As part of multiple efforts to diversify its supplier base, Victoria’s Secret & Co. (VS&Co) is working directly with minority-owned cotton farms in northern Alabama. By working with and compensating the farmers directly, VS&Co is seeking to create more economic opportunities for the minority-owned farms and gain greater visibility into who is growing the cotton and how it’s grown. Cotton from these farms will begin appearing in Victoria’s Secret and Pink products beginning in summer 2024.
“As we strive to create a better future for our organization and our world, we are committed to embedding DEI in all facets of our business, including in our supplier base,” said Dein Boyle, COO at VS&Co in a statement. “We have set out to disrupt standard operating procedures in the global fashion industry through these direct-to-farm relationships, ultimately resulting in more money going straight to the farmers who can then invest more in their businesses. We are at the beginning of this journey and hope to continue to pave the way for the industry at large.”
VS&Co also will host its second minority business matchmaking event, “The Chic Chemistry: The Art of Connections,” today in partnership with the Fifteen Percent Pledge, an organization promoting Black-owned brands. The company also has earmarked $10 million annually to fund causes important to its communities, associates and customers, with a strong focus on supporting women, people of color, veterans, individuals with disabilities, different age groups and the LGBTQIA+ community. Currently, 66% of Victoria’s Secret market collection partners are founded, owned or led by women.
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