Victoria’s Secret is an American fashion and lifestyle brand widely recognised for its lingerie, sleepwear, beauty products, fragrances, and intimate apparel. Established in 1977, it has grown to become one of the most prominent names in women’s fashion globally, gaining particular fame through its glamorous marketing campaigns and the iconic Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The brand currently operates under Victoria’s Secret & Co., an independent publicly traded company specialising in lingerie, apparel, beauty, and personal care.1

Victoria’s Secret was founded in San Francisco, California, by Roy Raymond and his wife Gaye Raymond. Raymond established the company after feeling uncomfortable purchasing lingerie as a gift in traditional department stores. He aimed to create a retail environment that provided a more welcoming and sophisticated shopping experience, drawing inspiration from elegant European boutiques.2

In 1982, entrepreneur Les Wexner, founder of L Brands (formerly The Limited), acquired Victoria’s Secret. Under his leadership, the business evolved from a small lingerie retailer into the largest lingerie brand in the United States. This growth was driven by rapid expansion into shopping malls, enhanced product design, and significant investment in branding and marketing. By the early 1990s, Victoria’s Secret had achieved billion-dollar revenue status.3

Throughout the 2000s, the company expanded internationally, establishing stores across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and other global markets. In 2021, Victoria’s Secret & Co. became an independent public company following its separation from L Brands (now Bath & Body Works, Inc.).4

Victoria’s Secret offers an extensive range of fashion and beauty products, including:

• Bras
• Panties
• Lingerie
• Sleepwear
• Loungewear
• Activewear
• Swimwear (available in selected collections)
• Fragrances
• Body care products
• Beauty accessories

These products are designed to balance comfort, fashion, and luxury while catering to diverse customer preferences. Alongside its main line, the company operates the PINK brand, which targets younger women, and the digital-first intimates brand Adore Me.5

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, launched in 1995, stands as one of the brand’s most notable marketing initiatives. This annual runway event gained international recognition for featuring top supermodels—known as the Victoria’s Secret Angels—modelling elaborate lingerie, wings, and fantasy costumes, accompanied by performances from major musical artists.

The show played a pivotal role in establishing Victoria’s Secret as a global luxury lingerie brand and became one of the most-watched events in fashion. It was paused after 2019 following criticism regarding body image, diversity, and company culture, but later returned with a renewed focus on inclusivity.6

The Victoria’s Secret Angels were elite models selected to represent the brand worldwide through advertising campaigns, runway shows, and public appearances. Notable Angels include:

• Adriana Lima
• Alessandra Ambrosio
• Candice Swanepoel
• Tyra Banks
• Heidi Klum
• Gisele Bündchen
• Miranda Kerr
• Behati Prinsloo
• Lily Aldridge
• Doutzen Kroes

These models achieved international icon status and contributed significantly to the brand’s global popularity.7

Historically, Victoria’s Secret has been associated with glamour, luxury, femininity, confidence, sensuality, and fashion-forward design. In recent years, the company has broadened its brand image to place greater emphasis on inclusivity, body positivity, and the representation of diverse customers, whilst maintaining its core focus on confidence and personal expression.8

Victoria’s Secret maintains a global footprint through:

• Company-owned retail stores
• Franchise locations
• E-commerce platforms
• Airport retail stores
• International partners

With approximately 1,380 retail stores in nearly 70 countries, the company ranks among the largest specialty retailers in the intimate apparel industry.9

Victoria’s Secret is owned by Victoria’s Secret & Co., which manages three primary brands:

• Victoria’s Secret
• PINK
• Adore Me

The company focuses on intimate apparel, beauty products, sleepwear, activewear, and digital retail experiences.10

Victoria’s Secret aims to inspire confidence and celebrate individuality by offering fashion-inspired products and experiences that support customers throughout various stages of life. The company emphasises innovation, inclusivity, and customer-focused design while continuing to build upon its heritage as a leading global lingerie brand.11

For over four decades, Victoria’s Secret has remained a highly influential name in the global lingerie and beauty industry. Its integration of fashion, branding, celebrity collaborations, and large-scale runway events has helped shape modern lingerie marketing. Although the brand has evolved in response to changing consumer expectations, it continues to be a leading retailer of intimate apparel and beauty products worldwide.12

1. Victoria’s Secret
2. About Us | Victoria’s Secret & Co.
3. ANNUALREPORT2023
4. Table of Contents
5. Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Is Moving: Everything to Know Before the 2026 Runway Event
6. Victoria’s Secret – Our Culture
7. Victoria’s Secret Is All About Lift, Support, and a Good CEO Fit-and the Stock Loves It
8. Our Company | Victoria’s Secret & Co.
9. Our Company | Victoria’s Secret & Co.
10. Corporate Governance | Victoria’s Secret & Co.
11. Company FAQs | Victoria’s Secret & Co.
12. VS Insider | Talking Fashion, Models, Beauty, & More