Victoria's Secret has officially moved away from its world-famous supermodel angels, signaling a major shift in the modeling industry. The lingerie and apparel brand parted ways with models who for years strutted down the runway in elaborate feathered and bejeweled ensembles, often weighing nearly 30 pounds, according to the New York Times. Instead, Victoria’s Secret is now embracing a diverse group of women known more for their accomplishments than for a specific body type.
The new campaign features high-profile figures including soccer star Megan Rapinoe, freestyle skier Eileen Gu, model and lawyer Paloma Essler, actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, transgender model Valentina Sampaio, South Sudanese refugee and model Adut Akech, and photographer Amanda de Cadenet. These women will work closely with the retailer to redefine what it means to be “sexy,” reflecting a broader, more inclusive vision for modeling in today’s world.
The initiative, called the VS Collective, will advise the brand, appear in advertisements, and promote Victoria’s Secret across social media. This approach highlights the evolving role of models—not just as runway figures but as voices in shaping brand identity. With this shift, Victoria’s Secret joins a growing movement in which model agencies and fashion brands prioritize authenticity, diversity, and empowerment in their modeling campaigns.
Victoria’s Secret is also undergoing internal changes, with a newly appointed leadership team and a predominantly female board of directors. CEO Martin Waters emphasized that the brand’s transformation reflects a broader commitment to women, stating, “We had to stop caring about what men want and start focusing on what women want.”
The changes extend beyond representation in modeling. The brand will launch more inclusive sizing, maternity wear, and a podcast featuring the VS Collective, demonstrating that model-driven campaigns now go far beyond traditional runway shows. While the iconic Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show may return in a different form in 2022, the brand’s new strategy underscores how modeling, models, and model agencies can redefine cultural standards and lead the fashion industry toward inclusivity.
