The Untold Story of Victoria’s Secret

The glistening wings, the seductive whispers of “Bombshell,” the aura of luxury and empowerment – Victoria’s Secret has cast a captivating spell on the lingerie world for decades. 

Victoria’s Secret & Co. (NYSE: VSCO) is a Fortune 500 speciality retailer of modern, fashion-inspired collections, including signature bras, panties, lingerie, casual sleepwear, athleisure and swim, as well as award-winning prestige fragrances and body care. 

Victoria’s Secret is committed to inspiring women worldwide with products and experiences that uplift and champion them and their journey while creating lifelong relationships and advocating for positive and equitable change.

Who is the founder of Victoria Secret?

But behind the glamorous facade lies a less predictable story that begins not with a scantily clad angel, but with a man named Roy Raymond and a distinctly unsexy shopping trip.

In 1977, while attempting to buy lingerie for his wife in a department store, Raymond found himself face-to-face with fluorescent lights and floral-print horrors. The experience, as he called it, “felt like entering a badly stocked supermarket for bras.” This uncomfortable realization sparked a revolutionary idea: to create a lingerie store designed for men to feel welcome and women to feel beautiful.

When was Victoria’s Secret first opened?

Thus, Victoria’s Secret was born. Inspired by Queen Victoria and a touch of Victorian charm, the name evoked romance and a hint of naughtiness. The first store, in Palo Alto, California, resembled a 19th-century boudoir, with velvet curtains, chandeliers, and Victorian-clad saleswomen. This unique atmosphere, coupled with high-quality lingerie and sensual marketing, turned lingerie shopping into a theatrical experience.

What Time Does Victoria Secret Open?

Most of their store worldwide opens around 11.00 am. But it’s best to check the specific store you’re interested in. Here are a few ways to do that:

• Victoria’s Secret website: Visit the Victoria’s Secret website and use the store locator to find the specific store you’re interested in. The store locator will display the store’s address, phone number, and most importantly, opening hours.
• Google Maps: Search for “Victoria’s Secret” on Google Maps. The search results will typically show the store’s address, phone number, and opening hours.
• Call the store: If you’re unsure which method to use above, you can always call the store directly. The phone number will be listed on the website or Google Maps.

Beyond Bras and Blondes

Raymond didn’t stop at pretty panties. He introduced fashion shows, transforming bra fittings into theatrical events. He created catalogs with suggestive photography and alluring copy, further fueling the brand’s seductive image. Raymond understood the power of marketing and psychology, transforming lingerie from a necessity into a symbol of empowerment and desire.

Who Owns Victoria Secret?

However, Raymond’s dream had its limitations. In 1982, he sold Victoria’s Secret to Leslie Wexner, who took the brand to stratospheric heights, evolving it into a billion-dollar empire. The iconic runway shows, featuring supermodels adorned in angel wings, became cultural touchstones, but also drew criticism for their portrayal of unrealistic beauty standards.

Modern Metamorphosis: Facing New Challenges

Today, Victoria’s Secret navigates a new landscape, one increasingly focused on inclusivity and body positivity. The brand’s hyper-sexualized image has been challenged, prompting efforts toward diverse models, more comfortable styles, and a softer aesthetic. This journey of adaptation shows the brand’s willingness to evolve with the times.

The Founder’s Legacy: A Seed of Empowerment 

While Roy Raymond tragically passed away in 1993, his impact on the lingerie world is undeniable. He saw a gap in the market and dared to fill it with an innovative concept and a touch of theatrical flair. Victoria’s Secret, though vastly different from its origin story, carries the seeds of Raymond’s vision: a desire to empower women and make them feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.

So, the next time you see a Victoria’s Secret store or hear the whisper of an angel’s wing, remember the unlikely beginnings of this lingerie empire. It all started with a man’s awkward shopping experience and a bold vision to rewrite the narrative of women’s undergarments. And while the story continues to evolve, Roy Raymond’s legacy as the secret architect of Victoria’s Secret remains undimmed.

Victoria’s Secret Official Website: www.victoriassecret.com
Victoria’s Secret Instagram: @victoriassecret
Victoria’s Secret India Website: www.victoriassecret.in
Victoria’s Secret India Instagram: @victoriassecretindia