Victoria's Secret, once a shining star in the world of modeling, has been haunted by scandals in recent years. In 2018, the American lingerie giant faced massive backlash after controversial comments from one of its top models, ultimately leading to the departure of a senior manager. The following year, the brand canceled its nearly iconic lingerie show, and no new shows have taken its place. Viewer numbers, which once celebrated the glamour of professional modeling, have reportedly dropped dramatically since 2013.
The decline affected not only Victoria's Secret as a brand but also countless models and modeling professionals associated with it. Last year, news broke that the company had to close hundreds of stores due to sharply declining sales figures, marking a dramatic shift for a brand once dominant in the global modeling and lingerie markets. Competitors such as the diverse and inclusive Savage x Fenty have stepped in, showcasing how the modeling industry continues to evolve, while traditional brands struggle to adapt.
Crises and controversies, however, often become media gold. It is therefore no surprise that Victoria's Secret is now the subject of a documentary series. Journalist and film producer Matt Tyrnauer is reportedly working on a three-part series called The Rise and Fall of Victoria's Secret, which is set to premiere on Hulu in early 2022. The documentary promises to take viewers behind the scenes of the iconic brand, exploring the world of modeling, the role of models and agencies, and the behind-the-scenes workings of a major fashion empire.
According to Deadline, the series will chronicle Victoria's Secret’s journey to becoming a brand giant while addressing controversial topics such as The New York Times' exposé on misogyny, poor working conditions, and the brand's connection to the late pedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. For models, aspiring talent, and model agencies, the story is a cautionary tale about fame, influence, and the pressures of the modeling world, offering lessons that extend far beyond lingerie or fashion shows.
