The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has long been synonymous with a certain aesthetic – sleek, uniform waves and bouncy curls that epitomized the brand's signature look. However, this year's runway extravaganza marked a significant shift, as the event embraced a more diverse and inclusive representation of beauty, showcasing a wide range of natural hair textures and styles.
Redefining the VS Beauty Standard
Embracing Natural Textures
The 2023 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show witnessed a remarkable departure from the brand's previous beauty standards. Gone were the days of the ubiquitous, polished blow-dry; instead, the runway was graced by a diverse array of natural hair textures, from full and breezy afros to wispy, cloud-like waves. Models like Tyra Banks, Joan Smalls, Iman Hammam, Layla Etengan, Kai Soleil, and Blesnya Minher proudly displayed their natural curls and coils, shattering the mold of the traditional VS look.This shift in aesthetic not only celebrated the inherent beauty of diverse hair types but also signaled a broader commitment to inclusivity and representation within the brand. By embracing the natural hair of its models, Victoria's Secret demonstrated a willingness to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the fashion industry, where consumers are increasingly demanding greater diversity and authenticity.
The Rise of "Cloud Curls"
Alongside the showcase of natural afros, the 2023 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show also introduced a new hair trend – the "cloud curl." Described by trend forecaster and hairstylist Tom Smith as "natural-looking, airy and textured waves or curls with a halo of intentional fluff," this style brought a youthful, ethereal, and carefree energy to the runway.Models like Devyn Garcia, Paula Soares, and Valentina Sampaio donned these soft, wispy waves, which Smith suggests are "ideal on longer or naturally textured hair" and can "bring the echo of summer into the autumn months." The cloud curl's relaxed and effortless aesthetic stood in stark contrast to the polished, uniform waves of previous Victoria's Secret shows, further emphasizing the brand's shift towards a more diverse and inclusive beauty standard.
Embracing the Undone Look
While the cloud curl and natural afros took center stage, the classic Victoria's Secret blow-dry was not entirely abandoned. However, the styling was noticeably more relaxed and undone, with models like Irina Shayk, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Barbara Palvin Sprouse sporting soft, beachy waves that exuded a casual, effortless elegance.This shift away from the signature VS "big hair" look was a significant departure from the brand's previous aesthetic, which had long been defined by its dramatic, high-glamour styling. The embrace of a more natural, undone aesthetic not only aligned with the broader industry trend towards a more relaxed and approachable beauty standard but also reinforced Victoria's Secret's commitment to evolving its image and catering to a wider range of consumer preferences.
Gigi Hadid's Bell-Bottom Bob
Among the diverse hairstyles showcased on the 2023 Victoria's Secret runway, one particular look stood out – Gigi Hadid's bell-bottom bob. This effortlessly replicable chin-grazing cut, which has been spotted on the red carpet on everyone from Elle Fanning to Gemma Arterton, offered a fresh take on the traditional "hair flip" associated with the brand.The bell-bottom bob's appearance on the Victoria's Secret runway signaled a willingness to experiment with new and innovative hairstyles, further expanding the brand's beauty repertoire and catering to a more diverse range of consumer preferences. This style, with its chic and low-key appeal, represented a departure from the show's historically dramatic and uniform styling, underscoring Victoria's Secret's commitment to evolving its aesthetic and embracing a more inclusive and diverse vision of beauty.
