The world of Victoria’s Secret, known for its extravagant fashion shows and iconic lingerie models, has not been immune to controversies and leaks over the years. Here are five notable incidents:
Model Casting Controversies (2018): A significant leak occurred when an email from Victoria’s Secret’s head of casting, Edward Razek, was made public. In the email, Razek expressed his unfavorable views on including transgender and plus-sized models in the brand’s annual fashion show, stating that the show was a “fantasy” and thus didn’t need to be inclusive of all body types. This sparked widespread criticism and calls for greater diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. The incident highlighted the ongoing struggle for body positivity and representation in high fashion.
Financial and Sales Decline (2019): Internal documents leaked to the press revealed Victoria’s Secret was facing significant financial challenges, including declining sales and a drop in customer traffic to its stores. The leak detailed the company’s struggles to adapt to changing consumer preferences, particularly the shift towards more inclusive and diverse brands. This financial downturn led to the cancellation of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2019, a move that was seen as a consequence of both internal mismanagement and external pressures from competitors and changing consumer attitudes.
Les Wexner and Jeffrey Epstein Connection (2019): Following the arrest and subsequent death of financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was charged with sex trafficking, it was revealed that Les Wexner, the billionaire founder of L Brands (the parent company of Victoria’s Secret), had a close business and personal relationship with Epstein. Leaked documents and reports indicated that Epstein had significant influence over Wexner’s personal and business affairs, including serving as a money manager for Wexner and his companies. This association led to widespread criticism and calls for greater transparency and accountability within the company, particularly regarding how Epstein’s influence may have extended into Victoria’s Secret’s operations and culture.
Model Contracts and Working Conditions (2020): Leaks about the working conditions and contractual obligations of Victoria’s Secret models sparked further controversy. Reports emerged detailing the strict requirements models had to adhere to, including rigorous diet and exercise regimens, and the psychological impacts of constant scrutiny and pressure to maintain a certain physique. The leaks highlighted the often-hidden side of the modeling industry, where the pursuit of physical perfection can lead to mental health issues, eating disorders, and an unhealthy relationship with body image.
Racial and Body Diversity Issues (Ongoing): Despite efforts to increase diversity, Victoria’s Secret has faced ongoing criticism for its lack of representation on the runway and in its marketing campaigns. Leaks and internal sources have suggested that while the brand publicly commits to inclusivity, there are still significant barriers to achieving true diversity, including resistance from long-standing executives and a struggle to redefine the brand’s image in a way that appeals to both its traditional customer base and a newer, more diverse audience. These issues reflect broader challenges in the fashion industry, where brands are navigating the complexities of representation, diversity, and the evolving definitions of beauty.
These leaks and controversies underscore the challenges Victoria’s Secret faces in adapting to changing societal values and consumer preferences. As the brand navigates these issues, it must balance its traditional image with the need for inclusivity, diversity, and sensitivity to the complexities of body image and workplace culture. The path forward requires not just superficial changes but a deep transformation in how the brand perceives and presents beauty, and in how it treats its models and employees.
