PinkCouture

^ Hey There How have you been?

Ahhh...the curse of the Fantasy Bra. Many of the lucky Angels became "fallen" within 2 years after getting The Bra :magic:

There are numerous of rumors and speculations in regards to Ale's status with VS. Here is what I think, regardless does VS dismiss her or she decides to hang up her wings, I think she should leave within the next 2-3 years. I love Ale but I think it is time for her to move on and explore other opportunities outside of modeling. Many models venture out into other areas: Heidi hosts PR, has her own fragrance, and her own line of kids clothing with BabiesRUs; Gisele has her own skincare line and sandals; Tyra has her own production company. Perhaps Ale has already started considering this b/c she has her own line of shoes and I think handbags with a company call Melissa.

VS (or any company in the USA) cannot legally request any employee or contractor, regardless model or not, not get pregnant or not have children. However if it was legal I am sure VS would be all for it (Y) At the same time it might not necessarily be a bad thing some of the Angels are moms. It widens (no pun intended ) their demographics and target audience, would means more cha-ching for them!

^ Hey There How have you been?

Ahhh...the curse of the Fantasy Bra. Many of the lucky Angels became "fallen" within 2 years after getting The Bra :magic:

There are numerous of rumors and speculations in regards to Ale's status with VS. Here is what I think, regardless does VS dismiss her or she decides to hang up her wings, I think she should leave within the next 2-3 years. I love Ale but I think it is time for her to move on and explore other opportunities outside of modeling. Many models venture out into other areas: Heidi hosts PR, has her own fragrance, and her own line of kids clothing with BabyRUs; Gisele has her own skincare line and sandals; Tyra has her own production company. Perhaps Ale has already started considering this b/c she has her own line of shoes and I think handbags with a company call Melissa.

Ale, unfortunately, doesn't look like she did in 2005.

I've assumed that the Fantasy Bra is just a strategic device used when an Angel reaches the end of their 'Angel life-cycle'.

VS (or any company in the USA) cannot legally request any employee or contractor, regardless model or not, not get pregnant or not have children. However if it was legal I am sure VS would be all for it (Y) At the same time it might not necessarily be a bad thing some of the Angels are moms. It widens (no pun intended ) their demographics and target audience, would means more cha-ching for them!

Obviously such discrimination is illegal and there are legal protections on the behalf of pregnant workers, but it there are ways, written and unwritten around it to make doing this less desirable than otherwise. As far as VS goes, so many of the Angels (and it's usually them) get pregnant. It's almost as if it's part VS's branding to implicitly encourage their models to hook up with celebrities, get them entrances to high profile events, get pregnant, etc. I can also assume that there is some sort of soap opera and politics behind the whole situation and the models are aware that they have to deliver on some metrics (that we, as outsiders, only get a glimpse of) or their status will be truncated.

Do you see this as the case?

^ I am sure with some creativity, thoughtful strategizing and execution, VS could figure out a way to discourage their Angels from having children. However like you hinted, is it something they really want to discourage? Perhaps they do want their Angels to have children? Another point, most of the Angels who have children are considered "older" in the modeling world and they are at the age where it is common to wed and start a family.

I know a few years ago VS re-branded themselves to appeal to a younger target by bring in Candice, Chanel, Erin and etc. Maybe that didn't work out as well as they anticipated so they decided to adjust it by including moms Celebrity moms, MILFs, and fitness after birth are current trends

I totally see this as the case! (Y) I have my suspicions about VS encouraging and getting involved in model's love/social life. I remember hearing VS is heavily involved in Miranda & Orlando's relationship. I do not remember the details but I know there's a lot of shadiness involved for VS' personal gain.

I adore Lily, but I am pretty sure VS hired her b/c of her relationship with Caleb Followill. Not surprising considering VS' weird obsession with KOL By signing Lily as an Angel, VS though it would elevate their brand/profile and provide them with more publicity. Obviously that's not the case. They are probably hoping Erin and Behati would compensate for that "mistake". Which means Erin will be staying longer than she should

VS is a very questionable company so obviously there would be a lot of complex politics and shady business

IDK, all those models appeal to me even without their celebrity husbands...

^ LOL...I am sure that is true for most people, but I think it is a matter of getting extra publicity and causing more buzz

In some cases it is ike riding on someone's coattail except you were the one who made the coat

Since you actually worked for VS, out of curiosity, what insights (particularly those pertaining to their management of their prime human capital assets (lol, at this lingo) ) did you get from your experience?

^ I am sure with some creativity, thoughtful strategizing and execution, VS could figure out a way to discourage their Angels from having children. However like you hinted, is it something they really want to discourage? Perhaps they do want their Angels to have children? Another point, most of the Angels who have children are considered "older" in the modeling world and they are at the age where it is common to wed and start a family.

