Lauren Sherman, author of "Selling Sexy: Victoria's Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon," shares her insights into the dramatic rise and fall of Victoria's Secret. She discusses the cultural shifts that led to the brand's decline and how it struggled to adapt to modern consumer values. The conversation also highlights the recent shakeup at Fendi after Kim Jones's departure, exploring its implications for the fashion industry. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of today's retail environment and what the future holds for iconic brands.
Victoria's Secret's decline highlights the critical need for brands to adapt to shifting cultural norms and e-commerce trends.
The departure of Kim Jones from Fendi underscores the importance of creative leadership in navigating the evolving luxury fashion landscape.
Deep dives
The Rise and Fall of Victoria's Secret
Victoria's Secret, once a dominant force in lingerie and a cultural icon, faced a significant decline due to various factors. The company's peak profitability came in 2016, but it began to lose relevance as cultural norms shifted, particularly following the Me Too movement. Criticism about the brand's overt sexualization of models and exclusionary practices highlighted its disconnect with changing consumer attitudes. Consequently, the departure of key figures and the inability to adapt to e-commerce trends have left Victoria's Secret struggling for cultural significance, even though it still generates substantial sales.
E-Commerce vs. Physical Retail Dynamics
Victoria's Secret has been slow to adapt to the e-commerce landscape, with approximately 36% of its sales coming from online transactions compared to its competitors, which see higher figures. The brand once thrived on in-store shopping, but changing consumer habits have shifted demand towards online experiences, making the integration of both channels vital. Despite maintaining a large number of stores, the need for a more modern online presence has become increasingly apparent. Recent leadership changes aim to realign the brand for greater success in a digital-first retail environment.
Impact of Leadership Changes in Fashion
The recent departure of Kim Jones from his role as creative director at Fendi to focus on Dior raises questions about the future of major fashion houses and the industry as a whole. This transition could trigger shifts across various luxury brands, as executives fear falling sales and seek to rethink their strategies. The need for creative leadership is paramount, especially as consumers shift from purchasing to prioritizing experiences over material goods. As Fendi approaches its 100th anniversary, the market eagerly anticipates how the brand will evolve with new leadership at the helm.
In a special best-of replay episode, Lauren Sherman drops by to discuss the rise and fall of Victoria’s Secret, Les Wexner’s apparel empire, and the Epstein mystery. Then Lauren and Peter dig into a designer shakeup at Fendi, and where the next fashion house dominos could fall.