As Victoria’s Secret attempts a flashy revival of its iconic runway show in New York, a new book uncovers dark stories behind the brand’s former glitz. From banning Donald Trump from a semi-naked photoshoot in 1993 due to his “reputation” with models, to disturbing ties with Jeffrey Epstein, Selling Sexy: Victoria’s Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon reveals the controversies that led to the company’s unraveling.
The book details how, despite Trump’s business connections, he was banned from a Mar-a-Lago shoot with Dutch model Frederique van der Wal, a restriction reportedly due to his alleged pattern of inappropriate behavior around models. Trump, once owner of the Miss USA pageant, has previously acknowledged entering contestants’ dressing rooms unannounced.
Even more damaging, the book exposes the brand’s links to Jeffrey Epstein, who wielded an unusual influence over Victoria’s Secret founder Les Wexner. Wexner granted Epstein sweeping financial control in the early ’90s, even giving him power of attorney, a move that baffled insiders.
Beyond its high-profile connections, Victoria’s Secret faced internal crises, including accusations of fat-shaming and bullying from former Chief Marketing Officer Ed Razek, who allegedly shamed models and blocked plus-sized and transgender models from the runway. In one incident, Razek stopped an employee at a buffet, reportedly asking, “Are you really going to get more food?”
Now distancing itself from past leadership, Victoria’s Secret has split from L Brands, Wexner, and Razek, with this reboot aiming to “reflect who we are today.” Featuring stars like Cher and Gigi Hadid, the revamped show aims to embrace diversity and inclusivity. But as the brand attempts a comeback, it faces a challenging question: Can Victoria’s Secret leave its scandals behind and reestablish itself as an iconic American brand, or is this reboot too little, too late?
