Victoria's Secret Reportedly Might Kill Its Fashion Show, Says It Needs To 'Rethink Everything'
Source - Victoria’s Secret is “rethinking” its iconic annual fashion show, CNBC reports.
Les Wexner, the CEO of Victoria’s Secret parent company L Brands, said in a memo to employees on Friday that the company doesn’t believe “network television is the right fit” for the show, according to CNBC’s Lauren Thomas.
“In 2019 and beyond, we’re focusing on developing exciting and dynamic content and a new kind of event – delivered to our customers on platforms that she’s glued to … and in ways that will push the boundaries of fashion in the global digital age,” the memo reads.
Victoria’s Secret did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Call me crazy, but isn’t the only time anyone ever talks about and/or cares about Victoria’s Secret is during its fashion show? And now you’re going to get rid of it? Yeah, it’s not profitable and the numbers are way down, but I feel like canceling the show essentially removes the brand from mainstream America’s consciousness. I guess the problem is that they don’t want it on network television, which makes sense…
And the annual fashion show, which features top models, called “angels” wearing lingerie, has suffered a serious decline in viewership.
Just 3.3 million people tuned in to watch the show last year, which is down from 9.7 million viewers in 2013.
They could put it on HBO and make it even more racy, but then the models would have to be naked which makes it porn.
Here’s the full memo they sent to their employees:
Dear Associate,
For the past few months, we’ve said that we are taking a fresh look at every aspect of our business – from merchandising, marketing and brand positioning, to our real estate portfolio, digital business and cost structure … literally everything. We have made enormous progress in a very short time, and are looking forward to a successful fall and holiday with an elevated, fashion-forward assortment …
The strength and positive perception of the Victoria’s Secret brand is unparalleled, and our fashion show has revolutionized the mix of fashion and entertainment around the world … a key factor in the building of the brand.
Fashion is a business of change. We must evolve and change to grow. With that in mind, we have decided to re-think the traditional Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Going forward we don’t believe network television is the right fit. In 2019 and beyond, we’re focusing on developing exciting and dynamic content and a new kind of event – delivered to our customers on platforms that she’s glued to … and in ways that will push the boundaries of fashion in the global digital age. I’ve never been more excited about the power of this brand and where it’s going … John and team are re-birthing the brand.
Best regards,
Les
They should just put the whole thing on Netflix. That or make a silent reality show around the models.
They also have decent instagram following they can exploit:
I don’t know, I just don’t want them to get rid of the fashion show. It’s been televised since 1999 and I don’t know why, but I look forward to it every year. The models aren’t even human.
Regardless, they need to figure out a way to keep it because I’m not ready to say goodbye.