The decision by Victoria’s Secret to feature transgender model Alex Consani in its 2025 Fashion Show has sparked intense debate online. At just 22 years old, Consani made history last year as one of the brand’s first openly transgender models, alongside Valentina Sampaio. However, the recent inclusion of Consani in women’s lingerie has drawn criticism, with many arguing that the brand continues to embrace a trendy and controversial agenda.
Consani’s journey is notable; she became the world’s youngest transgender model at just 12 years old. During this year’s show, she shared the runway with renowned models such as Bella Hadid, Jasmine Tookes, and Emily Ratajkowski. The brand also featured plus-size models including Paloma Elsesser, Ashley Graham, and Yumi Nu, along with Valentina Sampaio. This broader representation was intended to reflect a more inclusive view of beauty.
Despite its attempts at diversity, Victoria’s Secret has faced mounting criticism and declining sales. The brand’s previous pivot toward progressive messaging backfired; many attribute its sales slump to these changes. Social media reactions highlighted this backlash. One user derided the brand with a clever retort, calling it “Victor’s Secret,” poking fun at its shift in representation. Others voiced concerns, asserting, “Stealing a job from a real woman,” which underscores the contention surrounding male models in women’s fashion.
The juxtaposition of traditional glamour with modern inclusivity has proven divisive. Critics assert that featuring biologically male models in female lingerie raises questions about authenticity in the fashion industry. This sentiment echoes the general skepticism surrounding the company’s move. If the aim was to cater to what supposed female consumers desire, the results appear to contradict that premise, further fueling public discontent.
While some celebrate this change as a victory for diversity, others see it as a departure from the brand’s original allure. The iconic status of Victoria’s Secret was built on an ideal of beauty that many now feel is being compromised by a perceived obsession with inclusivity. For a brand that once epitomized luxurious femininity, the presence of trans women in lingerie has become a flashpoint for debate over what should be celebrated as “real” femininity.
The show even featured Jasmine Tookes, who walked the runway while nine months pregnant—a testament to the brand’s effort to redefine beauty standards further. Yet, critics argue that these changes, rather than leading to an increase in sales, have enticed more skepticism and disappointment. The average age of retirement for a Victoria’s Secret model is 28, yet the company is now leaning heavily on a mix of young, veteran, and diverse models, trying to reclaim its market after a significant misstep in its branding.
In 2024, the introduction of transgender models was a groundbreaking move for Victoria’s Secret, but instead of retreating in the face of criticism, the brand has doubled down, indicating a commitment to its current direction in 2025. The celebration of gender diversity in fashion shows the increasing complexity of societal standards, yet the market response appears mixed at best.
As the conversation surrounding beauty and identity continues to evolve, Victoria’s Secret finds itself at a crossroads. The brand once defined beauty for countless fans, but as it gestures toward progressive ideals, it risks alienating its core audience. Whether this strategy will pay off in terms of sales remains to be seen, but the bold decision to showcase transgender models reflects a broader change in the fashion landscape—one that mixes celebration with contention.
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