Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Is Cancelled For 2019

The annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is an unmissable event in the fashion industry. However, this year, for the first time since its inception in 1995, the show will not take place.

Leslie Wexner, the Chief Executive of L Brands; Victoria’s Secret’s parent company, wrote an email to employees that was leaked in May this year and, could be linked to the decision. His email expressed a need to “re-think the traditional Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show,” as well as questioning whether “network television is the right fit.” 

Most people took this as a direct response to the show’s dwindling viewing figures. The 2018 VS Fashion Show only drew an audience of 3.3 million; a huge drop from the five million that tuned in the previous year. 

Recently, the brand has faced criticism over lack of diversity on its catwalks following former chief marketing officer, Ed Razek’s controversial Vogue interview in November 2018. When questioned about a shift in the market, Razek admitted, “We attempted to do a television special for plus-sizes [in 2000]. No one had any interest in it, still don’t.” 

Despite the criticism and viewing figures, most people considered Wexner’s rebrand email to signify that while the show would not be televised this year, it would still take place…until now. 

In an interview with the Australian Daily Telegraph, VS Angel Shanina Shaik confirmed that “unfortunately the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show won’t be happening this year.” She went on to support the need to rebrand, saying the organizers must find “new ways to do the show because it’s the best show in the world.” 

Next Up, Has The World Fallen Out Of Love With Victoria’s Secret?