Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might’ve just leaked on model’s Instagram

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram

As a concerned observer and admirer of the fashion industry, I find it truly disheartening to read about the extreme measures models like Robyn Lawley, Jasmine Tookes, and Josephine Skriver have to go through just to fit into the narrow standards set by brands like Victoria’s Secret.


It’s possible that two significant models participating in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show could have had their names revealed a day prior to their catwalk debut on Tuesday.

The spectacular event will be resuming its glamorous comeback that evening in New York City, following its cancellation in 2019 due to a storm of controversy surrounding claims of sexism and fostering harmful body ideals.

A multitude of renowned models are now part of the team for the return of the lingerie brand in their upcoming event. Some of these models’ names have been made public, while others remain confidential.

It appears that two major figures in the industry could have had their identities revealed too early during last night’s gathering.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I recently came across an intriguing snapshot from Brazilian model, Isabeli Fontana, age 41. In a since-removed Instagram post, she shared a captivating backstage mirror selfie, surrounded by contact sheets meticulously laid out before her.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram

Sharp-eyed spectators swiftly homed in on the lists and spotted two extremely famous individuals, namely Kate Moss and Bella Hadid, among them.

28-year-old Bella has been associated with Victoria’s Secret for quite some time, whereas 50-year-old Kate hasn’t modeled on their runway prior to this.

After word got out about their participation in the Tuesday evening event, Isabeli removed her explosive Instagram post.

In 1995, Victoria’s Secret introduced its catwalk for the very first time, and Tyra Banks stepped onto the stage adorned with the inaugural pair of angel wings in 1998.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d like to rephrase that statement in a more approachable and first-person manner: In the past, some might have viewed high-profile fashion shows as an escapist dreamscape, perhaps excluding transgender and plus-size models from these spectacular events. However, it’s essential to remember that inclusivity is key when crafting such experiences, ensuring they reflect the diverse beauty of our world.

However, a contentious remark by him caused problems for the brand, resulting in the cancellation of the show in 2019 – the very year he made those remarks and stepped down – because of public outcry and low viewership ratings.

In an effort to emphasize diversity, they decided to feature plus-size models Paloma Elsesser and Ali Tate-Cutler in their advertising efforts, thus showcasing a more inclusive range of body types.

As a passionate admirer, I can’t help but share the thrill! We, their loyal followers, are overjoyed that they brought on board Valentina Sampaio – their trailblazing transgender model – for their latest VS Pink campaign post-Razek’s departure. What an inspiring move towards inclusivity and diversity!

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram

This year, Cher will be performing live onstage alongside the models in New York this evening.

In a celebration of diverse body types, plus-size model Ashley Graham is set to team up with Paloma Elsesser to advocate for body inclusivity on the runway. They will be joined by renowned Victoria’s Secret models Adriana Lima, Taylor Hill, Gigi Hadid, and Barbara Palvin in this endeavor.

However, can the brand seek to disassociate itself from its connections to Jeffrey Epstein, accusations of misogyny, and former models’ assertions that it endorses unhealthy body standards?

Winning the title of a Victoria’s Secret Angel appeared to come with numerous advantages, one of which was gaining worldwide recognition, not only within the fashion realm, but also extending beyond it.

Nevertheless, interviews with present and past staff members of the organization claim that previous high-ranking executive Ed Razek, aged 76, exhibited unprofessional behavior on multiple instances.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram

In the corporate hierarchy of L Brands (the umbrella company for Victoria’s Secret), it was Razek who faced allegations of sexual misconduct.

As reported by The New York Times, prior to the 2018 runway show, he allegedly made inappropriate advances towards models, including trying to kiss them, asking them to sit on his lap, and even touching one’s private area.

Andi Muise asserted that the brand no longer employed her as a model for fashion events following her rejection of Razek’s romantic overtures.

At the age of 19, she received an invitation for dinner with him. Later, Muise found herself being driven in a limousine service, and during this ride, Razek tried to kiss her on their journey to the restaurant.

According to the newspaper report, there were emails found that indicated a conversation between them, where he proposed she might consider living with him at his place in Turks and Caicos.

Casey Crowe Taylor, who previously worked in public relations for Victoria’s Secret, stated that she observed Razek’s actions.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram

I shared with the media outlet: “The mistreatment was casually dismissed and regarded as customary. It felt reminiscent of a subtle form of indoctrination.

