The Downfall of Victoria’s Secret: Gen Z’s Disappointment with “The Tour ’23”

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To regain its lost glory and reconnect with a younger audience, Victoria’s Secret recently premiered “Victoria’s Secret: The Tour ’23” on Prime Video. The documentary was meant to be a reimagined version of the brand’s iconic fashion show, featuring the biggest stars, influencers, and models in a celebration of creativity from around the world. “In 2021, Victoria’s Secret began a journey. The goal was to give a new generation of creatives from around the world the opportunity to tell their stories and see their creations brought to life on the world stage. The platform? The VS show. This film is theirs,” read their mission statement. However, the final product was far from what the audience expected.

The documentary featured various content, from performances by Doja Cat to runway shots of models like Adriana Lima and Winnie Harlow showcasing Victoria’s Secret collections. Despite the stunning visuals, the content felt disjointed and lacked the essence of the brand’s iconic fashion shows. The disappointment was particularly evident among Gen Z viewers, who took to social media to express their confusion and longing for the return of the iconic angels, cute lingerie, and the glamorous fashion shows that once defined Victoria’s Secret.

“I’m just confused, like, are they selling the wings? The gowns? Like what are they trying to sell,” wrote Mikael Roberts on TikTok. “@astridnatalia adds, “Yup, I kept waiting for the fashion show that never happened.” Jordan, another young viewer, reminisced about shows, saying, “I rewatch the last fashion show made so many times. Candace’s opening gives me chills. This is so sad.” The comment sections on these posts were filled with similar sentiments, reflecting the collective disappointment of Gen Z viewers.

Victoria’s Secret’s attempt to reinvent itself and appeal to a younger audience with “The Tour ’23” fell flat. The disjointed content and lack of a cohesive theme left viewers confused and longing for the brand’s iconic fashion shows that once captivated audiences worldwide. Unless Victoria’s Secret returns to its roots and brings back the elements that once made it a powerhouse in the fashion industry, it risks continuing its downward spiral and losing its relevance among the younger generation.