While Victoria's Secret Is Promoting Photoshop, Aerie Is Promoting Body Positivity
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

While Victoria's Secret Is Promoting Photoshop, Aerie Is Promoting Body Positivity

Hey VS, get with the times.

415
While Victoria's Secret Is Promoting Photoshop, Aerie Is Promoting Body Positivity
Twitter

Earlier this week, Victoria's Secret, the lingerie retailer, was slammed with criticism for an image that appears to be Photoshopped. Models and VS Angels Martha Hunt and Stella Maxwell, upon first glance, look normal, but many are questioning Hunt's right arm, which appears to be too smooth, while on the other side of Maxwell, Hunt's left elbow sticks out too far to be natural (as seen below).

This isn't the first time that Victoria's Secret has been caught Photoshopping their models, and it probably won't be the last. It's also not a surprise the fashion world uses Photoshop, but the criticism is only getting stronger as more men and women join the Body Positive Movement.

The movement encourages men and women to adopt a more forgiving attitude towards their bodies, which might have been compromised along the way. The overall goal is for men and women improve their overall emotional wellbeing, making them more comfortable with their bodies and others.There is not a specific body type that is targeted by the movement — it is for everyone.

In my own pop cultured opinion, the movement seems to have taken off with the release of Megan Trainor's debut number one hit, "All About That Bass." However, I would not call Trainor's song Body Positivity's anthem because it skinny-shames women with the lyrics, "Go ahead and tell them skinny bitches hey," but I will say that it was the catalyst in this movement when coupled with intimate retailer, Aerie.

In the spring of 2014, a couple months before "All About That Base" dropped, Aerie, owned by American Eagle Outfitters, launched its #AerieREAL campaign. Subsequently, the brand announced they would no longer digitally retouch models, models who would be inclusive of all sizes.

The new business model (no pun intended) is working well! According to The Huffington Post, Aerie's sales grew 20 percent in 2015 fiscal year, and they show no sign of dropping, while Victoria's Secret sales hit a rough patch in April.

Other brands, such as Mattel and Sports Illustrated, are also jumping onto the body positive bandwagon. In its highly anticipated swimsuit edition, SI released three covers, and of these three, one featured plus size model Ashley Graham. Mattel, the makers of Barbie, have for a long time been criticized about the doll's unrealistic body proportions; therefore, earlier this year, they released a line of Barbies to represent the figures of "real women."

Victoria's Secret, will you be the next to change? You have already gotten rid of your clothing, accessory, shoe and swimwear lines. I mean, you don't have to banish the Angels you have right now, but add curvier ones to your marketing and annual runway show. Because, as you can see, you're not very good at keeping your Photoshopping a secret (pun intended). Plus, the times are changing, and when women go out to buy clothes, especially intimates, we want to see women who reflect our body types modeling the product. Take a hint from one of your direct competitors and be more inclusive.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58660
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37826
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959387
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

194545
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments