The Victoria’s Secret 2024 Fashion Show
Featuring stunning models such as Adriana Lima, Carla Bruni, and Barbara Palvin, this year’s fashion show was trending and it seemed to be embracing a more inclusive vision, including the participation of two transgender models: Alex Consani and Valentina Sampaio.
Consani, who recently featured in Charli XCX’s “360″ music video, made her debut in sky-blue lingerie with matching angel wings, sharing her excitement on social media.
alex consani is the first-ever trans model to walk the victoria’s secret runway.
— pop culture (@gagasyuyi) October 15, 2024
Some may recognize Alex Consani, an American model known for her work on TikTok, where she has gained a large following with her content on fashion, politics, and diversity. She is proudly trans and has been open about her journey, starting hormone replacement therapy during puberty, and helping tons of people around the world with her great sense of humor.
Valentina Sampaio, a Brazilian actress and model, also returned to the runway, continuing her journey as the first transgender model to wear Victoria’s Secret lingerie, stating it was a “dream come true.” “One that so many people told me, ‘no.’ That [the dream] would be impossible for me to ever realize -[but] I just did.”
She applauded her participation noting how important it was for her community: “It’s collectively a step forward in celebrating the rights of my community, to live and work with dignity.”
Fortunately, Valentina told TMZ the hate had “little impact on her good vibes after the show.”
“We are here. We always have been here. And we always will be here.”
But some people noticed this inclusive move starkly contrasts with Victoria’s Secret’s past, particularly the infamous 2018 comments by Ed Razek, the former chief marketing officer of the company.
Ed Razek’s Transphobic Commentary
In an interview with Vogue, Razek was asked why the brand didn’t feature transgender or plus-size models in their runway shows. His response, which sparked outrage, dismissed the idea by stating that Victoria’s Secret was focused on selling a “fantasy.”
In the interview, Razek said, “Shouldn’t you have transsexuals in the show? No, no, I don’t think we should. The show is a fantasy.” He also referred to transgender women using the outdated term “transsexual,” a word widely considered offensive. Razek claimed that the brand had thought about casting transgender and plus-size models but decided against it, stating, “We market to who we sell to, and we don’t market to the whole world.”
These remarks led to a backlash, with members of the LGBTQ+ community, including well-known figures like Gigi Gorgeous and Carmen Carrera (from Rupaul’s Drag Race), calling for a boycott of the brand. Gorgeous expressed her disappointment in a YouTube video, saying she would no longer support Victoria’s Secret. Plus-size model Tess Holliday also joined the criticism, highlighting the brand’s exclusionary practices and praising more inclusive companies like Savage x Fenty by our dear Rihanna.
Victoria’s Secret’s Apology
Razek eventually issued an apology after his comments went viral, but the damage had been done. He claimed that Victoria’s Secret would “absolutely” cast transgender models in the future, but the apology felt hollow to many.
I thought Victorias Secret was canceled due to their transphobia and fatphobia. I guess everyone forgot.
— Muneer Ali (@MuneerAli182527) October 16, 2024
The Model Alliance, a prominent organization advocating for model rights, condemned Razek’s remarks, stating that such comments create a hostile work environment for those who do not fit Victoria’s Secret’s narrow ideals of beauty.
Now, the brand has made an iconic comeback. Could this be a genuine transformation, or simply a strategic move? Time will tell. But let’s hope Victoria’s Secret has truly reformed its values and embraced diversity in a meaningful way because, as the fashion industry evolves, brands must commit to inclusion in all aspects—beyond the runway—to reflect a world where all people, regardless of gender, sexuality, or race, are celebrated.