Victoria's Secret: Celebrating Black Angels

Victoria's Secret, the iconic lingerie brand, has long been associated with beauty, glamour, and a certain ideal of the perfect woman. For many years, that ideal was narrowly defined, primarily featuring white, blonde, and blue-eyed models. However, the brand has evolved, albeit with some bumps along the road, to embrace diversity and inclusion. Today, we celebrate the black models who have graced the Victoria's Secret runway, challenged conventional beauty standards, and inspired countless women around the world. This is a look at their impact, their stories, and the ongoing conversation about representation in the fashion industry.

Trailblazers: The First Black Angels

The journey towards inclusivity wasn't an overnight success. It took time, advocacy, and a growing awareness of the need for representation. Among the first black models to break through and earn their wings were:

• Tyra Banks: An absolute icon, Tyra Banks wasn't just one of the first black Victoria's Secret Angels; she was a superstar. Joining the brand in the mid-1990s, Tyra brought her infectious energy, incredible charisma, and undeniable beauty to the runway. She quickly became a fan favorite and helped redefine what it meant to be a Victoria's Secret Angel. Her success opened doors for other black models and paved the way for a more inclusive future.

• Naomi Campbell: Already a global supermodel before joining Victoria's Secret, Naomi Campbell brought her unparalleled star power and fierce runway walk to the brand. Her presence on the Victoria's Secret runway was a statement in itself, solidifying the brand's move towards recognizing and celebrating diverse beauty. Naomi's involvement was a significant step forward, demonstrating that beauty comes in all shades and backgrounds.

These women weren't just models; they were pioneers. They faced industry biases and challenged the status quo, proving that black women are beautiful, desirable, and belong on the world's biggest stages. Their early success laid the foundation for future generations of black models to thrive within the Victoria's Secret brand. They demonstrated that the definition of beauty could, and should, be expanded to include a broader spectrum of representation.

The Rise of a New Generation

Following in the footsteps of Tyra and Naomi, a new wave of black models emerged, each bringing her unique beauty and personality to the Victoria's Secret runway. These women further expanded the brand's image and solidified its commitment to diversity (even if that commitment was sometimes questioned and criticized):

• Selita Ebanks: With her captivating eyes and stunning physique, Selita Ebanks became an Angel in 2005. She quickly rose to prominence, appearing in numerous Victoria's Secret catalogs and fashion shows. Selita's presence brought a fresh perspective to the brand, showcasing the beauty and grace of black women. Her tenure as an Angel was a testament to her hard work, dedication, and undeniable appeal.

• Chanel Iman: Chanel Iman's youthful energy and playful personality made her an instant hit with Victoria's Secret fans. She became an Angel in 2009 and quickly established herself as a runway favorite. Chanel's success demonstrated that the brand was not just looking for a specific type of beauty but was embracing the diverse range of looks within the black community. Her bubbly personality and stunning looks made her a memorable addition to the Angel lineup.

• Jourdan Dunn: Jourdan Dunn's striking features and powerful runway walk made her a force to be reckoned with. She walked in numerous Victoria's Secret fashion shows, showcasing her versatility and undeniable talent. Jourdan's presence on the runway was a reminder that black women are not a monolith; they possess a wide range of looks and personalities. Her success challenged the notion that there is only one type of beauty that can be celebrated.

These models, and many others, contributed to a significant shift in the brand's image. They brought diversity, talent, and undeniable star power to the Victoria's Secret runway. Their success helped to challenge conventional beauty standards and inspire young black women to embrace their own unique beauty. While the brand still faced criticism for its lack of inclusivity in other areas, the presence of these models was a step in the right direction.

Impact and Influence

The impact of black models on the Victoria's Secret brand and the broader fashion industry cannot be overstated. They have:

• Challenged Beauty Standards: By gracing the Victoria's Secret runway, these women have challenged the narrow definition of beauty that has historically dominated the fashion industry. They have shown that beauty comes in all shades, shapes, and sizes.

• Inspired Young Women: Their success has inspired countless young black women to pursue their dreams and believe in their own beauty. Seeing themselves represented on such a prominent stage has been empowering and transformative.

• Increased Visibility: Their presence has increased the visibility of black women in the fashion industry, creating opportunities for other models and designers of color.

• Sparked Conversation: The ongoing conversation about diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry has been fueled, in part, by the presence and advocacy of these models. They have used their platforms to speak out about the importance of representation and challenge the industry to do better.

The Evolving Landscape of Victoria's Secret

In recent years, Victoria's Secret has faced increasing criticism for its lack of diversity and its outdated portrayal of women. The brand has responded, albeit slowly, by making changes to its marketing campaigns, its model roster, and its overall image. This includes:

• Ending the Angel Era: The brand has retired its iconic Angels, opting instead to work with a more diverse group of ambassadors who represent a wider range of backgrounds, body types, and experiences.

• Embracing Body Positivity: Victoria's Secret has started to feature models of different sizes and shapes in its campaigns, signaling a shift towards embracing body positivity.

• Promoting Inclusivity: The brand has made efforts to promote inclusivity in its marketing and advertising, showcasing women of different races, ethnicities, and abilities.

While these changes are a step in the right direction, many argue that Victoria's Secret still has a long way to go. The brand's past mistakes have damaged its reputation, and it will take time and consistent effort to regain the trust of consumers. However, the contributions of black models to the brand's history should not be forgotten. They paved the way for a more inclusive future and helped to challenge the status quo.

Looking Ahead

The future of Victoria's Secret remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the brand must continue to prioritize diversity and inclusion if it wants to remain relevant. This means not only featuring models of color but also ensuring that women of color are represented behind the scenes, in positions of power and influence. It also means listening to the concerns of consumers and responding to their needs.

The legacy of black Victoria's Secret models is one of strength, resilience, and beauty. They have challenged conventional beauty standards, inspired countless young women, and paved the way for a more inclusive future. As the brand continues to evolve, it is important to remember the contributions of these women and to celebrate their impact on the fashion industry.

In conclusion, the story of black models and Victoria's Secret is a complex one, filled with both progress and setbacks. While the brand has made strides in recent years to become more inclusive, it still has a long way to go. However, the contributions of black models to the brand's history cannot be denied. They have challenged beauty standards, inspired young women, and paved the way for a more diverse and equitable future in the fashion industry. Let's continue to celebrate these amazing women and advocate for greater representation in all aspects of fashion and beyond.