WaPo Column: Victoria's Secret Show Lacked Subtlety, That Was the Point

The Washington Post publishes a column defending the 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show against critiques of being tone-deaf or excessive. The writer posits that the show's refusal to be subtle, intellectual, or apologetic is precisely why it resonates with its massive viewership. It delivers a pure, undiluted fantasy that doesn't pretend to be high art or social commentary.

The piece contrasts the VS show with modern fashion weeks that prioritize conceptual density and 'quiet luxury.' By rejecting nuance, the column argues, Victoria's Secret creates a shared cultural moment — a rare thing in fragmented media. The glitter, the wings, and the pop-star performances are features, not bugs, designed for maximum entertainment value.

Whether you view it as a guilty pleasure or a relic, the column makes a compelling case that the show's honesty about its own commercialism is refreshing. It sells a dream without pretending it's a manifesto, and for millions, that is exactly enough.

Source: Column | The Victoria’s Secret show wasn’t subtle. That’s why it worked. — The Washington Post