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The Feminism Wins (and Fails) of the VS Fashion Show

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Shanelle Pearce
UCF Contributor
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCF chapter.

Most of us have been watching the VS fashion show since Tyra and Heidi used to own the stage. It’s the most watched fashion event, for many obvious reasons. It showcases gorgeous, multicultural women with bodies that fit most people’s definition of physical “perfection” and it’s super colorful.

 
Despite the pretty show VS puts on, many viewers are left feeling bummed because they don’t look VS perfect or are upset that they can probably never date a girl that looks like a VS model. There is also a lot of backlash with claims of VS objectifying women and setting unrealistic examples of what it means to be a “real” woman. But the VS Fashion Show has come very far over the years, and if you look beyond the lights, feathers and wings, you’ll also notice some positive changes.

Win: The new VS image promotes fitness and healthy eating, which inspire women to put in the work and be their best, healthy selves.

Fail: Though exercise is promoted, VS still exclusively features women who most likely are naturally thin. Not much body type diversity. Something simple as adding some models without thigh gaps can showcase that all body types can “train like angels” and be fit. #allwomen

 

 

Win: Model Maria Borges changed the game by rocking her new haircut, widening the term “Victoria’s Secret Hair”. Sexy hair doesn’t always mean long, waves.

 

 

Win: More behind the scenes footage of the process (hair extensions, body makeup, etc). I mean, who wouldn’t look amazing after 10 pounds of hair extensions and 1,000 people primping you to VS perfection?

 

 

Fail: VS still displays a very limited look into the models lives. Not enough emphasis on who the girls are as people, just a lot of kisses and “silly” antics. 

 

 
Win: No more shots of gawking male celebrities with their jaws dropped. Only a proud Caleb Followill.
 
 
Fail: The behavior of the models are still very stereotypical and one-dimensional.
 
 
VS is not the authority on how women should look or live their lives, but many people still find themselves building their idea of femininity from the brand. VS has definitely made some steps to broaden the definition, which is great, especially for those who subscribe to them. I’m glad they are rising to that responsibility, but ultimately as individuals we define what makes us feel beautiful and feminine. 
 
 
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Shanelle is pursing an Interdisciplinary degree at UCF with concentrations in Biomedical Sciences and Health Sciences, accompanied by a minor in Magazine Journalism. She has a great love for literature, music and nature, and in her free time she enjoys baking, cooking, painting, knitting, basically creating anything with her hands. But her desire to create and explore is often overcomed by her need for hot tea, naps and Netflix marathons. 
UCF Contributor