Victoria Secret: Who is the mysterious figure behind the name?

Yesterday, October 15, the long-awaited Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024 dazzled again in New York, marking its return after a six-year absence. The event not only generated great expectations for its spectacular nature, but also for the curiosity of many new viewers, who wonder: who is Victoria Secret?

This mystery has gained relevance on social media, especially among those who witnessed the iconic fashion show for the first time and are unaware of the origin of the brand’s name.

While the company has managed to establish itself in the fashion world, the figure behind ‘Victoria Secret’ remains a mystery that fascinates many.

This year, Victoria’s Secret is celebrating inclusion and diversity, with models of different ethnicities, body types and gender expressions.

Among the most prominent faces were supermodels such as Adriana Lima, Tyra Banks , Gigi Hadid and her sister Bella Hadid , who brought their experience and charisma to the catwalk.

Alongside them, a new generation of emerging models shined brightly, including figures from the LGBTQIA+ community, underlining the brand’s commitment to a broader and more diverse vision of beauty.

Why is it called Victoria’s Secret? Origin and history

Victoria’s Secret, the iconic lingerie brand, combines historical and aesthetic elements that have defined its identity. Founded in 1977 by Roy Raymond, the brand was born with the purpose of creating a more welcoming and sophisticated environment for purchasing lingerie, especially aimed at men who felt out of place in conventional stores.

The name ‘Victoria’s Secret’ evokes the figure of Queen Victoria of England , suggesting an atmosphere of Victorian elegance, while the term ‘Secret’ adds a layer of intimacy and privacy to the experience of purchasing intimate products. This duality was key to attracting an audience seeking discretion and comfort.

Raymond , aware of the inconvenience he had experienced when purchasing lingerie for his wife, designed his first store with a decor reminiscent of a Victorian bedroom.

With dark wood furniture and plush red velvet sofas, the atmosphere was a stark contrast to the rigid, unwelcoming experiences that dominated the market. Their vision was clear: to create a space where customers could explore without feeling judged.

Although the start was promising, in 1982 Raymond made the decision to sell the brand to The Limited, which catalyzed a massive expansion and made Victoria’s Secret the largest lingerie seller in the United States.

Despite its success, the brand’s history has a tragic twist. Roy Raymond faced serious financial problems after the sale and, sadly, his life ended in suicide in 1993.

Thus, Victoria’s Secret stands not only as a symbol of elegance and sophistication in lingerie, but also as a reminder of the complexities that sometimes lie behind success.