Victoria's Secret show returns after controversy

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has made a grand return after being absent for five years, and it has sparked a lot of conversations about beauty and representation. The show, which is known for its glamorous models and spectacular performances, was canceled in 2018 due to declining ratings and criticism regarding its lack of diversity and perceived sexism. On a Tuesday evening in New York City, the show returned with a bang, featuring British supermodel Kate Moss, who is now 50 years old, making a stunning appearance on the runway. She wore a beautiful lace-covered slip dress over a black bodysuit and sported a pair of extravagant feathered angel wings. Joining her on the runway was her 22-year-old daughter, Lila Moss, marking a special moment for the mother-daughter duo. The event was not just about fashion; it also included musical performances from renowned artists like Cher, Tyla, and Lisa from the popular K-pop group Blackpink. Lisa opened the show with her hit song 'Rockstar,' captivating the audience with her performance and striking black lace outfit adorned with wings. The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show first began in 1995 and traditionally attracted millions of viewers each year, along with big-name performers such as Rihanna and Taylor Swift. However, by 2018, the show's ratings had plummeted, with only three million viewers tuning in, a significant drop from nine million just four years prior. The New York Times described Victoria's Secret as a brand in 'steady decline,' while the Wall Street Journal noted that it had 'lost its appeal. ' The 2017 show was held in Shanghai, China, but faced challenges when stars like Katy Perry and Gigi Hadid were reportedly denied visas. In 2018, the former chief executive of the company faced backlash for comments made about the absence of transgender and plus-sized models in the show. In 2019, Valentina Sampaio made history as the first transgender model to represent Victoria's Secret, and she walked in this year's show as well. The return of the show aimed to celebrate all women, with the company's British chief design and creative officer, Janie Schaffer, stating that Victoria's Secret had evolved significantly over the past three years. The runway featured a diverse lineup of models, including Valentina Sampaio and another transgender model, Alex Consani. Plus-sized models like Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsesser also graced the runway, although some critics viewed their presence as merely a token gesture in light of the brand's history. Tyra Banks made her long-awaited return to the Victoria's Secret runway for the first time since 2009, and other familiar faces like Gigi and Bella Hadid showcased matching outfits. The show featured 50 models from 25 different countries, which was a notable step towards diversity. However, reactions to the show were mixed, with some commentators questioning whether it truly represented a change in the brand's approach. While Schaffer emphasized the diversity of the models, some viewers felt that the runway was still dominated by conventionally attractive, thin models. One writer reflected on how watching the show reminded her of her childhood, where she saw models who did not resemble her and set unrealistic beauty standards. The return of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has certainly reignited discussions about beauty, representation, and the evolution of the fashion industry.