Voice of London

The CEO of lingerie giant, Victoria’s Secret, has resigned. Jan Singer joined Victoria’s Secret back in 2016, and her resignation is reportedly related to a drop in sales. This comes after company president Ed Razek’s controversial comments earlier this week.

Image Credit: Ruby Naldrett

The company has made no official statement about Singer’s resignation, instead choosing to stay quiet which has led to speculation on social media that she has taken the fall for Razek’s comments.

When asked in an interview with Vogue about the diversity of the Victoria’s Secret fashion show,  and his decision not cast any transgender models Razek said:  “Well, why not? Because the show is a fantasy. It’s a 42-minute entertainment special. That’s what it is. It is the only one of its kind in the world, and any other fashion brand in the world would take it in a minute, including the competitors that are carping at us. And they carp at us because we’re the leader.”

Singer, who formerly headed SPANX, leaving the company will be another blow for Victoria’s Secret, who have faced serious online backlash since Razek’s comments. This year has been a huge year for inclusive and diverse brands, with the launch of Rihanna’s Fenty Lingerie and the rise of brands such as Figleaves and Nubian Skin.

Infographic: Ruby Naldrett created with Piktograph

In the UK, the lingerie market is worth over $14 million and consumers are providing a much higher demand for diverse branding, which begs the question whether or not brands such as Victoria’s Secret who focus heavily on the ‘fantasy’ will survive.

Razek has since apologised for his comments via social media issuing a statement through the official Victoria’s Secret Twitter account:

The statement posted via the official Victoria’s Secret Twitter account

The apology came promptly after Singer’s resignation… and as more models, influencers and customers boycott the brand, Singer’s resignation could be the first of many.

Words: Ruby Naldrett | Subbing: Katherine Cenaj
Featured Image: Ruby Naldrett