Victoria’s Secret features first size-14 model in lingerie campaign

Model Ali Tate-Cutler says the opportunity is ‘surreal’

Victoria’s Secret has hired its first size 14 model after years of criticism over the brand’s refusal to be more size-inclusive.

As part of a new collaboration with female-founded UK-based lingerie brand Bluebella, Victoria’s Secret has launched a campaign featuring plus-size model Ali Tate-Cutler.

Cutler announced she had made history as the brand’s first size-14 model on Instagram, where she shared photos of herself modelling the Bluebella lingerie.

“I believe I’m the first size 14 on Victoria’s Secret?” the model captioned the photos. “Regardless I’m pretty stoked to work with a brand I idolised when I was a teen.

“Great step in the right direction for bodies.”

The brand has previously featured plus-size models, however, Cutler is the first model of her size to be featured prominently in Victoria’s Secret stores in campaign images.

In an interview with E! News, Cutler elaborated on the opportunity, explaining: “Size 14 is actually the average size of women in America and I do think that we need to see more of it in media and fashion because most women are that size. So, we need to be accurately represented in brands and media.

“For Victoria’s Secret I am so excited that they decided to put a size-14 woman like me on the wall. I feel like they are headed in the right direction and they are listening to their audience who have requested to see more women of diverse shapes and sizes.”

Cutler also told the outlet that it felt “surreal” to attend the launch of the collaboration and see herself “on the wall next to these top supermodels that I have been looking up to since I was a little girl”.

According to Victoria’s Secret, the collaboration reflects Bluebella’s ethos of “self-love, self-acceptance and championing individuality”.

“That’s the main message behind their fall collection’s compelling #loveyourself campaign which celebrates the brand’s beautiful designs on diverse, empowered women,” the press release states.

On Instagram, the lingerie brand’s inclusion has been met with support and praise.

Ali Tate-Cutler poses in Victoria’s Secret (Victoria’s Secret)

“Wow what a beautiful and realistic model that we can all relate to!” one person wrote. “Love this!”

Another said: “An incredible step for including more diversity in the bodies you show! I am a size 14-16 and I wear your clothes so it’s nice to see myself represented.”

The brand’s diverse ad campaign comes after former chief marketing officer Ed Razek faced backlash for telling Vogue in 2018 that transgender and plus-size models would not featured in a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show because “the show is a fantasy”.

Razek resigned shortly after it was announced that the annual fashion show had been cancelled.

The Independent has contacted Victoria’s Secret for comment.