The Depressing Nostalgia of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Mother Jones • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned on Sunday, featuring Kylie Jenner wearing the $50 million diamond-encrusted Fantasy Bra, despite her lack of traditional modeling credentials.
- Jenner’s selection sparked backlash on social media, with critics arguing the prestigious Fantasy Bra should be worn by established Victoria’s Secret Angels, who have contractual brand ambassador roles.
- The event marked the first time the Fantasy Bra appeared on the runway since 2018 and highlighted Victoria’s Secret’s ongoing cultural comeback after a decline linked to the #MeToo movement and controversies involving former owner Les Wexner.
- The show evoked strong nostalgia for the 1990s, including a closing scene with the Spice Girls’ hit “Say You’ll Be There,” but also drew criticism for promoting outdated gender norms and superficial notions of female empowerment.
