The secret to launching a 35,000-sq.ft. retail store was revealed Tuesday, Aug. 27, and its as simple as think pink. The Victorias Secret flagship location at Robson and Burrard moved a rumoured $381,000 in lingerie and beauty products on opening day, with shoppers queuing up as early as 5am. Sources say it was the largest opening in Victorias Secret history, and that wasnt even the day the Angel was there.
But you probably arent interested in corporate expectations and Canadian retail trends (a recent study by consultancy CBRE puts Canada at sixth among top destinations for retailers that are seeking beyond-borders expansion). You want to know what 28-year-old model Lindsay Ellingson had to say during her quick stopover in the city to cut the ribbon, lunch with media and meet-and-greet fans who lined up in the rain Aug. 29, right?
Well, these men did. We asked a handful of Vancouver men what they would ask Ellingson if they had one-on-one time with the Victorias Secret model in a segment weve dubbed Three minutes in Heaven:
Desmond: Is there any sort of rivalry between Victorias Secret models and Sports Illustrated models?
Lindsay: No, theres really not. I personally dont know any SI models. As models, you are competing against yourself constantly, not other girls, because were all so different. Its a constant competition for how good can I be, how much better can I be.
Mario: Do you have an Angel nickname?
Lindsay: Just my initials, L.E.
Josh: What is your dream runway song?
Lindsay: Thats a tough one. I like anything with a really good beat. There was this one show in 2005, where Gisele [Bundchen] opened a section they were all in a Victorias Secret gift box, dressed for Christmas and this song by Body Rockers, I Like The Way You Move...It was the most amazing song for walking on a runway. And Im like, Pleeease bring it back! But they would never, just because its always about whats up to date, whats new.
Cam: Who would win in a fight, Victorias Secret Angels or Charlies Angels?
Lindsay: [laughs] Victorias Secret Angels theres more of us!
We had mere minutes with the bombshell, so here are some more clever fan questions that were cut for time. Lindsay, if you're reading this, feel free to enlighten us @WEVancouver!
Are the wings heavy?
I love what you do with those runway shows, but wouldn't unitards be more 'angelic'?
Three parter: a) Who was Victoria?; b) What do you think her secret was?; and c) Will you ever get to meet her?
Who do you think would make a better Victoria's Secret 'Angel': Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke, or my innocent sister who has been scarred for life after watching their performance at the MTV VMAs?
If you had a crime-fighting superpower (besides your elegant wings and natural good looks) what power would you wish to yield and why?
When you traveled to Vancouver, did you all fly in a V-formation?
Do you always wear high heels when you wear lingerie?
What's your most sinful indulgence?
Do 'Angels' actually eat Philadelphia Cream Cheese?
Have you ever been to Victoria, BC, and if so, can you tell me a secret about it?
Do you know how to play the harp? Can you play any instruments? What instrument would you want to play in an all angel back up band for Michael Jackson?
Have you ever seen the movie Angels in the Outfield?
Thanks, men of Vancouver; your ways with a pun are out of this world.
Tune in to Shop Talk next week, where Lindsay Ellingson shares her Angelic beauty secrets.
Phillip Chin/WireImage photos
