An Artful Evening Featuring Celebrities, Creativity, and a Reimagined Brand Identity
Victoria’s Secret kicked off a new chapter in its brand story with the debut of “The Tour ’23,” featuring a preview of its new concept film. Held at The Manhattan Center, near the iconic Madison Square Garden, the evening was graced with performances by artists Doechii and Goyo and came just one night before the official start of New York Fashion Week.
Fashion icons Gigi Hadid, Naomi Campbell, and Adriana Lima were among the star-studded attendees. Additional distinguished guests included Priyanka Chopra, Chloe Fineman, and Emily Ratajkowski.
Naomi Campbell opened the event with a captivating recitation of a poem penned by a member of the “Victoria’s Secret 20,” a curated group of global creatives contributing to the brand’s revitalization. “First rule about this planet is: Don’t look a star in the eye if you still want to live,” Campbell shared from the venue’s balcony, set against a backdrop of soft pink lighting.
Gigi Hadid took on the role of MC for the night, setting the stage for a 12-minute video excerpt. “The goal was to give a new generation of creatives from around the world the opportunity to tell their stories and see their creations brought to life on the world stage,” Hadid explained. “The platform? The VS show.”
Priyanka Chopra praised the brand’s recent transformation, saying, “There was a time when the brand told people what women should look like, and I think now what they’re trying to do is champion people and individuals to be as they are.”
Despite recent financial setbacks, Victoria’s Secret CEO Martin Waters highlighted the brand’s global growth. The Tour ’23 reflects this international vision, featuring a diverse group of 20 creatives hailing from cities like Lagos, London, Tokyo, and Bogotá.
Amidst competition from rivals like Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty and evolving cultural attitudes, Victoria’s Secret showcased its commitment to inclusivity. The evening featured transgender and plus-sized models, spotlighting vignettes of diverse young artists alongside renowned models like Adut Akech, Adwoa Aboah, and Winnie Harlow.
The collaborative artists and designers affectionately dubbed the VS20, took a joint bow at the finale. Behind them, a signature pink column held outfits worn by “Angels” in earlier Victoria’s Secret shows, serving as a nod to the brand’s history while looking toward its promising future.
Naomi Campbell, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Brooke Shields took a moment before the show to capture memories, marking an event that promises to be a significant pivot point in the brand’s journey.
