Open Letter to Victoria's Secret From Texas Dad Raises Key Issues About Selling Sexuality to Young Women

This open letter to Victoria's Secret from a Texas dad not thrilled with the company's recent younger brand PINK foray into its 'Bright Young Things' underwear resonates with me. Victoria's Secrets 'Bright Young Things' phrases like "dare you", "feeling lucky" and "call me" on the front and back provoked significant numbers of parents to question the ways in which VS feeds a young woman's sense of self as a primarily sexual being. 

This is what he wrote:

"Dear Victoria’s Secret,

I am a father of a three year old girl. She loves princesses, Dora the Explorer, Doc McStuffins and drawing pictures for people. Her favorite foods are peanut butter and jelly, cheese and pistachios.

Even though she is only three, as a parent I have had those thoughts of my daughter growing up and not being the little girl she is now. It is true what they say about kids, they grow up fast. No matter how hard I try I know that she will not be the little ball of energy she is now; one day she will be a rebellious teenager that will more than likely think her dad is a total goof ball and would want to distance herself from my embarrassing presence.

I know that this is far down the line and I try to spend as much time as I can with her making memories of this special time.

But as I read an article today posted on The Black Sphere, it really got me thinking that maybe the culture that we currently find ourselves in is not helping the cause.

Recently I read an article that Victoria’s Secret is launching a line of underwear and bras aimed at middle school aged children. The line will be called “Bright Young Things” and will feature ” lace black cheeksters with the word “Wild” emblazoned on them, green and white polka-dot hipsters screen printed with “Feeling Lucky?” and a lace trim thong with the words, “Call me” on the front.”

As a dad, this makes me sick.

I believe that this sends the wrong message to not only my daughter but to all young girls.
I don’t want my daughter to ever think that her self-worth and acceptance by others is based on the choice of her undergarments. I don’t want my daughter to ever think that to be popular or even attractive she has to have emblazon words on her bottom.

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Karlie Kloss Is Close To Victoria's Secret Heavenly Status

Rumors run rampant that Karlie Kloss is an official Victoria's Secret Angel, joining Candice Swanepoel and Alessandra Ambrosio in LA this week to debut the Victoria's Secret 2013 Swim collection. The company has so far not commented, but Kloss did participate in the Twitter chat #AskAnAngel. 

Candice Swanepoel & More Victoria's Secret 2013 Swim Goddesses By Russell James

Victoria’s Secret beauties Candice Swanepoel, Erin Heatherton, Behati Prinsloo, Lais Ribeiro and Sara Sampio launch America's first serious spring breeze with the lingerie brand's Swim 2013 catalogue. The girls hit the sunny beaches of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the hot sands of Miami in sizzling images photographed by Sensuality News favorite photographer Russell James.

Victoria's Secret angel Candice Swanepoel stakes her claim on the coveted cover as a multitude of sensual bathing beauty starts its annual spring rollout. 

Russell James has been working privately with the VS models, capturing Alessandra Ambrosio recently for his Nomad Two World project. In March 2013 Russell's sexy new art book Around the House with Candice Swanepoel hits bookstores. Touchdown on those topics over in Anne's Sensual Rebel column.

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A Schizoid Victoria’s Secret Holiday 2012 Message

There are moments when I want Victoria's Secret to decide what it wants to be when it grows up. These beautiful images of Candice Swanepoel, Miranda Kerr, Barbara Palvin, Erin Heatherton and Bregje Heinen are the faces of the lingerie brand’s holiday 2012 catalogue. Indeed, they feel 'Heaven Sent'.

By contrast, this video of the Angels singing Christmas carols is so forced, it borders on being just stupid. Last year's VS Christmas singing video was great. This one gets a thumbs down from me. ~ Anne

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Doutzen Kroes, Candice Swanepoel, Alessandra Ambrosio and Others | 2012 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Fittings

The annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show won't debut on television until December 4th, although images from the live show have already swarmed the Internet. This is one lackluster series of backstage pictures taken at this year's fittings. Models Doutzen Kroes, Candice Swanepoel, Alessandra Ambrosio, Barbara Palvin, Hilary Rhoda, Lily Aldridge, Bregje Heinen and Barbara Fialho wear calendar girl looks in the candid snaps -- which never should have gone public imho.

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Candice Swanepoel, Lindsay Ellingson, & Erin Heatherton | Victoria's Secret Christmas 2012 Preview

The Victoria's Secret Christmas 2012 Catalogue is out, making for a treasure trove of new Angels images online. To start us off, Candice Swanepoel, Lindsay Ellingson and Erin Heatherton wear the Angel Fantasies collection, delicious lingerie confections available in smooth or lace style.

The stunning campaign will feature Alessandra Ambrosio, Barbara (VS is calling her Barbie) Palvin, Candice Swanepoel, Doutzen Kroes, Erin Heatherton and Lindsay Ellingson. More to come later this evening on AOC Private Studio.

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Alessandra Ambrosio | Victoria’s Secret Floral Fantasy Bra

After a false start to the unveiling of this year's Victoria's Secret Floral Fantasy Bra, Alessandra Ambrosio showed off the $2.5 million blinged-out creation in the kickoff of the VS Fashion Show season. The baubled piece was designed by the London Jewelers of New York who also designed the Bombshell Fantasy Fragrance bottle (pictured below).

The Victoria's Secret Floral Fantasy Bra features amethysts, sapphires, rubies and white, pink and yellow diamonds fashioned into flowers. The stones are sex in 18 karat rose and yellow gold. A matching belt contains more than 5,200 precious stones. The bra has two removable diamond flower pins and the drop centerpiece features a massive 12.5 carat and 20 carat white diamond.

Victoria's Secret's Herald Square flagship store in Manhattan has reopened as the largest VS in the world. The three-story flagship features a dedicated room that showcases the most important moments in the lingerie brand's history. Also at Herald Square is the first-ever, European-inspired perfumery.

Alessandra will runway strut the Floral Fantasy Bra at the upcoming VS runway show which takes place in November. The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show airs on Dec. 4 at 10 pm on CBS.

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