#AerieREAL is a campaign that projects models that are not retouched. While I don’t particularly like the phrase “real women,” (because it discourages us from recognizing models as real women), I think it helps girls feel confident in their own bodies. Everyone is born with different shapes. It can be difficult to “love yourself,” and “appreciate your curves,” when you don’t fit the standard Kim Kardashian or Nikki Minaj standard of “having curves.” On the other side, we have fit, healthy women being categorized as plus-size models. We have emaciated women who are already beautiful as it is being Photoshopped, having their skin color and bone structure altered, and having stretch marks covered with new technology.
This video portrays Robyn Lawley, a plus-size model who challenges the concept of “plus-size.”
Why do I love Aerie’s new campaign? I think it exposes women in ways that show their natural beauty. The girls are smiling, they’re laughing, they look genuinely happy. They have flaws, they have lines from where they laughed; they have lines from where they sit.
Emma Roberts agrees. She’s the first celeb to be part of the Aerie untouched ads, saying that “Partnering with Aerie was a natural fit for me because #AerieREAL is a message I personally identify with, particularly being in an industry that is quick to judge flaws.” She then adds “I feel so honored to be part of a movement that reassures women that real doesn’t mean flawed--real is sexy, real is cool.” The campaign “challenges supermodel standards by featuring un-retouched models.”
And the thing is--I’m not promoting “obesity,” (although I don’t like labeling anyone that anyway). Rather, I’m promoting being healthy. Being fit, loving life, but not letting the need to lose weight control you. These girls are projecting themselves for how they are--imperfect, beautiful, and exhibiting flaws that make them human.
