Audio By Carbonatix
Lingerie brand Victoria's Secret has cancelled its annual fashion show amid dwindling television ratings and rising criticism of the event.
The show launched in 1995 and was once a major pop culture event, drawing millions of viewers each year.
Last year it had its lowest ratings ever and drew criticism that it was sexist, outdated and lacked diversity.
The brand's parent company L Brands said it was important to "evolve" its marketing strategy.
"We're figuring out how to advance the positioning of the brand and best communicate that to customers," Stuart Burgdoerfer, L Brands chief financial officer, told investors on an earnings call.
Nevertheless, he said the shows were "an important aspect of the brand and a remarkable marketing achievement".
The annual show featured some of the world's top supermodels, often wearing elaborate outfits.
The show was a milestone in the career of many supermodels including Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum and Miranda Kerr.
Changing attitudes appear to have hit sales and the brand's bottom line.
Poor sales at Victoria's Secret weighed on the performance of L Brands, which reported a net loss of $252m (ÂŁ195.1m) in third-quarter results announced this week.
Bella Hadid is one of the many supermodels to have walked in runway shows for Victoria's Secret
The underwear brand has also faced a number of recent controversies.
Last year, there was a furious response to an interview in Vogue with then-chief marketing officer Ed Razek who suggested "transsexual" models should not be part of the event.
He later apologised for the comments and left the company earlier this year.
L Brands also received bad publicity due to billionaire founder Les Wexner's friendship with the late US financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein died in prison in August while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges.
Mr Wexner employed Epstein as an adviser, but cut ties in 2007, and has previously accused Epstein of misappropriating money.
Bella Hadid is one of the many supermodels to have walked in runway shows for Victoria's Secret
The underwear brand has also faced a number of recent controversies.
Last year, there was a furious response to an interview in Vogue with then-chief marketing officer Ed Razek who suggested "transsexual" models should not be part of the event.
He later apologised for the comments and left the company earlier this year.
L Brands also received bad publicity due to billionaire founder Les Wexner's friendship with the late US financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein died in prison in August while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges.
Mr Wexner employed Epstein as an adviser, but cut ties in 2007, and has previously accused Epstein of misappropriating money.DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Ronaldinho seeks 300th goal with comeback aged 46
5 hours -
Your voice, your future – Opare Addo opens National Youth Forum 2026
5 hours -
GRA pushes data-driven tax administration to boost revenue mobilisation
5 hours -
NSMQ 2026: Presby SHS, Bompata crushes Sacred Heart’s hopes of reaching one-eighth stage
5 hours -
Africa Golf Tourism Convention opens in South Africa to unlock opportunities
5 hours -
BOGISS alleged sexual assault: Dr Apaak demands protection for autism victim
5 hours -
GTEC trains tertiary officials on new affiliation quality assurance framework
5 hours -
Luv FM High School Debate: OKESS, OSASS silence K’Wey Gey and KASS in fierce round of 16
5 hours -
Alcaraz to play US Open after four months out
5 hours -
Even if all foreigners leave, South Africa’s problems will remain – Dr Yamson blames state failure
6 hours -
Mahama announces GH¢500m district housing programme; rollout to begin this year
6 hours -
Energy Committee yet to receive July 29 blackout report – Adomako-Mensah
6 hours -
Five in six Ghana health facilities fall short of basic sanitation standard – WHO/UNICEF
6 hours -
Mohammed Fuseini in talks over Troyes move from Union SG
6 hours -
‘Bear with the system’ – Energy Ministry says temporary power control room to be ready by September
7 hours