When you stroll by a Victoria’s Secret store, the mesmerizing images of flawless models can leave you feeling a bit inadequate. However, it’s important to remember that the reality behind those stunning visuals is often far removed from what meets the eye. In an effort to demystify the industry, a former photo retoucher, who wishes to remain anonymous, has come forward to share the secrets of how these images are crafted.
In an interview with Refinery29, “Lily,” a former retoucher for the lingerie giant, explained that the process of altering photos begins well before the cameras start clicking. “The first thing they do is add hair extensions,” she revealed. It’s rare for models to show up with their natural hair. Then comes the addition of “chicken cutlets”—padding strategically placed in bras and swimsuits to enhance the model’s shape. “If you hold up a bathing suit, it’s so heavy because of all that stuff sewn into it,” she added.
Moreover, the alterations continue even before the shoot. Underneath those bathing suits, push-up bras are often worn, only to be retouched out later. “It’s physically impossible to have cleavage in a strapless bikini,” Lily explained, highlighting the unrealistic expectations that many women face when trying on similar garments. This scenario resonates with anyone who has stood in front of a mirror, disappointed that they don’t resemble the models they see in advertisements.
But the digital transformations don’t stop there. Lily openly discussed the frequent requests she received to modify breast shapes, making them appear rounder, perkier, and more symmetrical. Interestingly, she revealed that many models typically wear an A cup, contradicting the idealized image that so many women aspire to. The notion that every model is naturally endowed with perfect proportions is a myth perpetuated by the industry.
Even the seemingly flawless underarms we associate with Victoria’s Secret models are not as they appear. “The armpits are often retouched,” Lily confessed, noting that models sometimes arrive with unshaven underarms, which are then digitally altered to create that smooth look. “They all have the normal stuff non-models have,” she added, which is a refreshing reminder that no one is perfect, not even those gracing the covers of magazines.
Additionally, Lily pointed out that the models are often thinner than they appear, and retouching is used to enhance their curves. In her experience, attempts to feature models with diverse body types didn’t resonate with consumers, leading to a continued reliance on unrealistic standards of beauty. It’s disheartening that the demand for these unattainable images drives the industry, with companies prioritizing profit over authenticity.
While it may be disheartening to learn about these practices, Lily’s revelations serve as a powerful reminder that the perfection we often see is an elaborate illusion. Understanding this can help quell some of the insecurities we feel when comparing ourselves to these images. It’s crucial to recognize that even models don’t look like their retouched photographs.
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In summary, the world of fashion advertising is rife with digital manipulation and unrealistic expectations. By shedding light on these practices, we can begin to embrace our own unique beauty and recognize that perfection is not just unattainable; it’s often an illusion crafted by the industry.
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