If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all. Though we try to adhere to that, there is just so many things to say about this one.
We’re thankful that Victoria’s Secret is making changes, because lets face it, time and time again, it hasn’t. While we were thrilled they were expanding their size range and we are loving the gender neutral clothing, it’s who they chose as their first male model that has us going huh?
Never Have I Ever star, Darren Barnet has made history by becoming the brands first male model.
“I can finally share the news! am honored to be joining @vspink as a brand ambassador! I will helping to launch new styles in their gender free collection while also supporting their initiatives in empowering young adults and mental health awareness. I am beyond excited to share some of these new styles but I am even more grateful that I can be a part of a good cause. I wish mental health was more of a focus when I was a teenager and my hope is that we can reach those young adults who need to be heard and supported most. ❤️ Stay tuned for updates and check out the gender free collection at PINK.com” Barnet wrote on his social media post announcing the news.
Amy Hauk, CEO of Pink, said that Barnet was the obvious choice, because he was a positive role model. And yes, we’re not saying that he isn’t. But we’re just baffled by this choice.
“As we focus on expanding our gender-free offerings and continue to evolve as a brand, we want to ensure our partners not only represent the diversity of our customers, but also embody individuality and self-confidence,” she said in a statement.
I mean, if we’re being honest, Victoria’s Secret had the opportunity to do something real here. They had a chance to hire some diverse models, real people, and more. Darren Barnet doesn’t make me want to buy Pink. It makes me think that once again, the company is missing the mark on how they can be inclusive and make changes.
The company is stuck on the celebrity of it all, it feels. But personally, we wish they would have gone the Aerie route and done the campaign with people that we all could relate to.
And Darren Barnet misses that mark for us.