Victoria’s Secret Angels and the Push for Inclusive Beauty
How new Victoria’s Secret Angels are speaking out for plus-size inclusion and the future of beauty standards on and off the runway.
Victoria’s Secret Angels Call for Plus-Size Representation: A New Era in Fashion
Victoria’s Secret has long been synonymous with glamorous runway shows, iconic lingerie, and a roster of supermodels known as “Angels.” However, in recent years, both the brand and the broader fashion industry have faced mounting criticism for outdated beauty standards and a glaring lack of body diversity. As the brand attempts to evolve, its newest Angels are voicing support for greater inclusion, particularly of plus-size and diverse models, sparking an overdue conversation about what beauty should mean on the world’s most-watched runways.
The Legacy of Victoria’s Secret Angels
For decades, the term “Victoria’s Secret Angel” evoked an image of a thin, young, primarily white model donning elaborate wings and waltzing down a dazzling runway. The Angel program began in the late 1990s and became a coveted position for high-profile models looking to cement their international fame. Names such as Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, and Gisele Bündchen helped shape the ultra-glamorous, aspirational identity of the brand . Being an Angel meant rigorous contracts, exclusive deals, and exposure that could define an entire career.
- History of strict standards: Angels’ contracts in the 2000s included clauses around body size, weight, and fitness requirements, contributing to an inflexible and narrow definition of beauty .
- Runway spectacle: The annual televised show was one of fashion’s biggest events, with millions tuning in to see spectacular costumes and performances by top music acts.
- Rise of criticism: By the 2010s, criticism mounted over the lack of size, racial, and body-type diversity. Social movements and a new generation of consumers demanded authentic inclusion and representation.
From Exclusive to Inclusive: The Shift in Beauty Ideals
The traditional standards that once powered Victoria’s Secret’s popularity began to unravel in the late 2010s. Online backlash intensified against the brand’s “Perfect Body” campaign, and former marketing leaders openly stated that the runway would never feature plus-size or transgender models—a position that soon became indefensible as cultural norms shifted .
- #MeToo movement impact: Broader conversations about sexism and body shaming led consumers to question why major fashion brands perpetuated a single ideal of beauty.
- Sales and ratings drop: Amid controversy and public fatigue, Victoria’s Secret’s sales plummeted and TV ratings for the fashion show declined sharply.
- Leadership turnover: The brand responded by changing executive leadership and embarking on a public-facing rebrand that focused on body positivity and empowerment.
The Next Generation Angels Speak Out
As part of Victoria’s Secret’s ongoing transformation, the brand added several new Angels from varied backgrounds. Notably, some of the new class—like Grace Elizabeth, Leomie Anderson, Barbara Palvin, and Alexina Graham—have publicly championed expanding beauty ideals and the brand’s need for self-reflection.
- Embracing body positivity: New Angels have stated they want to see plus-size models walk the runway, indicating growing recognition of the importance of reflecting consumers’ real bodies and lived experiences.
- Intersectional approach: These voices are not just pushing for size diversity, but also calling for inclusion across ethnicity, gender, and age—moving the conversation from tokenism to authentic representation .
- Industry influence: Victoria’s Secret’s hiring and endorsement practices set powerful industry-wide precedents, as many up-and-coming models and agencies still view Angel status as a career peak.
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What Angels Really Think About Plus-Size Models
The new Angels have used interviews and social media to highlight the need for change within both the brand and the wider fashion world. Their insights reflect a broader cultural movement away from “one size fits all” standards and toward showcasing the diversity of women. Key points include:
- “Everyone deserves to see themselves represented,” said one Angel in a now widely cited interview, urging the brand to recruit plus-size women who embody confidence and style.
- Several Angels emphasized that hiring diverse models isn’t just about image or inclusion—it’s about giving all women the opportunity to feel beautiful, valued, and inspired.
- Some also note the commercial benefits: as Victoria’s Secret’s customers change, so must the models representing them, or the brand risks becoming irrelevant.
Behind the Scenes: The Dynamics of Change
Industry insiders point to a mix of business and social drivers behind Victoria’s Secret’s changes:
- Market competition: Rising competitors, such as Aerie and Savage X Fenty, have successfully marketed inclusive sizing and un-retouched imagery, winning over younger, socially conscious shoppers.
- Corporate responsibility: Following public outcry and an exposé on workplace culture, the brand became increasingly aware of the need to address issues of misogyny, sexual harassment, and bullying .
- Brand survival: The Angels’ push for inclusion is as much about business as about values—failing to adapt would risk further alienation and declining sales.
