Diversity, the new definition of beauty

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‍The 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show – which took place this year for the first time in China – is broadcast to a global audience on November 28 through the CBS TV network.

With 55 supermodels from nearly 20 countries taking to the runway in Shanghai, it was the brand’s biggest and most diverse show in history.

Not only did a record seven Chinese models take part, but the lineup also featured diverse styles in design and beauty standards.

Models walk on the runway of 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. /Handout Photo

Despite all the speculation surrounding which models would secure entry visas and the fuss over Chinese model Ming Xi’s stumbling on stage, the event was a sign of how the world’s most lucrative and glamorous fashion gala is willing to embrace change.

Ming Xi is helped to her feet by Gizele Oliveira after a tumble at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. /AFP Photo

China plays a bigger role in diversity

As the first show to take place in Asia, Victoria’s Secret was determined to win the hearts of the Chinese this year by engaging a record number of Chinese models.

In addition to Chinese supermodels Liu Wen, He Sui, Ming Xi and Ju Xiaowen, three new faces also appeared on the runway this year.

Chinese models Ming Xi, Liu Wen and He Sui strut their stuff. /Handout Photo

Estelle Chen and Xie Xin, rising stars in the industry who are favored by fashion brands and magazines, finally won their ticket to the world’s most renowned runway. Wang Yi, who became known to Chinese fans via reality show “Road to the Runway”, was also given the chance.

“There’s so many nationalities, so I’m really happy about that,” said Estelle Chen, who was born and raised in France by Chinese parents.

She said she was happy to see the show come to Shanghai, which is close to her hometown Wenzhou.

French-Chinese model Estelle Chen takes to the catwalk. /Handout Photo

“It is great so many diverse models are walking,” said the 19-year-old. “Like we have red hair, from Asia, from Angola. I have many friends who are doing the show with me, so it’s cool.”

The design of the show also featured more Chinese elements. Among its six segments, the Porcelain Angel was a distinct adaptation of the well-known Chinese blue-and-white porcelain. First appearing in the 14th century, the porcelain was considered the representation of the Chinese aestheticism.

Chinese models Xie Xin, Ju Xiaowen and Wang Yi walk on the runway. /Handout Photo‍

The show also invited Chinese singer Jane Zhang to join in the performers’ lineup, the first time a Chinese singer has sung on stage at the event.

Diverse nationality, diverse beauty

Brazil’s Lais Ribeiro was chosen to wear the two-million-dollar fantasy bra, which most models consider as an honor.

She said she was in tears when she heard the news. The iconic piece was worn last year by black model Jasmine Tookes.

Lais Ribeiro, wearer of the Fantasy Bra, walks on the runway. /Handout Photo

The 27-year-old said it was great to see so many models with different skin tones, hair colors and from different countries get together on one stage.

She said it was “an amazing inspiration” for women around the world to see models that look like themselves on the show.

Arriving in China 10 days ahead of the show, Ribeiro added that she was impressed by Chinese culture and had learned quite a lot about Chinese tea.

Apart from a more diverse range of faces on show, Victoria’s Secret this year also showed an increasingly inclusive attitude towards beauty standards.

Models walk on the runway of 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. /Handout Photo

A growing number of models took to the catwalk with short hair, a contrast to the era when long and loose waves were taken for granted as a signature look of the Victoria’s Secret angels.

Maria Borges from Angola said she was happy and proud to see so many models join her in wearing their natural short hair on the world’s most stunning runway.

Models walk in the Porcelain Angel segment. /Handout Photo

Now, with models representing a greater number of nationalities, it seems the Victoria’s Secret show is trying to convince its audience that beauty goes beyond race and national borders.

Why is diversity the key word?

An increased awareness of diversity has been repeatedly emphasized at many cultural events in recent years, such as the Academy Awards and Emmy Awards.

However, for a commercial brand like Victoria’s Secret, its efforts of extending boundaries in terms of diversity and inclusiveness might also be borne of commercial considerations.

Victoria's Secret flagship store in Shanghai. /VCG Photo

After suffering an 11-percent drop in its year-to-end sales until October, the brand is setting the Chinese market as its “priority”.

With two flagship stores already opened in Shanghai and Chengdu earlier this year, it is planning to open up shop in Beijing.

By putting such a high-profile show in one of China’s most fashionable and prosperous cities, Victoria’s Secret has already succeeded in raising its brand awareness among many Chinese women.

“Previously, beauty was defined by the West. Models in advertisements are usually blonde with blue eyes. Now more people value the oriental beauty,” said Zhao Jiawei, a shopper at Victoria’s Secret flagship store in Shanghai.

Interior of Victoria's Secret flagship store in Shanghai. /AFP Photo

“The designing is great! Girls pursuing beauty would all love it, and I believe men could not resist its temptation either,” said Zhao Rou-yu from Taipei, who was on a trip to Shanghai.

However, some think the brand should do more to win the hearts of the Chinese, such as more localization in its designs, friendlier prices and more discounts.

Video editing by Yang Xinmeng. Image design by Gao Hongmei. Ty Lawson also contributed to this story.