I know a few years ago VS re-branded themselves to appeal to a younger target by bring in Candice, Chanel, Erin and etc. Maybe that didn't work out as well as they anticipated so they decided to adjust it by including moms Celebrity moms, MILFs, and fitness after birth are current trends

I totally see this as the case! (Y) I have my suspicions about VS encouraging and getting involved in model's love/social life. I remember hearing VS is heavily involved in Miranda & Orlando's relationship. I do not remember the details but I know there's a lot of shadiness involved for VS' personal gain.

I adore Lily, but I am pretty sure VS hired her b/c of her relationship with Caleb Followill. Not surprising considering VS' weird obsession with KOL By signing Lily as an Angel, VS though it would elevate their brand/profile and provide them with more publicity. Obviously that's not the case. They are probably hoping Erin and Behati would compensate for that "mistake". Which means Erin will be staying longer than she should

VS is a very questionable company so obviously there would be a lot of complex politics and shady business

I don't even know who that man is, but related to that (just wiki'd him), Anna V also rose to the limelight with Adam L. And now Adam L. is consuming Behati....hmmph. Isn't Erin dating Leo Dicaprio?

Pink, I'd love to hear more about the 'dark side' of Victoria's Secret.

Out of curiosity, why do you like Lily?

^ Personally I think VS should give her the FB one of these days b/c out of all of them she is the most eloquent and has a nature ease in front of the camera. Wishful thinking. I guess I should be happy she didn't get the bra this year b/c it is F-U-G-L-Y! I kinda feel bad for Ale b/c she deserves much better than THAT. I can't believe I am saying this but I wish they gave it to Bubba. It totally goes w/ her

Hi!

I find it odd that the tone of the bra blends into Ale's skin tone. I prefer bras that are more distinguishable :-p

And I actually like this years FB really much I like the floral idea, the concept, the colours, and Ale wears it great

Since you actually worked for VS, out of curiosity, what insights (particularly those pertaining to their management of their prime human capital assets (lol, at this lingo) ) did you get from your experience?

I don't even know who that man is, but related to that (just wiki'd him), Anna V also rose to the limelight with Adam L. And now Adam L. is consuming Behati....hmmph. Isn't Erin dating Leo Dicaprio?

Pink, I'd love to hear more about the 'dark side' of Victoria's Secret.

Out of curiosity, why do you like Lily?

I feel most people (on fashion/model forums at least) forgets VS is a business. Perhaps we are all very model-focus here that we only take notice of VS news when models are involved. Models are only a small piece that supplements the bigger picture. Models are only used to bait and lure people in to their stores and website. Other than that, VS as a whole does not depend on models for their business.

While I was at VS, conversations about models rarely came up---even at the corporate level. Many of those in leadership and management positions don't even know the names of all the Angels or models who frequent the catalogs or the Fashion Shows. Nor do they care b/c having this knowledge is not important and it is not something the company requires employees to know.

Like most (if not all) businesses, their main concern is making money. VS does this by attempting to provide an "exceptional" customer experience so a percentage (don't remember the exact number but I think it is about a minimum of 30-35%) of those who enter their stores or visit their website purchases something---preferably bra b/c they are the "best at bras". Everything else like panties, beauty products, and accessories are available mainly to supplement a bra purchase (VS is big on encouraging add-ons). Another thing they do is 'build brand loyalty" and it goes back to the store credit card. Those who have the store credit card shop more often and spend more than those who don't . Again, I forgot the exact percentage. .

I must say for being a loser Adam Levine is a lucky SOB to have banged 2 models. The magic of fame and money (Y) Now that Bubba is w/ Leo, you know she isn't going anywhere anytime soon

I think once a company reaches a certain profile and status, moral pretty much goes out the window and they start to see employees no longer as people but easily disposable/replaceable objects. It is unfortunate but that's just the way it is.

Lily is a great editorial and commercial model. She is also a great spokesmodel. I have said this to Jennka before, Lily is the only one out of all of the Angels who deals with being interviewed the best She is calm, down-to-earth, poised, and eloquent. I guess that makes up for her lack of runway skills I think they often have her in the Pink section b/c that is the only part of the fashion show she can hide her weak walk. At the same time the irony is VS also usually put HF models in the Pink section

Oh my, can you even imagine the fuss it would cause if Lily got the bra? I can already hear all these "why-did-they-give-it-to-her-she-is-so-ugly-and-plane-and-boring" rants.

And I actually like this years FB really much I like the floral idea, the concept, the colours, and Ale wears it great

Who is Bubba?

I must say hearing people's rants about VS models and fashion show related topics can be entertaining They take things so personally and they "discuss" and argue about things like it is life or death. I am interested in these topics too but not to the point it consumes me and that I lose perspective of things. Sorry to burst anyone's fantastic bubble, but who gets the bra, does Adriana shows up at the show, who is an Angel or not, whether or not Barbara is in the commercial, doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. It is not going to stop global warming, resolve issues in the Middle East, resolve the job crisis, help the homeless, or contribute to anything that truly matters

Bubba=Erin. Her real name last is Bubley so....

