The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its much-anticipated return after a 6-year hiatus, and it’s clear they’ve made some changes. After years of facing criticism for lacking size and ethnic diversity, the lingerie giant took a bold step toward addressing these issues while maintaining the brand’s signature allure. Seeing Black models and other women of color on the runway during the 2024 show was refreshing, but it still left many asking: where are the models who represent the everyday woman?
While there was more ethnic diversity this time around, the range of body types still felt limited—especially when compared to the inclusivity that brands like Savage X Fenty have embraced. The progress is evident, but the question remains: will Victoria’s Secret fully commit to representing all women, or was this just a surface-level shift?
Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty has been so successful because it caters to a truly wide range of people with its inclusive measurements, showcasing Black models of all shades, shapes, and sizes. It’s this authentic representation that has caused many Victoria’s Secret customers to switch over to Savage X Fenty. For years, fans of the iconic lingerie brand have asked for more body inclusivity—not just in terms of adding a few curvier models but reflecting the full spectrum of everyday women.
In the past, when brands were called out for being exclusionary, the response was often to overhaul everything, losing their identity to appear more “woke.” But Victoria’s Secret took a different approach, expanding their fantasy allure to include women of various backgrounds. However, this new chapter must continue evolving to truly meet the expectations of a modern audience that demands more than just a nod to diversity.
While the 2024 show marked progress, the lingering question remains: can Victoria’s Secret fully embrace the size inclusivity that other brands have mastered, especially for women of color? The fashion industry’s evolution toward a more inclusive future depends on it.
Adding to the magic of the night was singer Tyla, who took the stage and performed her hit song “Water” while wearing her own honorary Victoria’s Secret wings. Her smooth vocals filled the room as she strutted down the runway. Tyla’s moment in the spotlight further emphasized that the iconic wings—once reserved for a select few—now belonged to women of all backgrounds.
Tyra Banks made a triumphant return to the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2024, closing the show in a moment that truly solidified the brand’s new commitment to size and diversity inclusion. Known for breaking barriers as the first Black Victoria’s Secret Angel, Tyra reminded everyone why she’s still “that girl”—but this time, it wasn’t just about her fierce walk or undeniable star power. It was about the message she was sending: that beauty has no size limit.
Walking with the confidence of a seasoned veteran, Tyra, no longer the size-zero model from decades past, proved that Victoria’s Secret has begun to make changes to being size-inclusive. Her presence on the runway, especially as the show’s closing highlight, symbolized a new era for the brand, one that is moving forward to embrace women of all shapes and sizes. Tyra has always been a trailblazer, and her return—radiant, powerful and unapologetic—drove home the point that Victoria’s Secret is no longer bound by old beauty standards. She wasn’t just walking the runway; she was making a statement.
Together, Tyra’s legendary return and Tyla’s performance encapsulated the essence of the 2024 show. It wasn’t just a fashion spectacle; it was a declaration that Victoria’s Secret is now for all women. We’ll be watching closely here at EBONY to make sure all women can feel included. Check out the Black women who owned the runway below.
