2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show lacking diversity

With the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show approaching, Teen Vogue highlighted the 16 black models that will be strutting the catwalk this year. This number is down from the 17 that walked in last year's show. There will be 49 models total in the 2018 show, according to Harper's Bazaar.

Winnie Harlow, a black model with vitiligo, will be walking in the VS Fashion Show for the first time this year. 

Victoria's Secret has been criticized in the past for its lack of diversity among models. Although I think they are making an attempt to include more ethnic and racial diversity among their models, they still have a long way to go. And consumers think so, too. In 2017, Victoria's Secret saw negative same-store sales growth, according to Business Insider, while companies touted for diversity and inclusion, like Aerie, have seen significant same-store sales growth.

Victoria's Secret's diversity mission is a weak attempt. From what I can tell, this year's show will not feature any South Asian models. Additionally, the show will not feature any plus-size models or any models with physical disabilities. Victoria's Secret should go beyond their current diversity efforts and look to companies like Fenty and Aerie that are inclusive across the board in size, race, ethnicity, gender, etc.