Victoria’s Secret might not immediately come to mind straight away when one thinks of “inclusive” brands. Historically, it’s been all about stick thin, super tall, perfect ‘angels’, such as Kendal Jenner or Giselle.
But the company has had no choice but to change things up. Hoping to address years of backlash over the size of its models, Victoria’s Secret has finally started an about-turn.
Ali Tate Cutler is the first size 14 (size 16 in the U.K) model to be involved in a VS lingerie campaign. The move comes after the American retailer joined forces with London-based lingerie brand Bluebella, which employs plus size women. Cutler took to Instagram to point out that she’s not the first plus-size model for the brand, but that she is the first size 14 – the average size of American women.
While Ali is a part of the Blubella for Victoria’s Secret partnership, she hasn’t been officially hired by the latter to model for them. Her involvement is just for this joint-venture lingerie campaign, but Ali is thankful for the opportunity. ‘Size 14 is actually the average size of women in America and I do think that we need to see more of it in media and fashion, because most women are that size,’ she said. ‘For Victoria’s Secret I am so excited that they decided to put a size 14 women like me on the wall,’ she added. ‘I feel like they are headed in the right direction and they are listening to their audience, who have requested to see more women of diverse shapes and sizes’.
“Bluebella for Victoria’s Secret” line includes lingerie, sleepwear, and hosiery, featuring luxe details, including velvet, satin, and embroidered lace. Initially, the line was only available at select Victoria’s Secret stores in the US, where it launched last week. But worry not, it’s now available at stores in the UK as of 11 October.
