promotes expression and freedom of voice, but then they create such an elite group to showcase over and over again. The pressure and dedication that models like Arisce Wanzer write about, or the stories we hear from infamous legends like Kate Moss or Naomi Campbell aren’t merely as recognized as some story about Kendall Jenner’s airport style.
2. It Appropriates Culture
Let’s not forget about the time that the company had to publicly apologise after several people complained about a model walking on the runway wearing a headdress and a bikini. This completely stereotyped Native people and disrespected Native identity. The headdress is also known as a war bonnet, and is a symbol of bravery and act of valor worn by an accomplished man. Not a costume for a model to prance around in her underwear. This speaks volumes to the ongoing theme of cultural appropriation within fashion, and how little has changed from the issue that took place in 2012. Cultural Appropriation is arguably one of the most controversial complaints about the industry to date, with reoccurring examples of ‘models‘ not understanding the history or ancestry within certain clothing, and just wearing it to look cute on a runway.
3. It Is Hypocritical
Gigi Hadid in the past has been very driven by haters to broadcast the message of loving yourself and accepting curves on the runway. In saying that, she still chose to lose weight and dismiss her curves, while still being able to book the VSFS this year – and last year. Ironically, Victoria’s Secret fired Barbara Palvin not too long ago for being “too fat.” This surely didn’t stop Hadid from fussing over the people of Victoria’s Secret, and promoting the message that was clearly being shared.
In a world so dedicated to equality and fairness, we frequently seem to be buying our success and eternal fame. It isn’t a celebration to see someone mock other people’s careers by taking a short cut to the very top. Money seems to be the only art in this generation’s supermodel, and it is apparent the ones who aren’t given the same rules and regulations have had enough. Fashion shows are supposed to represent women who are physically secured yet unattainable. Now, society is telling us that not only do we have to reach physical standards to make it in life- but also we have to also have a fancy last name and stack of cash to rest our heads on. Some of the greatest models in the industry won’t ever see that catwalk because no one can profit them like a Kardashian. The art is lost as far as I’m concerned, and these ‘fashion brands’ have now dwindled into yet another company that traded art for fame.
4. Alienating Women and Failing to Keep Up with Fast Fashion
The brand is also under a lot of pressure. In 2015, the brand controlled 35% of the lingerie market. However, like Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria’s Secret is in danger of losing relevance to women as it is continuously labelled as ‘sexist’ and ‘discriminatory’ against plus-sized women. It cannot keep up with competitors or adapt to the crucial times of fast-fashion. The brand fails to communicate with their buyers, and spends millions of dollars on a televised show. Consumers’ perception of ‘beauty’ in today’s society is changing and accepting of women of all sizes, and Victoria’s Secret still hides behind their perception of an ‘angel’.
The brand has always struggled to have a variety of sizes for all women, and most women don’t even feel that they get a good selection at Victoria’s Secret. Victoria’s Secret clearly needs a new marketing strategy. Women today really have redefined what is ‘sexy’, and that it can’t be defined by a size, rather a state of mind.
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