The Victoria’s Secret Angels could be heading to China this year.
The lingerie label’s famous annual fashion show is reportedly going to be held in Shanghai this year, reports WWD. The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Victoria’s Secret for confirmation.
Victoria’s Secret opened its boutique in Shanghai on Wednesday with help from VS models Alessandra Ambrosio, Josephine Skriver, Sui He and Ming Xi (who was born in Shanghai). Each has been posting about their trip on Instagram.
Last year’s show took place in Paris, with performances by Bruno Mars, The Weeknd and Lady Gaga. Previous presentations have been held in New York, Los Angeles, Miami and London.
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The move to Shanghai reflects the label’s strategy to expand its presence in the Chinese market. In addition to the 26 beauty- and accessories-only stores opened in mainland China, the fashion trade notes that there are plans to open a flagship in Hong Kong later this year too.
With the location change, perhaps VS will be more mindful of its designs after being accused of cultural appropriation with some of its looks last year (Elsa Hosk’s dragon wrap, for example).
China-based digital publication Jing Daily reported that China’s social media users were upset, arguing that traditional Chinese elements are meant go with styles more “reserved” and “linking it with bikini outfits just makes it slutty,” said one Weibo user. Meanwhile, some praised the brand for paying tribute to Chinese culture.
