Nancy V. Workman

Victoria's Secret is one of the most popular women's lingerie brands in the United States. The clothing line is sold in boutiquelike shops throughout the country and via mail—order catalogs. Business experts agree that part of the success of the line is due to Victoria's Secret's marketing strategy. The stores are designed to recreate a nineteenth—century bedroom, literally transporting customers into the Victorian age. In this essay, Nancy V. Workman examines what she calls the "social psychology" of the Victoria's Secret stores and merchandise. She discusses the corset-the Victorian women's undergarment that was worn tightly around the waist. Workman explains how this earlier fashion trend may have been a way to control women and their sexuality. She argues that while Victoria's Secret does not sell corsets, their marketing campaign uses and promotes...