who made victoria secret

Victoria's Secret was created by American businessman Roy Raymond and his wife, Gaye Raymond, in 1977. Roy Raymond founded the company because he felt uncomfortable buying lingerie for his wife in department stores and wanted to create a store where men could feel comfortable shopping for women's lingerie. He borrowed money from his in-laws and a bank to start the business, naming it Victoria's Secret after Queen Victoria to evoke a Victorian-era sophistication while alluding to the "secret" beneath the clothes. The first store opened in Palo Alto, California, and later expanded with more stores and a catalog before eventually being sold to Leslie Wexner in 1982.