Last night I watched the Victoria’s Secret Models 2014 show. I have never before watched one of the VS shows and I can honestly say that from now on I will watch every one religiously.
As a feminist, on the surface it would seem that this type of show would strike the wrong type of cord with me but as I watched these women who were 1. Not malnourished and 2. Seemingly enjoying their time on the catwalk, I realised that this show was FOR women!
Yes these women are wearing lingerie, and yes their bodies are toned and perfectly tanned – but, as I sat with my friends I noticed that after a while the men were no longer interested and that the girls were glued to the screen, these women; who have bared children, made a career and value themselves are an inspiration that far outreaches that of the male gaze.
I would love to say that Victoria’s Secrets was founded by a woman, but after all who said that women were the only ones who could start such a venture? So, Roy Raymond who allegedly after feeling embarrassed buying his wife some lingerie in a department store, started the business in the late 70’s – never in his wildest dreams, or when he sadly took his own life in 1993 would he have dreamt that VS would have captured such a massive audience.
With 1,003 stores worldwide it’s no wonder how much of a buzz the VS show has created. This year in London they pulled a massive crowd with some well known faces including that of Caleb Followill, frontman of Kings of Leon and Husband to (my favourite VS model) Lily Aldridge. As well as Adam Levigne, frontmant of Maroon 5 and husband of Behati Prinsloo.
This fashion show wasn’t just about the clothes, or lack thereof, it contained interviews with the models who spoke about their past and their ambition, with performances from Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Hozier it featured the talent of our ‘today’, and celebrated the female form in a powerful way. I challenge any woman to walk away from the VS without feeling empowered and sexy! And to those who have criticised the show I simply ask…”who run the world?” Girls!
By Talia Maguire
Images from the Victoria’s Secret catwalk show