Bethenny Frankel Says Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Used to Be About ‘Drinking Champagne and Smoking Cigarettes’

Bethenny Frankel, the entrepreneur behind the SkinnyGirl brand, has stepped forward to defend the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show amid public scrutiny. In a recent Instagram post, Frankel asserted that the show, which took place on October 18, was a “spectacle” that embraced “gorgeous women,” despite criticisms directed towards its models, including the notable appearance of Kylie Jenner.

Jenner’s inclusion in the fashion event has sparked discussions, particularly due to her extravagant $50 million diamond-encrusted bra. For some viewers, this display of opulence felt disconnected from the prevailing economic climate, drawing accusations of insensitivity. Nevertheless, Frankel responded defiantly, stating, “Money talks, Kylie Jenner walks, and they [Victoria’s Secret] have to sell bras throughout the year.”

In her remarks, the 55-year-old reality television star and business mogul acknowledged the mixed sentiments that the franchise has elicited over the years. While many nostalgia-driven fans lamented the evolution of the show, Frankel argued that its essence remains unchanged. “People saying, ‘I miss what it used to be,’ as if it’s some puritanical event that’s really drastically changed,” she noted, asserting that the show has always exemplified grandeur and glamour.

Reflecting on previous performances, Frankel reminisced about past years where standout musical acts, including Justin Timberlake, added to the allure of the event. She highlighted that historical editions of the show often involved unhealthy habits among the models, admitting, “What it really used to be was girls drinking champagne and smoking cigarettes” in a relentless pursuit to meet extreme size expectations.

In a shift towards modernity, Frankel praised this year’s show for embracing inclusivity and multiculturalism, suggesting that it represents a significant advancement from earlier formats. She remarked, “We’ve come a long way, baby,” signalling her support for the show’s current direction and the integration of diverse representations within the modelling industry.

Moreover, Frankel noted a pivotal change in the fashion landscape, pointing out that influencers have largely supplanted traditional supermodels as the new icons in the industry. “So don’t hate the player, hate the game,” she contended, further contextualising her approval of the show’s evolution.

During her commentary, Frankel did not shy away from critiquing the demographic of the event’s audience. She quipped about the stereotypical ‘finance bros’ who attend, saying, “It’s full of finance bros in suits that are under 5’10”, slightly balding, because nobody loves a supermodel like a finance bro in a suit.” With this light-hearted jab, Frankel shifted the lens back onto societal perceptions and expectations surrounding beauty and success.

As the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show continues to evolve in response to public sentiment and cultural changes, Frankel’s remarks encapsulate a broader conversation about the portrayal of women in media and the expectations placed upon them. While she acknowledges previous shortcomings, her support for the franchise serves to highlight its ongoing journey toward embracing a more inclusive future.

In conclusion, while the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has been the subject of criticism over the years, figures like Bethenny Frankel illustrate the complexities of public perception. Her defence not only champions the allure of the fashion spectacle but also underscores the importance of inclusivity in today’s media landscape.