Victoria’s Secret finally launches trans-inclusive campaign as it closes down all its stores due to coronavirus
Victoria’s Secret is attempting to evolve into a more inclusive brand (Instagram/@Victoriassecret)
After years of criticism, Victoria’s Secret has finally embraced inclusivity with a new Spring campaign that showcases trans, plus-size and older models.
The Spring 2020 line, ‘Body by Victoria‘, kicked off this week featuring Brazilian transgender model Valentina Sampaio and two plus-size models, Candice Huffine and Solange van Doorn.
As well as Babara Palvin, Jasmine Tookes, Lais Ribeiro and Romee Strijd, the campaign also includes two models who (shock horror!) are not in their twenties – Daniela Pestova, 49, and Joan Smalls, 31.
And it was photographed by a female photographer, the former runway star Helena Christensen, 51, who also models for the brand.
The lingerie brand had suffered falling sales for years, with many analysts pointing blame at its hyper-sexualisation of thin, cis models.
Their image plummeted further when senior executive Ed Razek declared that he wouldn’t have transgender models in the fashion show because it’s “a fantasy”.
Razek quit last year after Victoria’s Secret hired its first transgender model, and the founder of their parent company was also ditched due to his connections with the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Now it seems the brand has now turned a corner by embracing a more diverse casting strategy.
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Unfortunately, Victoria’s Secret couldn’t have chosen a worse time to launch the campaign as the world grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.
Days after the campaign’s debut, Victoria’s Secret announced that it would be closing all its stores in the US and Canada. This was followed by a statement saying that they would be closing their online store, too.
“The safety of our customers and employees remains our number one priority,” the statement read. “As we continue to reassess the situation, we’ll inform you of updates as soon as possible.
“Our thoughts remain with you and your families during this unprecedented time. Stay well and we look forward to opening our doors and our site again soon.”
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