Selling Sexy, Victoria's Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon By Lauren Sherman And Chantal Fernandez

Selling Sexy chronicles the meteoric rise and tumultuous fall of Victoria’s Secret, a brand that reshaped the American retail landscape and set unattainable beauty standards for generations. Founded in the late 1970s as a small chain of boutiques, Victoria’s Secret quickly gained a devoted following with its glamorous catalogs, providing a stylish alternative to the frumpy offerings of traditional department stores.

In 1982, the company faced bankruptcy and was rescued by Les Wexner, a visionary in fast fashion and the mastermind behind The Limited. Under his leadership, Victoria’s Secret evolved into a multibillion-dollar powerhouse, fueled by seductive advertising campaigns and the iconic televised fashion shows that captivated millions. The brand's supermodel spokeswomen, known as the Angels, became symbols of a new, aspirational beauty ideal.

However, as societal definitions of beauty began to broaden, Victoria’s Secret struggled to adapt. This rigidity coincided with Wexner's increasingly controversial association with Jeffrey Epstein, leading to reputational damage for the brand.

Selling Sexy delves into the inner workings of Victoria’s Secret and the fashion industry, analyzing how a brand that once defined allure and intimacy found itself at a crisis point. With new ownership and a reimagined strategy, Victoria’s Secret is on a quest to reclaim its allure in a market that has changed dramatically. This insightful narrative captures the complexities of a brand that continues to navigate its legacy while attempting to resonate with today’s consumers. 📚❤️