Back, but not as we know it, the infamous Victoria’s Secret runway show has returned from its five-year hiatus. Although, it’s not as the fans anticipated. The fashion show was canceled in 2019 due to its lack of body inclusivity on the runway and other scandals related to the company’s former CEO, Leslie Wexner, involving Jefferey Epstein. However, the show is now reinventing itself to empower women in the form of a new documentary. The documentary showcased 20 global designers from the cities of Bogotá, Lagos, London and Tokyo known as the VS20. These designers have created four different fashion collections that were exhibited in the film, which debuted on Sept. 23 on a variety of streaming platforms. 

In addition to the VS20, the company has also introduced a group called the VS Collective, composed of ten notably accomplished women with diverse body types. All of these women have unique backgrounds and share a common goal to make positive change in the world. From starting organizations to advocating for mental wellness, each of these women are driven to make a difference. Adut Akech, a mental wellness supporter and member of the VS Collective, feels grateful to be a part of this rebranding. “Being a part of the VS Collective marks such a special moment, and I feel blessed to be a part of a group that celebrates and empowers individuality,” Akech stated in an interview with Victoria’s Secret. 

On Sept. 6, the brand debuted in New York City to bring excitement and attention to the documentary. Some of the biggest celebrities, models, and fashionistas showed up for the gala and appeared on the pink carpet, including high fashion models Naomi Campbell, Candice Swanepoel and Brooke Shields. The classic red carpet was swapped out for a pink carpet because it is the brand's signature color. Oona Kling, a junior at Crossroads School, watched this pink carpet event and has her own feelings about the brand's reinvention being forced and performative. “I think the Victoria’s Secret rebranding was a good attempt at trying to be more inclusive, but there’s still a long way to go because the way I see it, they were scared into being inclusive by the fashion industry,” Kling stated. 

In spite of Kling’s worries, Raúl Martinez, Victoria’s Secret’s executive vice president and head creative director, believes the brand's reinvention is genuine and speaks on it with pride and excitement. "It will be driven by fashion, glamor and entertainment with a nod to beloved iconography from the past but in a bold, redefined way. We are so honored to offer our platform and have it explored through the lens and artistry of global creatives who celebrate the individuality of women’s stories and perspectives," he stated in a press release with BAZAAR. This new chapter of Victoria's Secret is meant to celebrate women and create positive change. So say goodbye to angel wings and hello to body inclusivity.