The Plus-Size Debate: Progress and Pitfalls
Despite vocal support from the new Angels and a well-publicized body-positive rebranding, Victoria’s Secret has faced mixed reactions regarding its efforts:
| Year | Notable Model | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Ed Razek (CMO) | Publicly stated no plus-size or transgender models would be cast |
| 2019 | Brand | Angels program replaced, runway show canceled; plans for rebrand announced |
| 2021 | Megan Rapinoe & diverse ambassadors | Company launches VS Collective to emphasize inclusivity |
| 2024 | Valentina Sampaio, Ashley Graham | First show after hiatus, featuring transgender and plus-size models |
- Breaking barriers: The casting of Valentina Sampaio and Ashley Graham marked meaningful, unprecedented steps for transgender and plus-size visibility on the runway .
- Lingering challenges: Some viewers and critics argue that plus-size inclusion remains limited and inconsistent, with only a handful of models representing non-traditional body types .
- Public response: While some praised the changes as empowering, others accused the brand of tokenism or “going woke,” questioning the genuineness and depth of its commitment .
Other Dimensions of Diversity: Age, Gender, and More
In addition to size diversity, Victoria’s Secret has spotlighted transgender models, older models, and a range of performers in an attempt to capture the complexity of womanhood today:
- Transgender and non-binary visibility: Including Valentina Sampaio and Alex Consani signaled a new openness to gender diversity on the runway .
- Age inclusion: Legends such as Tyra Banks, now in her 50s, and new mother Behati Prinsloo walked alongside younger stars, reflecting a shift away from youth-obsessed casting norms.
- Ethnic and cultural diversity: Models such as Gigi Hadid, Leomie Anderson, and Lila Moss (daughter of Kate Moss) bring a broader range of backgrounds and stories to the stage.
- Musical performances: The most recent show’s all-female lineup, featuring icons like Cher and newcomers like Tyla, echoed the theme of women’s empowerment .
How the Fashion World Is Responding
Victoria’s Secret’s new direction mirrors wider fashion industry trends:
- Runway evolution: Most major runways now feature models of varied sizes, ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds, challenging the idea that beauty and confidence come in only one form.
- Redefining “sexy:” Authenticity, confidence, and health—not unattainable perfection—are emerging as new beauty ideals both on social media and in advertising campaigns.
- Consumer demand for representation: Surveys consistently show that shoppers respond more positively to brands whose models reflect their own diversity and experiences.
From Angel Wings to Real Women’s Stories
The days when Victoria’s Secret’s wings were exclusive to a select few appear numbered. Increasingly, Angels and other high-profile models are advocating for shows and campaigns that tell real women’s stories. This trend is not only reshaping the runway, but also influencing everything from casting and creative direction to marketing and retail strategy.
- Community engagement: Victoria’s Secret now regularly features customers, brand ambassadors, and everyday women on social media and in promotional events, inviting more voices into the conversation about beauty.
- Expanding size ranges: The brand has begun offering a wider spectrum of sizes and fits, although some critics argue there is more work to be done before true inclusivity is achieved .
- Global influence: As a long-time trendsetter, Victoria’s Secret’s moves reverberate throughout fashion media, influencing the next generation of designers, stylists, and models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What changes have Victoria’s Secret Angels called for regarding model diversity?
A: Many of the brand’s newest Angels have publicly advocated for the hiring of plus-size, transgender, and ethnically diverse models, reflecting a desire for broader industry inclusion.
Q: Has Victoria’s Secret fully embraced plus-size modeling?
A: The brand has included plus-size models in some recent shows and campaigns, but critics say representation is still limited compared to rivals and does not yet reflect the full diversity of its customer base.
Q: Who are some of the first plus-size and transgender models to walk in Victoria’s Secret shows?
A: Ashley Graham made her debut as a plus-size model, and Valentina Sampaio was the brand’s first transgender model, participating in recent runway events.
Q: Why did Victoria’s Secret originally resist hiring plus-size and diverse models?
A: Former executives believed a narrow standard of beauty was key to the brand’s image and commercial success, but rising public criticism and falling sales forced a re-evaluation.
Q: Is the Angel program still part of Victoria’s Secret?
A: The “Angels” program was retired in 2019 as Victoria’s Secret rebranded towards a more inclusive image, though elements like wings and model ambassadors remain part of recent runway productions.
Key Takeaways
- Victoria’s Secret is at a turning point: Fueled by pressure from new brand leaders, Angels, and consumers, the company is making halting but visible moves toward a more inclusive definition of beauty.
- Plus-size and diverse model inclusion remains a work in progress: High-profile casting decisions signal change, but true systemic inclusivity requires ongoing commitment and transparency.
- The conversation is bigger than one brand: Victoria’s Secret’s struggles and evolution reflect broader shifts in the fashion and beauty industry, where authenticity and inclusivity are becoming non-negotiable for success.
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