This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
But its too late
Too often, we notice companies become more inclusive of different racial backgrounds, body types, and diverse abilities after they’re forced to do so; it’s usually because of declining sales.
Money can make someone do almost anything, but is it genuine? Rarely.
The traditional Victoria’s Secret models were quite dreamy. Perfect bodies, slim, petite, voluptuous in all the right places, but overall slim.
I recently saw a Christmas commercial for Victoria’s Secret that included different races, skin tones, body shapes and sizes, and even some women with diverse abilities. It was incredible to see and also unreal.
The question rolled through my mind, “Is this a Savage Fenty commercial?”
My initial thought wasn’t that I was watching a Victoria’s Secret ad; they threw me for a loop. It was positive to see them make so much progress, though.
However, I feel it’s a bit too late.
VS owned the show for the longest time. They owned the lingerie and underwear industry, at least as far as the brand name goes. Yet, they never once included a full-figure or overweight model or a model with a perceived handicap. Most of their models also weren’t women of color.
Where would VS be today if other lingerie brands didn’t come on the scene? Probably the same place as it used to be with women that don’t accurately reflect the majority of women on the face of the earth.
Their changes bother me because though I’m a slim and tall female with high cheekbones, I realize this is not representative of how many of my friends appear or look.
I’ve come across too many females who believe their bodies are inadequate or need to be altered.
Though I’m thankful the company has made the changes; I keep wondering, why does it take so many people losing money or potential lawsuits to make changes that benefit society?
All women deserve to find endless sets of lingerie that make them feel confident, beautiful, sexy, and hot. They shouldn’t have to shop online to find their specific size or be ashamed to walk into a store only not to find anything that can fit their body type.
Awareness starts with empathy. All of us have family members, friends, and maybe even ourselves that don’t fit the advertised standard of beauty, yet here we are.
The more we can empathize and recognize all the different forms of beauty, the more likely it will be for us all to have more inclusive shopping experiences. Because let’s face it, people like to shop. And women want to feel and look good in their size without being body shamed.
Not including certain pieces and sizes for all body types is just another form of body shaming dressed up as inaccessibility.
Too many people feel inadequate with their natural bodies. A healthy image starts with you. YOU are the standard of beauty. YOU are perfection.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.