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Victoria's Secret in trouble

Marie Claire Fashion News: Heidi Klum - Victoria's Secret

Victoria's Secret – the US underwear giant – may be taken to court by dozens of women who claim the bras brought them out in painful rashes and red welts on their skin.

One woman says she has been left permanently scarred after wearing the Angels Secret Embrace bra, reports The Telegraph.

Roberta Ritter, 37, claims the bra brought her out in red, inflamed, blistery welts.

'It itched profusely. I couldn't sleep and was waking up itching,' she said.

The leading lingerie firm uses supermodels such as Giselle and Heidi Klum to promote their range of underwear.

Now the company faces a class action from dozens of women who say their skin has also been affected after wearing the bra.

After launching her lawsuit against Victoria's Secret, Roberta says she was contacted by many women who suffered similar symptoms. The group are now waiting to hear if they can launch a class action.

Roberta's lawyers said they have had the bra tested and a laboratory found traces of formaldehyde in the underwear. The chemical is often used to prevent fabrics creasing.

However, Victoria's Secret has denied the use formaldehyde in the manufacturing process.

'We have strict quality controls around our products, and we do not use formaldehyde in our bras,' the company said in a statement.

A US judge will decide next year if Roberta's case can be heard, plus whether the women can bring a class action against the underwear giant.

FOR MORE FASHION NEWS, CLICK HERE!

Thursday 13 November 2008


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I am so glad this issue came to surface....I have been a lover of Victoria Secret products for years- I think all my bras are from their company actually. But, how-ever I have been freaking out because I have been itching uncontrollably all over, for the past month- and have not changed anything in my routine- or diet. I did happen to ketch the news last night and there it was- itching caused by formaldehyde- Guess I have to throw out my 4 Secret Embrace bras- What a waste!- thank you for itching up the goods.
Comment by Kathleen Broussard on November 13 17:09

This is true girls, so be careful! My skin has recently been feeling abnorally itchy, especially around the bra area. Then I read this article and it makes sense! All I wear is Victoria's Secret bras so I'm glad I read this when I did!
Comment by Marisa on November 13 17:31

I too am experiencing a very red, itchy, irratating rash from wearing a VS bra. How can I become a part of this class action suit, and stay updated on the outcome of this?
Comment by Rhonda on November 13 19:00

Just dropping in a link that goes over some of the problems of the case facts: http://formaldehydefacts.blogspot.com/2008/11/fci-challenges-good-morning-americas.html
Comment by Saturn on November 13 19:24

I have suffered similar symptoms might be permanently scarred after wearing a Victoria Secrets bra I purchased in September 2008 I have suffered since I would like more information to help you bring a class action against the underwear giant.
Comment by Catheleen Ryckman on November 13 21:24

I was interested in this as I have had the same skin reaction - not with Victoria Secret bras but another well known high street brand (not sure if I can name them). The rash is going but is taking ages.
Comment by sugarplum on November 14 12:44

This is so bizarre - I had no idea the itching was from my bra. I though it was heat rash. I only wear VS bras and at the end of the day I'm always itchy. Would be interested to learn more about this, explains a lot.
Comment by Melanie on November 14 12:51

i have seen a doctor twice now, had know idea that a bra might have caused this severe itching, and a hudge red welt on my breast. it went away when i stopped wearing one, but the intense itching is still there can't sleep. then i saw the local news and threr on the screen were my bras. i was hocked i have 5... three of the very sexy and two of the secret embrace, was i shocked.. please email me with info. on the attorny of the class action,and let me know on more of the side effects that you had, as i didn't have the severe rash or blisters. just the itch under my skin, and the red mark that was on my breast..
thank you
Comment by mayla litzenberg on November 14 22:50

To Catheleen Ryckman,
You posted a link from the Formaldehyde Council- an interest group for the chemical. What do you think they are going to say?!?

I have had bumps appear on my chest as well and only wear VS bras, for long periods of time, unfortunately. I am going to doctor this week and going to talk to some of my professors (im in law school)
Comment by JS on November 15 18:04

Hi I'm am very interested in Helping/finding out more information regadring taken this class actin suit as well. please email me with any information to help proceed. i have a number of these bras and have had this rash. it was hives and welps and very very itchy. i have doctor records from me goingg to the doctor to try and find out what the rash is and/or where it came from and was priscribe medication. please contact me via email reality68683@aol.com, thank you so much.
Comment by Pamela Allen on November 16 01:46

I would be very interested in a class action lawsuit as I as well have went through hell and not knowing all this time it was my bra's from Victoria Secrets. I have all the bra's and medical records to prove it and a sore butt from the shot I got for my rash that has permanently scarred my chest.
Comment by Tina Mitchell on November 17 17:29

Hi: Can you help me find the contact information for the lawyer or woman filing this suit?

I had a similar horrendous experience with Victoria Secret's lingerie (specifically their lacy hosiery). I wore them on my wedding day and got severe burns on my thighs and tremendous pain for weeks. My wedding day was painful and my honeymoon was ruined. I could not be touched because the pain was so awful.

I wrote to Victoria Secret about this; I sent them photos of the burns (I've still got the scars on my upper thigh) but they did nothing even though I sent them letters over and over again.

I would like to see if I could be a part of this suit.

Thanks in advance for your effort.

IBoney
Comment by IBoney on November 17 19:15

WOW! I've been wearing Victoria Secret products for years. I have been experiencing itchy and redness for months. However, I had no clue it could have been caused by my bras. I guess it's time to throw out the (7) I own and shop somewhere else. Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention.
Comment by Celia on November 18 18:09

I have an inverted nipple for over 8 weeks and I, too, have 5 of the "Very Sexy" collection bras. I sometimes work 20 hour days & I never took them off for whole 24 hr periods sometimes.
I am only 34 & had a mammogram & sonogram, only to reveal a mass attached to the inverted nipple...if it's NOT cancer, but an inflammation due to a "chemical reaction", I am going to pursue this lawsuit to the fullest extent, because no woman should have to go through this!
Comment by Katherine King on December 29 17:31

I AM SO ANGRY WITH VS.. DAMN CORPORATE BASTARDS...THEY FIGURED OUT A WAY TO MAKE MORE PRODUCT FOR CHEAPER IM SURE ...AT OUR EXPENSE.. I HAVE BEEN ITCHING LIKECRAZY FOR A YR AND COULDNT FIGURE OUT WHY...NOW I KNOW..IM SCARRED AND ITCHY ALL THE TIME.
Comment by catherine on January 02 03:58

I just heard about this and went through a long period of time (right after I had bought VS bras!) that I had this red, itchy rash all over my chest. I have to say that now, many months later, it has gone away, since the bras have been washed many, many times. I don't have any permanent damage and sounds like others were more affected than I was. Also the bras I bought were Body by Victoria, not the type others have mentioned. They were all also on clearance.
Comment by Michelle on April 09 18:40


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