History and Appeal of Vintage Victoria's Secret Gold Label Lingerie

The Rise of Victoria's Secret and the Creation of the Gold Label

In the late 1970s, Roy Raymond founded Victoria's Secret after feeling uncomfortable shopping for lingerie for his wife in public department stores. At the time, underwear was considered a taboo topic, so Raymond wanted to create a store that made lingerie feel elegant and glamorous. He opened the first Victoria's Secret store in 1977 in Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, California. The store was an immediate success.

By 1982, Raymond had opened three more stores and launched the Victoria's Secret catalog, which allowed customers across America to purchase the brand's lingerie by mail. The catalog debuted with a print run of 500,000 copies and featured lingerie models wearing the winged Victoria's Secret logo over their breasts.

The Sexy, Glamorous Victoria's Secret Image Takes Off

The combination of elegant stores and provocative catalogs helped make Victoria's Secret into the largest American lingerie retailer by the mid-1980s. The brand promoted an image of sophistication, luxury, and sex appeal at a time when those qualities were rarely associated with women's undergarments.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Victoria's Secret continued to expand its empire by launching new product lines like the Miracle Bra and Body by Victoria. Supermodels became closely tied to the Victoria's Secret image, with icons like Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Gisele Bundchen, and Adriana Lima starring in runway shows and ad campaigns.

Introducing the Victoria's Secret Gold Label

Capitalizing on the success of their sexy, supermodel-focused marketing campaigns, Victoria's Secret introduced the Gold Collection in 1993. Also known simply as the Gold Label, this new product line featured ultra-luxurious lingerie made with opulent fabrics like satin, lace, and silk.

While the core Victoria's Secret line targeted middle class consumers, the elite Gold Collection catered to more affluent shoppers who wanted only the finest underwear. Prices were approximately two to three times higher than mainline Victoria's Secret items.

Gold Label pieces were never offered in catalogs to maintain an air of exclusivity. They were only available in select Victoria's Secret boutiques and alongside couture in high-end department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's.

The Allure of Vintage Victoria's Secret Gold Label Today

During the 1990s and early 2000s, Victoria's Secret Gold Label thongs, bras, slips, and teddies were the height of luxury lingerie fashion. Today, discontinued Gold Collection pieces from this era are highly coveted by collectors of vintage clothing and lingerie.

The Vintage Appeal

Part of the appeal of vintage Gold Label is nostalgia. The opulent, sexy, romantic styles bring back memories of 1990s supermodel glamour. Slipping into a decadent silk teddy or lace-trimmed bra allows the wearer to channel the luxury and beauty of this fashion era.

For those who came of age in the 90s, Victoria's Secret Gold Label also elicits a sense of youthful excitement and playful sexuality from a more innocent time. Vintage pieces let shoppers reconnect with these feelings.

Investment Pieces

Because Victoria's Secret discontinued the Gold Label in the early 2000s, many of these pieces are now quite rare. As they become more scarce over time, prices continue to rise. Purchasing vintage Gold Collection items can be a smart investment since their value often appreciates.

Hardcore collectors are even willing to pay top dollar for rare styles in excellent condition. For example, a 90s Gold Label embroidered ivory corset recently sold at auction for over $800.

Quality Craftsmanship

Victoria's Secret spared no expense creating the Gold Collection with decadent fabrics, ornate embellishments like beads and bows, and fine details like lace trim and velvet accents. The luxurious materials and expert construction mean many vintage pieces remain in great condition decades later.

While modern Victoria's Secret items are still decent quality for the price, many fans feel the vintage Gold Collection represents a pinnacle of luxury materials and craftsmanship.

How to Buy Vintage Victoria's Secret Gold Label

For shoppers seeking a glamorous blast from the past, here are some tips on how to buy authentic vintage Victoria's Secret Gold Label:

Know the Telltale Signs

Genuine vintage Victoria's Secret tags feature the iconic "VS" logo with Angels wings along with the words "Gold Collection" printed in gold lettering. Also look for extravagant fabrics like silk charmeuse and Chantilly lace.

Search Secondhand Stores and Online

Check local vintage and consignment boutiques as well as resale sites like Etsy, eBay, and Poshmark. Retro lingerie specialists like Hopeless Lingerie also carry curated collections.

Read Seller Reviews

Buying from an experienced, reputable seller helps avoid knockoffs. Check out reviewers' photos to confirm real Gold Label details before purchasing.

Know Your Size

Since you cannot try on vintage items, know your measurements and size in contemporary Victoria's Secret to find the best retro fit. Many bras run tight in the band, so you may need to size up.

With its elite luxury and retro supermodel style, vintage Victoria's Secret Gold Label lets you tap into the glamour and indulgence of the 1990s. Follow these tips to find rare, authentic pieces and build a Gold Collection worthy of a modern Angel.

FAQs

What years was the Victoria's Secret Gold Label available?

The luxury Gold Collection launched in 1993 and was discontinued in the early 2000s. So vintage pieces are from the 1990s and early 2000s.

Where can I find authentic vintage Victoria's Secret Gold Label items?

Check local vintage stores, resale sites like Etsy and eBay, and specialty retailers like Hopeless Lingerie. Read seller reviews and examine product photos closely for authentic details.

Why is the vintage Victoria's Secret Gold Label so expensive?

As a discontinued high-end line, genuine vintage Gold Label is very rare. Scarcity and demand from collectors drives up resale prices, especially for popular styles in great condition.

How do I know if a vintage Victoria's Secret piece is real Gold Label?

Authentic Gold Collection items feature tags with the iconic VS logo and "Gold Collection" in metallic lettering. Fabrics are luxurious like silk, lace and velvet. Details like embroidery and rhinestones add glamour.

What's the appeal of vintage Victoria's Secret Gold Label today?

For many, the opulent, sexy styles trigger nostalgia for 1990s fashion. Vintage Gold Label also represents the pinnacle of Victoria's Secret quality and craftsmanship.