Here's to the marketing geniuses that have started promoting body positivity to the masses! I'd first like to address the idea that companies only produce body positive campaigns because it is currently profitable. If so, good for them. Good for them for making a profit on something genuinely beneficial to the world. Businesses need to make money, and it's a breath of fresh air (literally) when it's not a business making money off of polluting our planet.
Now that the sass is out of the way, I want to use this opportunity to praise one company in particular. Aerie by American Eagle has gone out of their way to tell everyone who walks through their doors, buys their products, or even visits them on social media that "the real you is sexy."
I love that they used the term "sexy." Some think that this is a mature word for a store that many girls seek out to get their first bras. However, there are two definitions of "sexy," as defined by Merriam-Webster. The first is what we most likely think of first: "sexually appealing, attractive, or exciting." However, the second definition is as follows: "having interesting or appealing qualities." This second definition is spot on. Everyone has interesting or appealing qualities. Think for a second about what you like the most about yourself. It's probably what makes you different, and that is exactly what this definition means. "Sexy" has plenty of outward meaning, but haven't you heard that smart is sexy? Funny is sexy, too! So many qualities are sexy, and their marketing shows that.
I'm obviously very passionate about this company's work. I've actually been a sales associate and bra expert at Aerie for two and a half years now. So I've gotten to catch a ride on the campaign from the launch two short years ago. I remember looking at the marketing and pointing out tattoos, stretch marks, and all different body types of models with my coworkers.
In a world of fashion shows that bring out the lowest self-esteem in all of us, it is amazing to see photos of beautiful women who represent how all of us really look. Aerie is even partnered with charities such as Bright Pink and NEDA to support the health of women all over. NEDA is an especially important partner, because this partnership shows Aerie's commitment to preventing eating disorders that are often the results of the pressure the general media puts on everyone.
My personal favorite model is Iskra Lawrence. First of all, she's gorgeous. Just check out her Instagram. Second of all, she isn't your "typical" underwear model. But she's killing it. And, last but not least, she is a dedicated advocate for positive body image. She is a NEDA ambassador and hashtags everything with #everyBODYisbeautiful.
Check out all of the awesome ladies in the campaign. Then, take a long look in the mirror at yourself and remind yourself that the real you is sexy in every sense of the word.