Hi!

Hello There!!!

How are you? Still "up to no good"?

Hi!

Hello There!!!

How are you? Still "up to no good"?

^ Hehehe...try not to get into too much trouble

I find it odd that the tone of the bra blends into Ale's skin tone. I prefer bras that are more distinguishable :-p

And I actually like this years FB really much I like the floral idea, the concept, the colours, and Ale wears it great

Well, that´s really the thing I like about it - that it goes so well with her skin tone

I must say hearing people's rants about VS models and fashion show related topics can be entertaining They take things so personally and they "discuss" and argue about things like it is life or death. I am interested in these topics too but not to the point it consumes me and that I lose perspective of things. Sorry to burst anyone's fantastic bubble, but who gets the bra, does Adriana shows up at the show, who is an Angel or not, whether or not Barbara is in the commercial, doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. It is not going to stop global warming, resolve issues in the Middle East, resolve the job crisis, help the homeless, or contribute to anything that truly matters

Bubba=Erin. Her real name last is Bubley so....

Lol, Bubba ok now I know

You speak my mind absolutely - sometimes it´s just fun, but sometimes people really can get too personal and act like if model x won´t get the bra, their world is gonna explode so many useless talk. Who is going to open, who is not going, who should, who shouldn´t, who is an angel, who isn´t, who shouldn´t be, who should model lingerie and who should take care of kids, lol.

But that´s just BZ, I guess

^ It's a love/hate thing. I love models, fashion and the members that makes BZ great. However the petty arguments and BS can be cluttering, frusting & irritating to the point you need a break

But like you said, that's just BZ. It is what it is and you take the good w/ the bad (Y)

Hi Pinky

I miss your ass.

^ O-M-G...it's Irene!!!

How have you been, Sexy Lady? :brows: Me and my boo-tay misses your sweet lovin'

Sorry for the late response, I got preoccupied....... I have a thread too, ya know

I feel most people (on fashion/model forums at least) forgets VS is a business. Perhaps we are all very model-focus here that we only take notice of VS news when models are involved. Models are only a small piece that supplements the bigger picture. Models are only used to bait and lure people in to their stores and website. Other than that, VS as a whole does not depend on models for their business.

Yeah, of course. I do like the whole 'model focus' though, it's part of the fun and I enjoy it regardless. Personally, I don't like VS very much, but I like the VS fashion show a lot since it's good entertainment. I ignore VS until (right now), and have a good time with it on BZ.

I do think that Candice S., Alessandra, and the 'Angels' are more important than their other models. By cutting, for instance, Adriana loose during her prime, they lose some of their investment in one of their assets- so Adriana and Candice should have some pricing power and leverage on the negotiating table. They shouldn't be totally expendable like most of the models that rotate through their catalog. They pick a model, develop them, and create a celebrity.

While I was at VS, conversations about models rarely came up---even at the corporate level. Many of those in leadership and management positions don't even know the names of all the Angels or models who frequent the catalogs or the Fashion Shows. Nor do they care b/c having this knowledge is not important and it is not something the company requires employees to know.

You said you were an intern. There should be a fuzzy marketing strategy narrative/explanation- based out of 'Fingerspitzengefuehl' (translated from German, would be 'fingertip-feel' or an intuitive sense of what the different segments of their markets are wishing for and what is the best combination of girls at any particular moment)

It would be interesting to know why they have the Angels that they have. Personally, I don't like any of them, but I think that Candice stands out. And I don't believe that they rotate the Angels randomly so see what sticks and the actual reasons for their selection is probably known by only a few key strategists and employees.

What do you think?

Why did they, for instance, promote Erin and Lindsay Ellingson so rapidly? I can see how Doutzen (who is very popular in holland) or Candice are indispensable. So, yes, they needed American blondes but there are a great many to choose from. But Erin and Lindsay are (at least to me) indifferent models and not oozing with appeal.

Like most (if not all) businesses, their main concern is making money. VS does this by attempting to provide an "exceptional" customer experience so a percentage (don't remember the exact number but I think it is about a minimum of 30-35%) of those who enter their stores or visit their website purchases something---preferably bra b/c they are the "best at bras". Everything else like panties, beauty products, and accessories are available mainly to supplement a bra purchase (VS is big on encouraging add-ons). Another thing they do is 'build brand loyalty" and it goes back to the store credit card. Those who have the store credit card shop more often and spend more than those who don't . Again, I forgot the exact percentage. .

Briefly looking at the recent Limited' 10K & annual report: the majority of their VS' income comes from sales of bras and panties and the other segments in VS are not so important.

Whenever I'm in a VS store, I find their pink stuff to be terribly cheap in both quality, appearance, and value, and literally like old navy type garbage. So I suppose that the teenage girls latch on these wares, and then graduate to the bras and panties.

And the Angels are their Girl Scout Troop Leaders.