Victoria's Secret has announced it will be dropping its so-called "Angels" in favor of political activists.
The brand announced the new initiative, The VS Collective, on Wednesday, June 16. The VS Collective is comprised of Adut Akech, Amanda de Cadenet, Eileen Gu, Megan Rapinoe, Paloma Elsesser, Valentina Sampaio, and actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
In a post on Instagram, a spokesperson for the brand wrote: "We are proud to bring together an unparalleled group of trailblazing partners who share a common goal to drive positive change."
They continued: "These extraordinary partners, with their unique backgrounds, interests, and passions will collaborate with us to create revolutionary product collections, compelling and inspiring content, new internal associate programs, and rally support for causes vital to women."
The chosen ambassadors' duties include collaborating with the brand on product lines, digital content, and internal programs, in addition to supporting various feminist causes.
Per The New York Times, the iconic Victoria's Secret Angels - models famous for their bedazzled wings, will no longer be a feature of the brand in the future.
Commenting on the initiative per the above publication, soccer player and LGBTQIA+ activist Megan Rapinoe stated:
"I am humbled to join this group of incredible women to drive change within the Victoria's Secret brand and beyond.
"So often I felt myself on the outside looking in with brands in the beauty and fashion industry, and I'm thrilled to be creating a space that sees the true spectrum of ALL women.
"I believe in the power of authenticity and community and am excited to show what can be done through The VS Collective."
Meanwhile, actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas stated:
"I'm not only looking forward to developing future collections that are inclusive of all people, but I am most excited for new customers and for those who have always been a customer of Victoria's Secret to feel represented and like they belong."
The Victoria's Secret brand has been struggling to rebrand itself in the wake of several recent PR debacles.
For instance, CBS News reports that in 2018, former chief marketing officer Ed Razek stated that there was "no interest" in a television show about plus-size or transgender models.
Meanwhile, former CEO of parent company L Brands Les Wexner has come under scrutiny for his close ties to billionaire convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein, who served as his financial adviser for a number of years.
The brand was later forced to contend with a damning report from The New York Times in 2020, which alleged a widespread workplace culture of sexism and misogyny under Razek and Wexner's leadership.
