If the Victoria’s Secret show left you feeling a little disappointed, you’re not alone.
The restrictive ideal of beauty shown on the runway, year after year, is pretty dismaying. There hasn’t been a single plus-size model to walk for Victoria’s Secret, despite multiple calls for inclusivity by Ashley Graham.
No wonder that some women are taking matters into their own hands, recreating Victoria’s Secret ad campaigns and hosting their own anti Victoria’s Secret shows.
After the show aired last night, plus-size model Hunter McGrady has added her voice to the backlash against Victoria’s Secret, taking to Instagram to remind everyone not to stare at a bunch of angels and feel rubbish about their bodies.
‘Happy Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show day and if you are watching: Remember you are beautiful in your own body whether you are tall, short, curvy, athletic, slim, have cellulite, stretch marks, scars, or not,’ wrote Hunter on Instagram, along with a photo of herself in her pants.
A post shared by Hunter McGrady (@huntermcgrady) on
‘We all have wings of our own! Go on with your bad self, Angels.’
That message was pretty well received – Hunter’s post has been flooded with comments thanking her for the timely reminder that you don’t have to look like Alessandra Ambrosio to be beautiful.
The comments also show the growing calls for Victoria’s Secret to hurry up and bring some plus-size models on the catwalk.
‘I can’t wait for the day to come when women of all shapes and sizes are celebrated in that store and that fashion show,’ wrote one commenter.
More: Body image
‘Take note,’ said another. ‘Your brand needs body diversity more than anything else. Seriously, the lack of diversity is in poor taste, and honestly, it’s hurting your profits. You know it. We know it. So let’s start accepting ALL bodies as beautiful.’
C’mon Victoria’s Secret. Customers want more diversity on the runway. Models are lining up to volunteer.
Take a hint and shake up next year’s show with some fresh new faces of different sizes, races, and ability. It’s time.
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