Ashley Graham stepped up at the highly anticipated 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show held in New York City, which caused ripples on social media, once again bringing up the matter of body diversity in the fashion world. Being the first plus-size model to appear on the Victoria’s Secret catwalk, Graham’s appearance carries significant meanings into the often-bashed brand for its narrowly defined beauty.
A History-Making Comeback
During the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, finally returned from its six-year break, transformation was the news around one of the most legendary lingerie brands. And here comes 36-year-old Graham, who nailed a look on the catwalk in a striking black bodysuit with a flowy sheer robe and golden wings perfect interpretation of the women empowerment and body positivity she has represented all over her career. This incident also exposed Graham’s curvy figure and represented the last stages of a larger shift within the fashion narrative that has oftentimes marginalized women with different body types.
Social media responses: A divided response
Reactions to Graham’s runway walk have been mixed, but perfect, putting into perspective the vast complexity of public opinion about body image in fashion. While fans were celebrating her presence, calling it “progressive, stepping the game up with more body types,” others were disappointed. Comments ranged between enthusiastic support, such as one Instagram user said Graham is “paving the way for body diversity,” and critical sentiments that were genuinely calling for the brand to go back to its thinner-modelling days.
One user bluntly stated, “Sorry, but I prefer the old VS show with thin models,” which depicted a nostalgia for the traditional appearance of the brand. Another user criticized the stand of the brand regarding the sizes previously and said, “It’s hypocritical for a company that once let go of Barbara Palvin for being ‘too curvy’ to now promote plus-size models.”
In an age where mixed views come with opinions that possibly mean nothing, Graham has received support through platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Ashley Graham’s supporters argued, “People are mad Ashley Graham did not walk, but if she were skinny, it would be a whole different story.” This shows the continued battle between maintaining traditionalist beauty and the insurgence of representative ideas.
Ashley Graham for Representation
Ashley Graham has remained an iconic body positivity and inclusivity advocate in fashion over the years. She was glad that she had the opportunity to be a representative for curvy women on that influential platform while speaking to People Magazine. Graham was initially hesitant to take up this offer from Victoria’s Secret as it is one brand known for excluding plus-size models from its shows. However, she was motivated by the decision of the brand to embrace size inclusivity.
“When I had a conversation with the head of Victoria’s Secret, they explained to me that their plan was for extended sizes. Yes was my answer so that there would be even more women to look at themselves represented on the runway; something we didn’t see at all during Fashion Month,” Graham shared. For such a passionate individual who wants to see more space created for girls and women within the fashion industry, stepping onto the runway makes sense.
The Evolution of Victoria’s Secret
Victoria’s Secret has received such harsh criticism of itself within the last few years, mainly following the scandal of Ed Razek, ex-chief marketing officer of the brand, when he made comments about transgender models and plus-size models in 2018. Razek called these groups off as being part of the brand’s “fantasy” narrative, which sparked public outcry and led to his resignation in 2019 and cancellation of the show.
But all these marked efforts, beginning from the models-orientated focus, like, for example, Valentina Sampaio, the first transgender model ever, as well as the use of bigger models in its ads. Graham’s presence on this year’s show underlines the efforts of renewing its image into clearer, closer confluence with modern values of inclusiveness and representation.
Conclusion
Ashley Graham’s appearance at the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marks an important juncture in this effort for the cause of body positivity and representation in fashion. While some people have a mixed reaction to her walk down the runway, one thing is certain: her presence sends a mighty statement about shifting standards of beauty and the need to view various body types represented on such powerful platforms. Thus, as Victoria’s Secret continues to redefine its image, having Graham on board is certainly a step toward a more inclusive future within the fashion industry.
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1. Why is Ashley Graham important in fashion?
Ashley Graham is a pioneer for body positivity, being the first plus-size model to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway.
2. What did Ashley Graham wear at the 2024 show?
She wore a black bodysuit with a sheer robe and gold-embellished wings.
3. How did people react on social media?
Reactions were mixed; some praised her for promoting body diversity, while others preferred the brand’s past focus on thinner models.
