SWIM 2006

Written by Yvette N. Coleman

Known for their impeccable fit and cutting edge lingerie, Victoria's Secret has more than three decades under its belt of service to women’s needs for comfort and uber sexy intimate apparel. Founded in San Francisco in the early 1970’s, Victoria’s Secret was acquired by Limited Brands in 1982, which began developing the concept of a luxurious London-based lingerie shop.  Victoria’s Secret has successfully branded its lingerie as the most sought after consumer product in the nation.  With more than 1,000 beauty and lingerie stores, as well as international catalogues, the little pink and black bag is synonymous with ultra sexy, comfort, and a definite wardrobe must have!  From its company’s president to the executive committee, 80% of the associates that create the world’s most luxurious and beautiful lingerie and swimwear are women! So in choosing Victoria’s Secret, customers are always satisfied since issues of fit and appeal are always addressed and in the best interest of women across the world.

“We spend a lot of time talking about the needs of women today, and how we personally respond to things,” says Grace Nichols, President of Victoria’s Secret Stores.  “We try to offer our customers glamour, beauty, fashion and a little bit of romance.  We know what fits women physically and emotionally.”  And now with Victoria’s Secret Swim the commitment is the same.  The fits are based off of the Victoria’s Secret bra silhouettes, such as the Very Sexy push up bra that now has an entire assortment of swimwear based on the category.  The fit allows women to mix and match to suit the needs of their body type in every size.

Victoria’s Secret has enjoyed phenomenal success with its ever-expanding collection of luxurious merchandise.  Its yearly fashion show is watched by more people than all other shows combined and its glamorous supermodel spokespersons are recognized worldwide, including names such as Heidi Klum, Gisele Bundchen, Tyra Banks, and Adriana Lima.  Focus groups have named Victoria’s Secret the world’s most popular lingerie brand by far and women consistently indicate it as their first choice destination for intimate apparel.

Victoria’s Secret offers its clients a unique combination of romance and fashion that caters to their way of life.  “We are a lifestyle business.  And a fashion business,” says Nichols.  “We want to be an integral part of our customers’ lives.  We are there for them.  We don’t want to disappoint them.”

Victoria’s Secret launched a series of short video clips, which feature unscripted footage of the world’s most beautiful Supermodels behind-the-scenes at the sexy 2006 Victoria’s Secret swimwear shoots.  Victoria’s Secret Supermodels Gisele Bundchen, Karolina Kurkova, Alessandra Ambrosio, Adriana Lima and Izabel Goulart appear in the video stories.  The videos allow viewers to catch a glimpse of the exotic locales where the shoots took place, which include the breathtaking beaches of Los Roques, Venezuela, Tulum, Mexico, Great Exuma, Bahamas and Barbados.  The documentary-style mini-movies showcase outtakes from the sizzling photo shoots, as well as candid moments with the models on and off the set.

The series of video stories will be added to VictoriasSecret.com throughout the season. Visitors can access the first video story by logging on to VictoriasSecret.com and entering Keyword “Swim Videos.”  They can then register for exclusive access to all of the video stories.

Key collections for VS this season:

Body by Victoria Essentials: This collection is defined by its clean, modern shapes and premium high tech fabrics that conform to your shape. The BBV collection will feature an array of new styles including a bandeau, tankini, peek-a-boo two piece tankini and a one-piece. BBV IPEX swimwear will also be introduced which is patterned after our best selling BBV IPEX bra. 

Miracle Bra: This collection will have 2 prints and will include an all-new banded halter. The sarong cover-up will also be re-introduced to the collection.

Very Sexy: Very Sexy swimwear offers the seamless molded push-up styling that women love. The 2006 collection will feature sexy new silhouettes without padding and an array of new print offerings. Brand new styles including a seamless shirred push-up triangle top, a seamless shirred push-up classic plunge top, a push-up tankini, an unconstructed slider and a new deep plunge one-piece will also be introduced to the collection.

Beach Sexy: Our flirtiest sub-brand for women with a younger attitude will remain heavily focused on slider triangle tops and string bottoms. In addition to a range of new print and solid color offerings, the 2006 Beach Sexy collection will now have $39 and $49 bikinis in two combinations: halters with low-rise bottoms or slider triangles with side-tie string bottoms. 

Third Party Brands: This year’s swim assortment will feature an expanded range of status brands never before carried in the Victoria’s Secret Catalogue. These brands include D&G, Juicy Couture, Michael Kors and Anna Kosturova, a new line consisting of 100% cotton crochet swimsuits.

Victoria’s Secret Swimwear collection can be purchased through our catalogue and online at www.VictoriasSecret.com.

Prices range from $40 to $225 for the fashion suits.