‘And anyone who tried to do anything about it wasn’t just ignored. They were punished.’

During a fashion photoshoot in 2015, she stated that Razek gave her an appraising look when she returned for more food at the company’s lunch buffet.

Previously standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall and tipping the scales at 10 stones, Crowe Taylor shared that she had been criticized regarding her weight. Specifically, she mentioned that Razek advised her to minimize her consumption of pasta and bread.

Despite voicing concerns about the interaction to HR, it seemed like no action was taken, which ultimately led her to resign.

In addition, employees reported that Les Wexner, the 87-year-old billionaire CEO of Victoria’s Secret, apparently made fun of the retail industry’s attempts to promote diverse body types by allegedly stating something along the lines of, “People don’t go to a surgeon asking for weight gain.

Alyssa Miller, who sometimes modeled for the lingerie brand, commented that Razek seemed to radiate a harmful form of traditional male aggression or dominance.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram

2018 saw Bella Hadid getting sized up for TV-friendly lingerie prior to her catwalk performance, during a fitting session.

Those present asserted that Razek was observing the fitting, and he reportedly commented, “Disregard the underwear,” raising the broader concern about whether television guidelines would permit Hadid to strut the runway with such striking assets.

At the given moment, Razek chose not to address particular claims made against him in these reports, instead stating that the accusations were either entirely false, misunderstood, or misrepresented.

I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with many exceptional models and skilled professionals, and I hold our shared admiration in high regard.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but shed light on a contentious issue that has stirred up quite a storm around Victoria’s Secret – the connection between Les Wexner and the late, infamous pedophile, Jeffrey Epstein.

In the ’90s, Epstein functioned as an advisor to Wexner, disguising himself as a talent scout to gain access to young models, as reported in an exposé by The New York Times.

In the 80s, insurance executive Robert Meister connected Wexner with Epstein. The report indicates that the head of VS gave him permission to take out loans on his behalf, sign his tax documents, recruit staff, and execute acquisitions on his account.

1997 saw Alicia Arden, who was 27 at the time, being summoned to a hotel room by Epstein, under the impression that they were going to talk about the Victoria’s Secret catalog.

However, she revealed in the documentary titled “Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons,” that the discredited tycoon groped and tried to strip her.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram

A year prior, Maria Farmer was working on an art project for Epstein in Wexner’s mansion in Ohio.

In a statement made in a federal court document, it is alleged that Epstein molested her during their time together at his residence.

The farmer stated that she departed the room and phoned the relevant authorities, yet asserted that Wexner’s security team wouldn’t allow her to exit for a full 12 hours.

2020 marked the year when Les Wexner relinquished his position at Victoria’s Secret, having done so approximately one year following the death of Jeffrey Epstein in a New York jail, while awaiting trial on accusations related to human trafficking for sexual purposes.

During that period, Wexner’s legal representative made this declaration: “It was mentioned only once that Epstein suggested a connection with Victoria’s Secret to Mr. Wexner.

‘He confronted Epstein and was clear that it was a violation of Company policy for him to suggest that he was associated in any way with Victoria’s Secret and that Epstein was forbidden from ever doing so again. Epstein denied having done so.’

In an interview with Vogue in 2019, Razek expressed opinions that stirred controversy regarding plus-size and transgender models.

He stated that questions about featuring a transgender model or a plus-size model in the show have been considered and addressed positively by them.

However, Razek was subsequently questioned about including transsexuals in the show. His response was a negative one: “No, I don’t believe we should.

‘The show is a fantasy. It’s a 42-minute entertainment special. That’s what it is.

This unique piece stands alone globally; any other fashion label worldwide would snap it up instantly, even our rivals who often criticize us. They criticize us precisely because we’re number one in the industry.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram

In the year 2000, we endeavored to create a TV show focusing on plus sizes, but unfortunately, there was little enthusiasm for it then, and it seems that sentiment hasn’t changed much today.

After these comments, Razek relinquished his role as the chief marketing officer for the company that owns Victoria’s Secret, and no fashion show had taken place since then – but that changes now.

In response to the recent controversy, as a lifestyle expert and advocate for inclusivity, I’d like to clarify that Victoria’s Secret has made it clear they would welcome a transgender model in their show. They’ve previously had transgender models attend castings, just like many others, yet unfortunately, not everyone who auditions makes the final cut.

