Model calls for Victoria's Secret Fashion Show boycott

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year. But the iconic show is never far from controversy.

While steps have been taken to introduce models from a mix of ethnic backgrounds, the catwalk shows have often been criticised for featuring models with just one body shape.

And plus size or curve models don’t seem to get a look in, particularly when it comes to being chosen to wear the coveted Fantasy bra.

But one model is trying to change that.

Robyn Lawley, who was the first plus size model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2015, took to Instagram to call for a boycott of the show because of its lack of body diversity.

“Let’s help change the minds of Victoria’s Secret to be more diverse and inclusive of body shapes and sizes on their runways!” she wrote in the post.

“Victoria Secret have dominated the space for almost 30 years by telling women there is only one kind of body beautiful – you can read more in the link of my bio why it’s so important to encourage diversity for our future daughters sake.”

“Until Victoria’s Secret commits to representing ALL women on stage, I am calling for a complete boycott of this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show,” she continued. “It’s time Victoria’s Secret recognized the buying power and influence of women of ALL ages, shapes, sizes, and ethnicities. The female gaze is powerful, and together, we can celebrate the beauty of our diversity. It’s about time Victoria’s Secret celebrated the customers that fuel its bottom line.”

As well as urging fans to snub the show, the 29-year-old model also posted a series of unedited behind-the-scenes photos from an underwear shoot.

In the caption, she urged people to sign a Change.org petition to inspire diversity.

And instead of watching the show she’s urging followers to share images of themselves using the hashtag #WeAreAllAngels to show what makes them uniquely beautiful.

For every picture posted with the hashtag, ThirdLove will donate one bra to the non-profit agency Support The Girls that provides homeless women with bras around the country.

And the initiative has certainly gone down well with her fans as since posting it has garnered more than 2K likes and received hundreds of comments from followers praising her stand.

The lingerie industry has been making strides to be more inclusive of late. Earlier this year lingerie brand Figleaves made a stand against the usual body-perfect approach by released a campaign that celebrated women in all their diverse beauty.

And back in April singer turned entrepreneur Rihanna dropped a size-positive lingerie range which comes in all sizes and has a real focus on inclusivity.

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