Russell James released his newest project, Backstage Secrets; A Decade Behind the Scenes at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows. This book contains many portraits of the models who have been on the catwalk since 2001. This 304-page photo album celebrates the company, and what it stands for. According to James and other Angels, Victoria’s Secret is a brand that empowers all females— progressing along with others in the #MeToo movement.
Last Thursday, James celebrated his launch party for the new publication. Other Victoria Secret Angels and team members came to support James’ achievement. During the event in New York, Sara Sampaio, a Victoria Secret Angel, commented,
The Victoria’s Secret Angels are a group of so many different women from so many different countries coming together and saying, ‘I’m not ashamed of who I am. I’m doing what I want. I like to be sexy. I like to feel sexy.’ That’s a powerful tool as well…We should not have to stop being who we are or hide our sexiness just to be taken seriously.”
http://www.instagram.com/p/BjnmcAaHRKl/?taken-by=russelljames
James Russell serves as a prime example of how men should be in a workplace.
Sampaio and another model, Lais Ribeiro, said that James provides a sense of safety in the company. Victoria’s Secret brand sells their lingerie with the help of models who have to be photographed. With all the changing of wardrobe, wearing only bras and underwear at times, the models should feel secured. Ribeiro commented, “Russell’s so professional….He just makes us feel comfortable somehow. There’s respect on both sides. He respects us just as much as we respect him.”
This is why Victoria’s Secret believes they are a prime example of how the #MeToo movement is beneficial to workplaces— specifically for the modeling industry in this case. For almost two decades, James has been working for the company; and throughout that time, James understood— and still does— his boundaries between him and the models he photographed. With the #MeToo movement progressing, there was no need to stop all interactions with the Angels, nor get upset when they spoke up if they felt uncomfortable.
In fact, James’ said,
One of the things that I keep hearing from the girls is that #MeToo is a fantastic evolution and very much needed in our society. It’s also helping to articulate that women — the women who have spoken to me about it — don’t want their sexuality taken away.”
#MeToo may be hurting more than helping.
The #MeToo movement, founded by Tarana Burke, pushes for social reform due to the number of sexual harassment incidents that occur in the United States. Their mission statement focuses on helping survivors of sexual violence, more-so women of color with low income, to overcome their struggles. However, they’re expanding their message to other countries to an array of women of different races, sexual orientation, religion, etc.
Women who are following the movement are tired of women sexualized in workplaces. With Victoria’s Secret being a company that promotes “sexiness,” women are steering away from the brand. According to YouGov, a data research company, Victoria’s Secret sales have been sinking. Some people are blaming the #MeToo movement for this outcome.
Ted Marzilli, YouGov’s BrandIndex CEO, commented, “Our data shows that the perception of the Victoria’s Secret’s brand is declining, and one of the things that may be contributing is the #MeToo movement…The brand and what it stands for and how it’s promoted is not helpful right now.”
It’s not verified that the company’s declining sales correlate with the progression of the #MeToo movement. The public opinion is split on whether or not there’s a connection between the two. Nevertheless, Victoria’s Secret company still stands proudly for what they stand for.
Featured Image via Wikimedia Commons
