Victoria's Secret Comeback Falls Flat, Fans Are Disappointed

Victoria’s Secret is back, and somehow it still managed to miss the mark. After a six-year hiatus, the brand returned to the runway with a New York show that was supposed to feel like a victory lap, not a snooze fest.

Tuesday’s event, streamed on Amazon Prime Video from the Victoria’s Secret flagship store, pulled out big names like Gigi and Bella Hadid, Cher, Kate Moss and her daughter Lila, plus plus-size models and trans star Alex Consani. Even Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio showed up alongside Tyra Banks, so the cast had star power. But fans online say the vibe was off, accusing the production of “fake cheers” and calling the whole thing boring, flat-haired, and way too focused on being “woke.”

Now the comeback feels less like a grand return and more like a brand trying to outrun its own reputation.

The New York show on Tuesday featured stars like Gigi and Bella Hadid, Cher, Kate Moss, and her daughter Lila, along with plus-size models and trans star Alex Consani

Victoria's Secret attempted to embrace inclusivity, but the brand's fans were disappointed, albeit politely. They were left unimpressed by the brand's latest fashion show, and some even accused the production of using "fake cheers."

After a six-year hiatus, the once-captivating event, famous for showcasing supermodels in extravagant outfits, was replaced by what many described as a "boring" alternative.

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Fans felt that the effort to be "woke" overshadowed the excitement of the show

That’s the strange part, because the show had the kind of lineup that usually makes people forget their phones, like Cher, the Hadids, and Kate Moss with Lila in tow.

Then the complaints rolled in, with viewers claiming the “modern and boring” look was paired with “fake crowd noise” and a production that didn’t feel real.

One user on X lamented, "Victoria’s Secret came back with the most boring show ever," while another commented, "The Victoria’s Secret show looks so modern and boring now; I’m disappointed."

A third critique read, "This is so woke. Victoria’s Secret hasn’t listened to our demands.

The show lacks tall models, everyone’s hair is flat, and the whole production is different." A fourth viewer went as far as to accuse the show of adding "fake crowd noise" in what they deemed a harsh verdict.

The same kind of “unimpressed but trying” energy fans felt at Victoria’s Secret mirrors what your body goes through with age, and how to handle it.

Cultural Shifts in Fashion Marketing

Fashion brands, including Victoria's Secret, face scrutiny as consumer preferences evolve toward inclusivity and authenticity.

The criticism got sharper once people compared it to the brand’s earlier body-positive pivot in 2021, when Angels were replaced by “ambassadors” like Megan Rapinoe.

The event was streamed live on Amazon's Prime Video and was held at the Victoria's Secret flagship store in New York City, marking the return of Brazilian models Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio, along with Tyra Banks.

This comes three years after the brand’s controversial body-positive rebranding in 2021, when Victoria's Secret replaced its iconic Angels with 'ambassadors' like soccer star Megan Rapinoe. The company also dismissed its long-standing CEO following declining sales and an exposé accusing the brand of fostering misogyny, sexual harassment, and bullying.

And with the company still dealing with declining sales after a CEO shakeup and a messy exposé about mistreatment, this comeback landed in a spotlight it couldn’t afford to blink at.

Victoria's Secret's recent challenges highlight the importance of adapting to changing consumer sentiments. Creating a sense of belonging and authenticity is vital in today’s market. Brands can enhance emotional connections by telling relatable stories and showcasing real customers rather than just models, thus creating a more inclusive brand identity.

The struggles of Victoria's Secret highlight a vital lesson for brands navigating the changing tides of societal expectations. The company's inability to resonate with modern consumers underscores the importance of emotional intelligence in marketing, as well as the need for authenticity in brand messaging. As the article illustrates, the once-glamorous image of Victoria's Secret has faltered, revealing a disconnect between the brand's identity and the values of its audience.

The path to recovery will hinge on Victoria's Secret's willingness to listen to consumer feedback and adapt its strategies accordingly. In a market where consumers are increasingly discerning and vocal about their preferences, brands that prioritize genuine engagement and reflect the evolving values of their audience will be better positioned to cultivate loyalty and succeed amidst fierce competition.

Victoria’s Secret didn’t just return to the runway, it returned to a debate it can’t seem to win.

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