I think the Victoria Secret supermodel era is enjoying its final moments of desire, if there is actually any left; a change that is pretty much welcomed by most women.
The once desirable skinny body type that seemed only possible if your diet was confined to just ice, is being replaced more realistic ideals of women. Perhaps it is the Instagram era, but brands are finally becoming more comfortable conforming to the consumer’s desire as opposed to creating an independent desire that only a few can buy into.
After seeing snippets on social media of Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty Lingerie Show at the New York Fashion Week, it is clear that the only thing it has in common with Victoria’s Secret is the entertainment aspect as it included performances by Migos, DJ Khaled and others. This in itself is interesting to see because entertainment and desirability always seemed to be wrapped around a certain look.
Rihanna has been a long-time champion of diversity and inclusivity. Her makeup brand is testament to this. Savage x Fenty celebrates cellulite, boobs that can seem to never find their correct bra size, and most importantly the broad array of women from all walks of life.
In addition to this, unlike the Victoria Secret Fashion Show, which is usually aired on conventional television, Savage x Fenty will be aired on Amazon Prime, a media portal which has gained much traction with the modern consumer.
While the business model for lingerie is changing for the better in some ways, it is important to note that desirability on the whole changes over time. It feels like we have reached the peak when it comes to getting what we always desired, but like with everything else, we may eventually get bored.
I suppose that is one thing with the fashion and beauty industry: exhaustion creates the breeding ground for new beginnings or rebirths. I believe we are enjoying a sweet spot that may last for some time, but like everything else it may be gone before we realize it.
Who knows, maybe plastic surgery which has been gaining huge popularity over recent years among the younger generations may become even more financially accessible and thus truly transform what is means to be happy in your own skin. But for now, the trend is to enjoy yourself, your body and the way you look in their truest states. And with each of us looking so different this may stick around for a while.
