Victoria’s Secret: History, Founder, Philosophy, and Legacy of Empowered Femininity

Victoria’s Secret is one of the world’s most iconic lingerie and beauty brands, synonymous with luxury, sensuality, and female empowerment. Founded in 1977, it transformed the perception of lingerie by merging elegance with confidence and turning intimate apparel into a global fashion statement.

Founder and History

The brand was founded by Roy Raymond, a Stanford graduate, who opened the first Victoria’s Secret store in San Francisco, California. Raymond’s idea came from a simple yet revolutionary concept — to create a comfortable, elegant environment where men could buy lingerie for women without embarrassment and where women could find sophisticated, beautiful pieces that made them feel confident.

The name “Victoria’s Secret” was inspired by Queen Victoria and her era’s sense of romanticism and refinement — with “secret” symbolizing the allure and mystery of femininity.

By the 1980s, after being acquired by Les Wexner, founder of L Brands, Victoria’s Secret grew rapidly into a global powerhouse through catalog marketing and later its signature Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which became a cultural phenomenon.

Philosophy and Brand Identity

Victoria’s Secret has always stood for confidence, femininity, and empowerment. Its philosophy centers on celebrating every woman’s individuality, elegance, and sensuality through beautifully designed lingerie, beauty products, and lifestyle lines.

Over the years, the brand has evolved — embracing diversity, inclusivity, and modern beauty ideals, moving beyond its traditional “angel” image to represent real women from all backgrounds.

Brand Motto / Slogan

While the brand has used several taglines throughout its history, one of its most recognized messages is:

“A Body for Every Body”
This reflects Victoria’s Secret’s recent mission to represent all forms of beauty and empower women to feel confident in their own skin.

Victoria’s Secret Today

Today, Victoria’s Secret continues to redefine modern femininity with its collections of lingerie, fragrances, and beauty products. The brand’s annual Fashion Show, revived in 2025, marked a new era — blending art, diversity, and empowerment on the runway.

From luxurious designs to global influence, Victoria’s Secret remains a symbol of timeless glamour and evolving beauty.