In the annals of fashion history, the year 2021 marked a pivotal moment for Victoria’s Secret, as the renowned lingerie brand made an epochal announcement that sent ripples through the fashion cosmos. It declared the retirement of its iconic Angels’ showgirl wings, signifying the end of an era filled with ethereal beauty, fantasy, and allure. This proclamation was not a mere shift in strategy but a response to a new cultural zeitgeist, catalyzed by the #MeToo movement, which placed the brand under intense scrutiny due to a series of disturbing workplace harassment allegations.
Yet, as the dust of transformation settled, Victoria’s Secret embarked on a journey of visual and ethical rebranding, aiming to transcend its own storied past while crafting a “reimagined” spectacle poised to rival its once-unparalleled fashion shows. This resurrection of opulence and glamour came to fruition in the form of a feature-length film, set to grace the screens of Amazon Prime later this month.
The venerable Manhattan Center in New York, a citadel of entertainment history, was the stage for a star-studded premiere that transpired just last night. A pantheon of luminaries, both new and enduring, gracefully graced the red carpet, their presence a testament to the enduring legacy of Victoria’s Secret. Among these illustrious figures were none other than Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, Gigi Hadid, and the effervescent EmRata, each lending their distinctive aura to the age-old archetype of what it means to be an “Angel” in 2023.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, a paragon of elegance and poise, graced the event with her presence, exuding an air of timeless sophistication. Her sartorial choice for the evening, a gown that seamlessly melded with her silhouette, evoked the concept of a “nude-illusion column.” Crafted with sheer fabric and intricately spangled with celestial motifs, it unveiled a high-waisted lingerie set beneath, a testament to the newfound elegance that graces Victoria’s Secret’s latest chapter. This exquisite creation emerged from the depths of Giambattista Valli’s autumn/winter 2023 collection, solidifying the brand’s commitment to a redefined sensuality.
Gone are the days of the traditional underwear-plus-stilettos formula that once defined Victoria’s Secret’s allure. In its place, a phoenix rises from the ashes, embodying a more refined, less provocative, yet equally potent idea of sex appeal. The unveiling of Priyanka Chopra Jonas in Giambattista Valli’s ethereal ensemble underscores this evolution. The question lingers, Will the forthcoming Victoria’s Secret show maintain and surpass this elevated standard of distinction?
Fashion enthusiasts and connoisseurs worldwide are eagerly awaiting the answer, their calendars marked for September 24, when this resplendent spectacle will grace screens across the globe. Victoria’s Secret, reborn and revitalized, beckons us to partake in its reinvention, promising a grandiose display of glamour, empowerment, and a rekindled sense of what it means to be an “Angel” in the luminous year of 2023.
