COMPARISON
When it comes to representation and model inclusivity one brand has taken the initiative and run with it; singer Rihanna's 'SAVAGE X FENTY' collection. Launched in 2018, Rihanna's lingerie collection featured a hugely diverse range of models not only in the promotional images but the runway debut at New York Fashion week. Models of all races are used and a number of body types are featured: plus-size, curvy, tall, short and the debut even featured a pregnant model Slick Woods who went into labour on the catwalk. There are a number of points of parity between Victoria's Secret and Savage X Fenty: both have huge followings on social media, large budgets, celebrity endorsements (mainly well known models), and target demographics. But the biggest difference is that Victoria's Secret refuse to embrace the inclusivity trend. Editorials like Vox and Vogue have also drawn comparisons between the two brands.
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And with this particular fashion show, Rihanna accomplished a few things. She put inclusivity front and center, by hiring a group of performers and models that was diverse in terms of race and, notably, size. And she offered an alternative to the cheery, homogenous vision of female sexuality put forth by the best-known lingerie brand in America, Victoria’s Secret. - Eliza Brooke, Vox (2018)
The Fashion United have stated that Rihanna's use of an inclusive model cast is one of the main reasons for the success of the Savage X Fenty. Rihanna's brand has received mass amounts of praise for it's inclusivity. There was so much buzz around the launch of the collection that "the first collection of Rihanna's Savage X Fenty Lingerie has completely sold out." - (Teen Vogue, 2018). This shows that adapting to trend pays off in terms of sales.