Victoria's Secret
Victoria's Secret is an American lingerie, clothing, and beauty retailer known for its high-visibility marketing and branding, starting with a popular catalog and followed by an annual fashion show with supermodels dubbed Angels. The company was founded in 1977 by Roy and Gaye Raymond as a response to the uncomfortable and unappealing lingerie shopping experiences Roy encountered when purchasing for his wife. Aimed at creating a store where men would feel comfortable shopping for lingerie, its stores and catalog featured an upscale Victorian boudoir aesthetic. It was sold to Les Wexner and his company, The Limited, in 1982, which expanded it into a powerful retail brand. Over the decades, Victoria's Secret has faced criticism over its portrayals of women and beauty standards but has recently been working towards a more inclusive brand image.