Hey guys! Let's dive into something that really shook up the fashion and marketing world: the Victoria's Secret commercial of 2020. Now, before you picture the usual runway extravaganza, get ready for a twist. This wasn't just a commercial; it was a statement, a turning point, and a reflection of the changing times. Victoria's Secret, a brand synonymous with supermodels, elaborate wings, and hyper-sexualized imagery, decided to pivot. But why? And how did they do it? Let's break it down.

The Backstory: Why the Change?

For years, Victoria's Secret had a very specific image. The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was a cultural phenomenon, drawing millions of viewers and setting beauty standards that were, let's face it, pretty unattainable for most women. The brand was built on the idea of the "Victoria's Secret Angel" – tall, thin, and often white, these models represented the pinnacle of beauty in the brand's eyes. However, as the years went on, cracks began to appear in this carefully constructed facade.

The world was changing. Conversations around body positivity, inclusivity, and diversity were gaining momentum. People started questioning the narrow beauty standards perpetuated by brands like Victoria's Secret. Social media became a powerful tool for voices that had previously been marginalized, and consumers began demanding more authenticity and representation from the companies they supported. The brand faced increasing criticism for its lack of diversity, both in terms of race and body type. Many felt that the brand's marketing was outdated and out of touch with the values of modern consumers. Moreover, controversies surrounding the brand's former CEO, Les Wexner, and his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, added fuel to the fire, tarnishing the brand's reputation further.

Financially, Victoria's Secret was also struggling. Sales were declining, and the once-iconic fashion show was canceled in 2019 after years of declining viewership and increasing criticism. It became clear that the brand needed to make some serious changes if it wanted to stay relevant. The cancellation of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show marked a significant turning point. It was an acknowledgement that the brand's traditional marketing approach was no longer working. The show, which had once been a major cultural event, had become a symbol of the brand's outdated and exclusionary ideals. Without its flagship event, Victoria's Secret was forced to rethink its entire marketing strategy and consider a new direction for the brand. The brand's leadership recognized that it needed to adapt to the changing demands of consumers and address the criticisms that had been leveled against it. This realization paved the way for the dramatic shift that would be seen in the 2020 commercial and beyond. The challenge was how to evolve while maintaining some semblance of its established identity. The brand needed to find a way to appeal to a broader audience without alienating its existing customer base. It was a delicate balancing act that would require a complete overhaul of its marketing, branding, and product offerings.

The 2020 Commercial: A New Direction

So, what did the 2020 Victoria's Secret commercial actually look like? Well, it was a far cry from the glitzy runway shows of the past. Instead of Angels strutting down a catwalk, the commercial featured a diverse group of women sharing their stories and experiences. These weren't professional models; they were athletes, activists, and entrepreneurs, each with their own unique backgrounds and perspectives. The commercial aimed to celebrate women's achievements, promote body positivity, and challenge traditional beauty standards. It was a conscious effort to align the brand with the values of modern consumers and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.

The commercial showcased women of different shapes, sizes, and ethnicities, highlighting their accomplishments and contributions to society. It featured conversations about self-love, body image, and overcoming challenges. The message was clear: Victoria's Secret was no longer just about selling lingerie; it was about supporting and celebrating women in all their diversity. One of the most significant aspects of the commercial was its emphasis on authenticity. The women featured were not just models; they were real people with real stories to tell. This approach resonated with viewers who were tired of the unrealistic and unattainable images that had long been associated with the brand. The commercial felt more like a documentary or a series of interviews than a traditional advertisement. This shift in style was intentional, designed to convey a sense of sincerity and genuine connection with the audience.

Victoria's Secret brought in familiar faces and change makers such as Paloma Elsesser, Jill Kortleve, and Valentina Sampaio. These aren't your stereotypical "Angels." The brand aimed to show that beauty comes in many forms and sizes by highlighting real women who are confident and successful in their own right. The choice of music, the tone of voice, and the overall aesthetic of the commercial were all carefully considered to create a more inclusive and empowering message. The commercial was designed to be thought-provoking and inspiring, encouraging women to embrace their individuality and celebrate their unique qualities. It was a bold move for a brand that had built its reputation on a very different image.

Reactions and Impact

The reaction to the 2020 commercial was mixed. Some praised Victoria's Secret for finally embracing diversity and inclusivity. They saw it as a step in the right direction and appreciated the brand's efforts to align itself with modern values. Many consumers welcomed the change, expressing their support for the brand's new direction on social media. They felt that the commercial was a refreshing departure from the brand's traditional marketing and that it represented a more authentic and inclusive vision of beauty.

However, others were more skeptical. Some critics argued that the commercial was simply a marketing ploy, a cynical attempt to capitalize on the body positivity movement without making any real changes to the brand's core values. They pointed out that Victoria's Secret still primarily catered to a narrow range of body types and that its products were not always inclusive of all women. Others felt that the commercial was disingenuous, given the brand's history of promoting unrealistic beauty standards. They argued that it would take more than just a single commercial to undo the damage that Victoria's Secret had done over the years. The brand needed to demonstrate a long-term commitment to inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of its business, from its product offerings to its marketing campaigns.

Despite the criticism, the 2020 Victoria's Secret commercial undoubtedly had a significant impact. It sparked conversations about beauty standards, representation, and the role of brands in shaping cultural norms. It forced Victoria's Secret to confront its past and consider its future. The commercial also influenced other brands to rethink their marketing strategies and prioritize inclusivity and diversity. It showed that consumers were demanding more from the companies they supported and that brands needed to adapt to the changing values of society. The success of the commercial, despite the mixed reactions, demonstrated that there was a growing demand for more authentic and inclusive representation in the media. This encouraged other brands to follow suit, leading to a more diverse and inclusive landscape in the fashion and beauty industries.

The Evolution Continues

The 2020 commercial was just the beginning of Victoria's Secret's transformation. Since then, the brand has taken further steps to embrace diversity and inclusivity. It has partnered with a wider range of models, including women of different sizes, races, and ages. It has also launched new product lines that cater to a more diverse range of body types. The brand's commitment to inclusivity extends beyond its marketing and product offerings. Victoria's Secret has also made efforts to promote diversity within its own organization, hiring more women of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds. This reflects a growing recognition that true inclusivity requires a commitment to diversity at all levels of the company.

Victoria's Secret has also launched initiatives to support women's empowerment and social causes. The brand has partnered with organizations that promote education, health, and economic opportunities for women around the world. This reflects a shift towards a more purpose-driven approach to business, where companies are expected to contribute to society and make a positive impact on the world. However, the journey is far from over. Victoria's Secret still faces challenges in overcoming its past and building trust with consumers who have been critical of the brand. The brand needs to continue to demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of its business. It also needs to be transparent about its progress and accountable for its actions. Only then can Victoria's Secret truly transform itself into a brand that is both authentic and empowering.

Final Thoughts

The Victoria's Secret commercial of 2020 was more than just an advertisement. It was a reflection of the changing times and a sign that even the most iconic brands need to evolve to stay relevant. While the brand still has work to do, the commercial represented a significant step in the right direction. It showed that Victoria's Secret was listening to its critics and that it was willing to make changes to align itself with the values of modern consumers. The brand's journey towards inclusivity and diversity is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether it will be successful in the long run. However, the 2020 commercial will be remembered as a turning point in the brand's history, a moment when it began to confront its past and embrace a more inclusive future. Whether you loved it or hated it, the commercial sparked a conversation that needed to be had, and that's something worth celebrating.