Victoria's Secret Unveils Royal Secrets: The Real Story Behind the Iconic Name

Victoria's Secret's Sultry Comeback: A Royal Revelation and a Dash of Scandal

Get ready for a juicy tale of lingerie, royalty, and scandal as Victoria's Secret makes its grand return to the runway after ditching its "woke" rebrand in favor of its classic, sultry style. But before we dive into the drama, let's set the stage with some tantalizing tidbits about the brand's name.

It turns out that the iconic lingerie retailer's moniker is inspired by none other than Queen Victoria herself! Yes, you read that right – the British monarch who ruled for an impressive 63 years. But what's the connection between Her Majesty and Victoria's Secret? It all began with American businessman Roy Raymond, who co-founded the brand in 1977.

Raymond, a self-proclaimed "lingerie enthusiast," was determined to create a more upscale and welcoming shopping experience for men looking to purchase lingerie for their loved ones. He bemoaned the lack of selection and uncomfortable atmosphere at traditional department stores, where saleswomen would often treat him with disdain. The name "Victoria's Secret" was born out of Raymond's desire to evoke the sophisticated, hidden world of Victorian-era boudoirs.

Fast-forward to the present day, and Victoria's Secret is facing a major image overhaul after years of struggling sales and criticism over its handling of diversity and inclusion. In 2020, the brand came under fire for allegations of misogyny and harassment within its ranks. A former public relations employee, Casey Crowe Taylor, spoke out about the "ingrained" culture of abuse and intimidation that she witnessed during her time at the company.

"It was like brainwashing," Taylor told WSJ. "What was most alarming to me, as someone who was always raised as an independent woman, was just how ingrained this behavior was."

The brand's former chief marketing officer, Ed Razek, denied the allegations, calling them "categorically untrue" or taken out of context.

However, it seems that Victoria's Secret has finally listened to its critics and is making a concerted effort to revamp its image. The company's new CEO, Hillary Super, 53, announced plans to return to its "unapologetically sexy" branding after years of struggling sales and a tepid response to its diverse catwalk in 2023.

"We had allowed the brand to become watered down," Super told WSJ. "At the time I took over, Victoria's Secret was regarded as inappropriate and off-color, and we had to correct those mistakes."

Super revealed that her predecessors had made decisions "out of fear" after the company moved away from its seductive lingerie in favor of more comfortable and plain designs.

But don't worry, folks – the sultry, sexy vibe is back! Victoria's Secret has announced a major comeback with its latest runway show, which aired live on Amazon Prime Video. The event was a nod to the classic "glitzy and sensual" style that made the brand famous in the first place.

The show featured a diverse cast of models, including plus-sized and transgender models, but some critics have argued that it lacked the traditional glamour and excitement that fans had come to expect from Victoria's Secret.

One thing is for sure – Victoria's Secret's return to its sultry roots has sent shockwaves through the fashion industry. Will this bold move pay off for the brand? Only time will tell, but one thing's certain: we can't wait to see what's next!

A Royal Revelation

As we delve deeper into the history of Victoria's Secret, it becomes clear that the brand's name is more than just a clever marketing ploy. The connection between Queen Victoria and the brand is deeply rooted in history, and it's fascinating to explore.

During Queen Victoria's reign, women wore an array of undergarments, from corsets and shoulder puffs to petticoats and knickerbockers. These items were designed to be hidden beneath long dresses, hence the term "secret." The idea of revealing one's underwear was considered scandalous, making the brand's name a clever nod to the hidden world of Victorian-era boudoirs.

It's interesting to note that the brand's founders were not just inspired by Queen Victoria but also sought to create a sense of nostalgia and timelessness. By embracing the "secret" nature of lingerie during her reign, they aimed to evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication.

A Dash of Scandal

As we've mentioned earlier, Victoria's Secret has faced its fair share of criticism over the years. The brand has been accused of promoting an unrealistic beauty standard and perpetuating a culture of misogyny and harassment.

In 2019, the company came under fire for allegations of poor quality and lack of diversity among its models. The CFO of Victoria's Secret's parent company, Stuart Burgdoerfer, announced that the annual VS Fashion Show would be canceled amidst the backlash.

However, in 2024, the brand made a surprising comeback with a new focus on diversity and inclusion. The show featured plus-sized and transgender models, as well as different ethnicities. But while this move was seen as a step in the right direction, some critics argued that it lacked the traditional glamour and excitement of previous shows.

It remains to be seen whether Victoria's Secret will be able to recover from its past controversies and regain its status as a leader in the lingerie industry. One thing's for sure – the brand's return to its sultry roots has sent shockwaves through the fashion world, and we can't wait to see what's next!

A New Era for Victoria's Secret

As Victoria's Secret continues on its journey towards redemption, it's clear that the brand is committed to making a change. With its new CEO at the helm and a renewed focus on diversity and inclusion, there's hope for a brighter future.

But as we've seen time and again in the fashion industry, nothing is ever certain. Will this bold move pay off for Victoria's Secret? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – we're excited to see what's next!

Sources:

• TheScholarlyNote.com (2024) "Victoria's Secret Returns to Its Sultry Roots After Years of Struggling Sales"
• TheScholarlyNote.com (2023) "Victoria's Secret Faces Backlash Over Poor Quality and Lack of Diversity Among Models"