The word ‘inclusivity’ has devalued into a buzz word where as long as a brand says they are, they don’t have to prove it. It’s actually got a dedicated word: fit-washing.
So when I heard that the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was back and better than ever, I think I hoped for the best, but expected the worst. I mean, they’ve never been known to be inclusive, and the steps that would need to happen in order to do so would send them bankrupt.
As the first Victoria’s Secret (VS) angel walked out, the entire plus size community was waiting to see if we would be included. And there she was- Ashley Graham. As a size 14 woman, she had become the token size representation in the fashion and modelling industry, and is there to tick a box. This is in no way a criticism of Ashely Graham – she is a phenomenal spokesperson for the community, but she is not a representation of the community.
This problem goes much further than just who walked in the runway. Every news agency or media agency in Australia that I have seen post about it, have written about how beautiful and inclusive it is, but have only included screenshots of the size 6 models. These agencies haven’t included the few curve models who walked, which feels like another slap in the face.
When you look at the curve models who walked, they are wearing the most clothing, while the size 6 models are donning the iconic VS bra and thong.
There’s no doubt about it, this runway was leaps and bounds ahead of what it used to be, but it’s still not impressive or worthy of praise in 2024. We shouldn’t have to simply be happy with the token they’ve given us.