‘It was never about gender,’ he added. 

In the year 2018, Bridget Malcolm voiced criticism towards Victoria’s Secret for advocating unhealthy body standards prior to their fashion show.

In 2015 and 2016, Malcolm, who posed for the brand on two occasions, asserted that models frequently receive prestigious assignments as a result of dieting excessively.

She claims VS pushes unattainable beauty standards, which ultimately sends the wrong message to young girls that ‘to be beautiful is to be extremely underweight.’ 

Looking back at my experience in that space, it’s always astonishing to me just how unwell I was. I had been successfully deceiving myself into thinking I was well, strong, and a genuine embodiment of femininity.

Reflecting on the situation, I’m quite uneasy about the fact that my self-imposed hunger led to high-profile assignments, making me feel deeply uncomfortable.

I’ve noticed that numerous friends of mine are often praised for engaging in risky behavior, while being punished when they dare to appear slightly overweight at auditions.

In 2015, The Mail on Sunday reported that Victoria’s Secret mandates its models (referred to as Angels) to stand at a height of 5 feet 9 inches and possess waists measuring 24 inches.

Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou, the creative director at VS, stated that it’s comparable to being an Olympian, meaning they must always be in top physical shape.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram

One of her personal trainers, Alessandra Ambrosio, disclosed: ‘You dedicate yourself fully to working out, just like an athlete would, putting your entire focus and energy into it.’

2012 saw Adriana Lima disclose that she followed a diet consisting solely of liquids for nine consecutive days prior to a show, as a means to lose the extra weight gained after childbirth.

This situation sparked a small commotion, causing Lima to caution young women against imitating her actions.

Lima additionally disclosed that twelve hours prior to a performance, she would abstain entirely from liquids, causing her to dehydrate significantly; occasionally, she could shed as much as eight pounds due to this dehydration alone.

Back in 2012, I, a die-hard fan, found myself standing tall at the Victoria’s Secret casting call, eagerly emulating the strides of the iconic Model Robyn Lawley – a woman who has graced Sports Illustrated, Vogue Italia, and the covers of both Australia and Italy’s Vogue.

She was not given the job and informed The Guardian: “It’s become something of a recurring humor that they regularly see plus-sized applicants annually, but never end up casting them.

The idea of these people enduring hunger and having to strut down a runway seems absurd to me. Many of them are friends of mine, and I won’t see them suffer like this.

However, given the physical demands of their performances during the show, it would be impossible for them to sustain that particular lifestyle without risking their health and potentially endangering their lives.

Previously recognized as Victoria’s Secret Angels, Jasmine Tookes (hailing from California) and Josephine Skriver (originally from Denmark) shared behind-the-scenes details about the extensive efforts they put in to achieve the flawless physiques showcased on the runway.

This involves applying ‘two protective layers, along with shimmer and glitter and oil,’ generously on their skin, creating an appearance as if their bodies were flawless.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show fans notice two HUGE names might've just leaked on model's Instagram

The duo spoke on the Real Pod podcast about their image on the catwalk to host Victoria Garrick.

Josephine explained that the glamorous aspect she presents on stage is, in essence, a reflection of herself. She likened it to wearing a work uniform.

‘Some people are told they need to wear a suit to an office – it’s just part of our image.

I’m absolutely smitten with the fact that nobody yearns to don their work attire round-the-clock, just as I wouldn’t dream of being dressed to the nines every minute of every day.

Victoria pointed out that the viewers might not realize right away if the shows or photos featuring the Angels had been digitally altered using Photoshop or body makeup.

She pointed out that due to a lack of filtering tools and photo-editing applications back then, people were generally less knowledgeable about such matters.

Josephine mentioned, “I’d position myself beside the large street signs, and even after half an hour, no one would link me with another person.

“My photos don’t really resemble me. My mom sometimes asks, ‘Is that you?’ because she doesn’t recognize me in them.

Despite your frequent tossing of undergarments, I always felt adequately covered due to our double application of body makeup, along with added shimmer, glitter, and oil.

Victoria’s Secret has been approached for comment. 

If you need to speak to someone about an eating disorder, visit Beat 

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2024-10-16 01:25

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