The Victoria’s Secret Show has come under fire for only featuring slim able-bodied models.
To prove that all bodies - whatever their size, shape or ability - are catwalk worthy, and to show the world-famous lingerie brand that they’re seriously missing a trick, two sisters created their very own Anti-Victoria’ Secret Fashion Show.
Alyse and Alexis Scaffidi were tired of seeing a narrow definition of beauty reflected on the catwalk.
“Every year you watch the Victoria Secret Fashion Show and you start to look at the models and compare that to yourself and you start to think I’ll never look like that,” said Alyse.
“So we decided to put our money where our mouth was and create an anti-VS Body Confident fashion show that proves every shape, size, age and skin colour is deserving of being an angel.”
The reactionary lingerie show involved women with a range of body shapes, abilities, heights, races and general styles as an antidote to models who all fit into sample sizes.
The Scaffidi sisters explained: “When we were watching the VS Fashion Show last year, we realised the models weren’t sending the right message to women.
“Young girls need to stop seeing the same, stereotypical shape in magazines, movies, and on social media.
“They need to stop being shown that only one body type can be beautiful, successful and happy.”
The sisters filmed the show with the help of producer and director Domenick Cucinotta, as they wanted it to reach a wide audience.
“This video teaches young women that they don’t have to look a certain, unrealistic way to feel beautiful,” said Alyse.
“Beauty is about being confident and proud of who you are as a person.
“We hope it will start conversations amongst girls about positive body image, self-acceptance and how to embrace your own individuality.”
The founders of the Anti-Victoria Secret Fashion show now hope to make this an annual event - like the show that inspired it.
“Our ultimate goal is to start a non-profit that enables young women from all over the world to make their dreams of becoming a VS runway angel come true,” said Alyse.
“Of course, our show would have one twist, in that it wouldn’t select models based on looks.
“Instead, the interview process would revolve around what challenges you’ve overcome, your creativity, your story and your uniqueness.
“We want to help girls around the world change to embrace their uniqueness and differences, which will inspire them to chase after their dreams – regardless of society’s opinions.”
Alyse and Alexis Scaffidi have also created a “Different” slogan tank top, £13.52 ($17.99) - 50% of the profits raised from the sale of which will be donated to the US charity National Organisation For Women.
