After a four-year cancellation, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is back, and fans are eagerly embracing this much-anticipated “rebirth.”
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York City on October 16th, marking its return after being canceled in 2019. This decision to bring the show sparked a wave of backlash on social media, particularly from the very audience the brand aimed to please. The show was put on hold in 2019 due to several factors, including a decline in views and sales, the controversial connections to the Epstein case, and a growing conversation about its lack of diversity and representation. That same year, Edward Razek, the show’s organizer, stepped down following public criticism.
In a Vogue interview in 2018, Razek rejected the idea of featuring transgender and plus-size models, characterizing the event as a “fantasy” and claiming that trans women “shouldn’t” be included. His comments were widely criticized as exclusionary and disconnected from modern values of inclusivity. Halsey, who performed at the 2018 show, vocally criticized the brand, stating her intolerance for a lack of inclusivity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Although Razek later apologized and acknowledged his remarks as “insensitive,” the damage had already been done. In 2020, The New York Times exposed allegations of harassment and a toxic culture under Razek’s leadership, contributing to a narrative of misconduct and outdated mindsets. During this same period, the #MeToo Movement gained significant momentum, bringing attention to allegations of misconduct in Victoria’s Secret, as well as other industries. Victoria’s Secret was also facing increasing competition from brands like Savage x Fenty, founded by Rihanna, which gained popularity because of embracing a wider range of representation. This included showcasing models of all races and body types, transgender individuals, and visibly pregnant women.
In the years 2019 and 2025, against a backdrop of heightened political tension and renewed interest in the Epstein files, Victoria’s Secret found itself intertwined with a significant controversy. This connection stemmed largely from Jeffrey Epstein’s long-term relationship with Leslie Wexner, the billionaire founder of L Brands, and the former owner of Victoria’s Secret. Epstein managed Wexner’s finances for several years, and it has been reported that he used this relationship to gain access to the brand’s models and executives. Allegations surfaced from several women claiming that Epstein posed as a recruiter for Victoria’s Secret to lure them into dangerous situations. While Victoria’s Secret has denied any formal ties to Epstein, these discoveries have sparked public outrage and concerns about the company’s culture and leadership during a period of increasing scrutiny.
All of these factors in 2019 led to the resignation of Edward Razek and marked a crucial turning point for Victoria’s Secret as the company wanted to change its image to keep up with a fast-changing culture.
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marked a significant shift for the brand, aligning with modern cultural expectations and moving away from its previous “fantasy” narrative. Under new CEO Hillary Super, the show featured a diverse lineup, including Olympian Suni Lee, WNBA star Angel Reese, plus-size icons Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsesser, comedian/influencer Quenlin Blackwell, and transgender model Alex Consani. Jasmine Tookes also walked the runway nine months pregnant, reinforcing a blend of strength and femininity. Titled “Reawakening,” the show also showcased live performances by TWICE, Missy Elliott, and Karol G. The message was clear: beauty no longer fits one silhouette. Of course, with this, the show’s rebranding sparked a new controversy, with TikTok users claiming it’s lost its “angel” aesthetic. Some users expressed disappointment that it no longer aligns with their ideal of a supermodel, which featured seemingly perfect and “impossible” body types. While other TikTok users express appreciation for the inclusion of different sizes, influencers, and athletes, they see it as a positive step toward redefining beauty standards.
Despite Victoria’s Secret’s long list of controversies over the years, its rebranding at this year’s show felt like a refreshing move towards a more open-minded world. We’re living in a time filled with negativity, almost as if we’re slipping back into an era where opportunities are dwindling—seeing name brands like Victoria’s Secret change their practices in a divided world is respectable. So, what are your thoughts on Victoria’s Secret’s 2025 fashion show “Reawakening”? Are you inspired to dive deeper into more of their Secrets? (wink wink)
Words by Mae Jewell McGinnis
Graphic by Connor Crankshaw