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Victoria's Secret was founded by Roy Raymond, who wanted to feel comfortable (and not like a pervert) when he bought his wife lingerie. In 1977, with just $80,000 the first Victoria's Secret was opened in Palo Alto, California. In his first year of business, Raymond made half a million dollars.
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"He chose the name “Victoria” to evoke the propriety and respectability associated with the Victorian era; outwardly refined, Victoria’s “secrets” were hidden beneath," wrote Naomi Barr.
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With Raymond's original business plan, VS was targeted toward just men. Leslie Wexner, the owner of The Limited, changed all that. In 1982, he bought the Victoria's Secret catalog and stores from Raymond for $1 million after seeing its potential. By 1995, Victoria's Secret had become a $1.9 billion company with 670 stores nationally. Unfortunately, as Roy Raymond continued to see the massive growth of his used-to-be company, he saw his own life falling apart. After other failed business attempts and a divorce from his wife, Raymond committed suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge at age 46.
Victoria's Secret is owned by Leslie Wexner's company L Brands, which also owns major retailers Henri Bendel and Bath & Body Works.
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The first Victoria's Secret Fashion Show debuted in 1995 and has become an absolutely huge part of the company. Each year, hundreds of models audition for a coveted spot to walk the runway. And that spot is definitely worth it because...
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A majority of the Forbes highest paid models have (or still do) walked for Victoria's Secret. Some of the models on the list include Gisele Bundchen, Miranda Kerr, Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Alessandra Ambrosio and more. It's safe to say Victoria's Secret will help you make your modeling career.
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Each year, Victoria's Secret creates a Fantasy Bra that is debuted on the runway at their fashion show. It's a huge honor for the model who is asked to wear the Fantasy Bra. The 2015 bra cost $2 million and is made up of diamonds, 18K gold and precious stones.
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