I’ve always loved the holidays, but since I was a teenager I have dreaded one December tradition that has spanned over two decades: the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
The message was clear: the VS woman—sexy and sweet with smooth skin, silky strands and impossibly slender limbs—was the archetype of female beauty, perfectly packaged like a Christmas gift with a bow for the male gaze to unwrap. The coveted angel wings were one of the most iconic parts of the spectacle. From butterfly wings to peacock feathers, the elaborate costumes were exquisite on the exterior , but beneath the gilded plumes and bedazzled crystals the contraptions were akin to a medieval straight-jacket.
Women have long been manipulated by media and the fashion and fitness industries to fear “bikini season” in the summer, but for me, the shame and self-destruction started in the winter. During the darkest, coldest days, filled with Thanksgiving turkeys and holiday gluttony, all I wanted to do was hibernate like a bear, not shave my legs and pack on enough winter weight to keep warm throughout the chilly months.
LouiseJohnsonTO If VS brands its company a certain way then why should the public dictate how they run THEIR company. If consumers are uncomfortable with how its making them feel, then the answer is simple, don't shop there. But dont take away a tradition that many look forward to every December
LouiseJohnsonTO Some young girls (like myself) would purely watch for the colours, the sparkle, the glam! I watched as early as a teen and not once felt bad about the way I looked. 9/10 I rarely noticed the models or who they were. For me it was a sequin fantasy!
LouiseJohnsonTO I have to disagree with everything that you have written. While I understand what you're saying, for some people the VS Fashion Show was literally just about the fashion. Im 4'11, size 6 & a D-cup. It is obvious I will NEVER be a model, however I don't care. I still love fashion!
PCCunning LouiseJohnsonTO 'Louise! This is very, VERY good content.' - She quietly squeals. Sitting in her office, in a sports bra, covered by a draping black top (as to not draw attention to the chest she has tried to change since she was 12).