The annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which aired on October 15th, seemed to lack its usual spark this year. Fans of the show have been left feeling that it needs a touch of nostalgia to reignite the excitement that was once synonymous with the iconic event.
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Stephanie Sengwe, a seasoned pop culture enthusiast and features editor at PEOPLE, expressed her sentiments about the latest edition of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. While she acknowledges the company’s efforts to evolve and adapt to changing times, Sengwe believes that reintroducing certain nostalgic elements could help recapture the magic that once defined the show.
One of the key elements that seemed to be missing this year was the iconic Fantasy Bra. Introduced by Claudia Schiffer in 1996, the extravagant bra embellished with Swarovski crystals was a highlight of past shows, worn by supermodels like Gisele Bündchen, Heidi Klum, and Joan Smalls. Despite its discontinuation to reflect inclusivity, loyal viewers have fond memories of the Fantasy Bra’s opulence and allure.
The essence of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has always been to showcase unattainable yet aspirational lingerie. While the decision to make the show more accessible to a broader audience is understandable, some argue that it has diluted the glamour and allure that originally captivated viewers. The balance between accessibility and fantasy seems to be a delicate one for the show to strike effectively.
In its heyday, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show featured renowned supermodels known as Victoria’s Secret Angels, who graced the runway with their iconic angel wings. These models, often seasoned professionals who had walked for prestigious fashion houses, brought a level of prestige and glamour to the show that became synonymous with the Victoria’s Secret brand.
Despite the show’s efforts to embrace diversity and inclusivity, such as featuring pregnant model Jasmine Tookes and plus-size model Ashley Graham, fans still yearn for the extravagant flair and spectacle that defined the earlier iterations of the show. The blend of inclusivity with the extravagant allure of the past could potentially elevate the show to new heights of popularity and excitement.
While the modern-day convenience of streaming platforms has made the show more accessible to a global audience, some viewers miss the anticipation and communal experience of watching the show on network television. The shift towards digital platforms may have broadened the show’s reach, but it has also altered the traditional viewing experience that fans grew up with.
Ultimately, as the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show continues to evolve and adapt to changing cultural norms and consumer expectations, striking a balance between nostalgia and innovation will be crucial. Revisiting elements of the show’s storied past while embracing the diversity and inclusivity of the present could be the key to reigniting the magic that has endeared the show to audiences worldwide for decades.