Karlie Kloss on Why the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Is Still Relevant in the #MeToo Era
As #MeToo and Time's Up continue to gather momentum, it seems like a particularly fraught—or particularly interesting, depending on your point of view—time to discuss the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. After all, lingerie has traditionally carried with it the notion that it exists for the male gaze and desire: It's not until relatively recent years that the focus has more broadly shifted into buying it and wearing it as a form of empowerment, something that's done for oneself (whether it's also for your partner or not).
Model Karlie Kloss, who's long been affiliated with Victoria's Secret (an Angel from 2011 to 2014, then a break from 2015 to 2017, when she returned to last year's show in Shanghai), subscribes to the latter point of view—and on Sunday, spoke out in an interview with the Telegraph about why the show is more relevant than ever.
"There’s something really powerful about a woman who owns her sexuality and is in charge," she told the Telegraph. "A show like this celebrates that and allows all of us to be the best versions of ourselves. Whether it’s wearing heels, make-up or a beautiful piece of lingerie—if you are in control and empowered by yourself, it’s sexy. I personally love investing in a powerful scent or piece of lingerie, but I ensure it’s on my terms. I like to set a positive example, so [I] would never be part of something I didn’t believe in."
Kloss also defines beauty in an empowering way: "Women who have confidence and sensuality but in a much more mysterious way is something I find really attractive," she said. "When a woman has confidence and is self-knowing, there is nothing she can’t achieve."
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