LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 20, 2023--

The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has accused the United States of “gangster-like” hypocrisy for criticizing her country’s failed launch of a military spy satellite and insisted a successful launch will be made soon

Victoria’s Secret is dropping its feminist makeover and bringing back “sexiness” as it tries to reverse a slump in sales. The lingerie brand ditched its glamorous catwalks and signiture ‘angels’ in 2018, and instead promoted a more diverse array of female ambassadors including Megan Rapinoe and Priyanka Chopra who modelled a line of relaxed loungewear. But executives are now reportedly re-embracing “sex appeal” after the short-lived makeover failed to boost sales. During a presentation last week, a top executive said Victoria’s Secret would be the subject of an image overhaul, adding “sexiness can be inclusive”. “Sexiness can celebrate the diverse experiences of our customers and that’s what we’re focused on,” Greg Unis, brand president of the company’s youth-focused venture Victoria’s Secret & Pink, told investors on Thursday (13 October). The reboot is part of a larger strategy to revive its sales after a five-year marketing overhaul fell short of expectations. According to the Business of Fashion, Victoria’s Secret is projecting $6.2bn in earnings this fiscal year – a five per cent drop on sales in 2022, and well below the $7.4bn sales reported in 2018. Now, Victoria’s Secret has laid out a roadmap to bolstering its revenue, including cost-cutting, reviving its swimwear and activewear ranges, and further expanding its offerings to include products such as sweaters, slip dresses, and corsets. Giving its stores a more “welcoming” facelift is also part of the plan. Chief executive Martin Waters added that the retailer’s inclusivity initiatives and campaigns had “not been enough to carry the day”, referring to the company’s performance in recent years. Once the purveyors of Swarovski-studded undergarments and unrealistic body standards, Victoria’s Secret has, in recent years, embarked on a journey to shed its hyper-sexualised image and pay attention to changing social norms. The attempt to rehabiliate its public perception also followed criticism that it promoted typically thin, white models as the preferred beauty standard. Its initial attempt to adjust its image came hot on the heels of declining sales due to the emergence of inclusive and diversity-friendly brands such as Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty and Third Love, as well as several controversies including top management at L Brands – the former parent company of Victoria’s Secret. In 2018, L Brands’ then-marketing boss Ed Razek sparked a backlash when he declared that Victoria’s Secret would never cast transgender and plus-size models in its annual Fashion show because it’s a “fantasy”. Razek resigned the following year after he was accused of inappropriate behaviour with models – allegations he called “categorically untrue, misconstrued or taken out of context”. Around the same time, an investigation by The New York Times uncovered ties between L Brands’ former chief executive Lex Werne and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, which further sullied the reputation of Victoria’s Secret. In an effort to rehabilitate its image, the brand’s recent campaigns have featuring stars such as former US women’s football captain Megan Rapinoe, plus-size models Paloma Elsesser and Ali Tate-Cutler, and Brazillian transgender model Valentina Sampaio. Last month, Victoria’s Secret: The Tour ‘23 was released on Amazon Prime, with the company declaring the televised catwalk event was the “ultimate expression” of its commitment to a new Victoria’s Secret that’s more in step with the times. Despite its struggles, Victoria’s Secret still owns a lion’s share of the north American market today. “We’ve been insufficiently differentiated in this difficult market,” Waters said, during the meeting last Thursday. “[But] our ambition of being the world’s leading fashion retailer of intimates apparel is unchanged.” Read More Victoria’s Secret was never feminist – why are they bothering to try now? Victoria's Secret overhauls its racy fashion catwalk in its latest moves to be more inclusive From Naomi Campbell to Hailey Bieber: All the top models and celebs in Victoria Secret’s new Icons campaign Black magic: Go back to black this season with the catwalk-inspired trend From collars to gloomy garments: How to dress like Wednesday Addams for Halloween Why Travis Kelce relies on ‘instinct’ and ‘panic’ when getting dressed

Ramón Urías drove in three runs with a pair of doubles, Gunnar Henderson homered and scored three runs and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-5 on Wednesday to avoid their first series sweep in 14 months.

AC Milan have signed forward Noah Okafor from Red Bull Salzburg. The 23-year-old Switzerland international has put pen to paper on a five-year deal running until June 30, 2028. Okafor came through the youth ranks at Basel, making his professional debut in 2018 and scoring seven goals in 54 games. He moved to Salzburg in January 2020 and attracted the attention of Milan after netting 34 times in 110 appearances, helping the club to four Austrian Bundesliga titles and three Austrian Cups. In announcing the move, a message on the Salzburg Twitter feed read: “Noah Okafor has joined @acmilan on a permanent transfer. “We’d like to thank him for the massive contributions he made to our club, and wish him nothing but the absolute best as he joins one of the biggest clubs in the world. See you soon, Noah.” Okafor made his international debut in June 2019 against England, while his first Switzerland goal secured his country’s qualification for the World Cup in Qatar. He was included in the squad for the finals and came on as a substitute in three of Switzerland’s four games. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Jude Bellingham has no hard feelings after being caught by a controversial challenge from Lisandro Martinez during a pre-season friendly between Real Madrid and Manchester United. The England midfielder squared up to the Argentine after being scythed down towards the end of the first half. Despite a shoving match, Bellingham insisted “the little tiff” will stay on the field and described his opponent as a “brilliant player”. “I came in at half-time, F-ing this, F-ing that. But when he came over and said all the best when he came off, I really respected it,” the 20-year-old explained. “He’s a great competitor, a great player.” Read More Declan Rice says he ‘feels at home’ at Arsenal as he explains reasons for transfer Watch: Ben Stokes reacts as Barbie song interrupts press conference Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney meets Man United boss Erik ten Hag

The ATP announced on Tuesday the creation from 2024 of a financial security programme for players ranked inside the top 250, guaranteeing a minimum yearly income...

By Jonathan Saul and Ari Rabinovitch JERUSALEM The backlog of ships is growing at Israeli ports while operations

Pablo Reyes hit a walkoff grand slam to break a ninth-inning tie and the Boston Red Sox recovered after blowing a two-run lead to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2

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Mexicans dressed as skeletons parade through the streets of the capital ahead of the Day of the Dead.

Google went on the offensive Thursday in a closely watched antitrust case dealing with the tech giant's digital advertising dominance, questioning the motives of the Justice Department's top antitrust official.