Is Victoria's Secret (#Aerie)Real?

Regardless of your sex, age, or race, if you live in today's 21st century, you know what Victoria's Secret is. When asked, people might answer "the biggest lingerie manufacturer globally" or "the brand that holds awesome annual fashion shows!!!!!!!!!!" Answers are a plethora and will vary. But the #1 unknown fact about this incredibly successful company, is that it was founded by a man. That's right! The original marketing targets of Victoria's Secret were men shopping for the perfect lingerie for his partner. This plan however, did not carry the business sales very far. As a solution, VS switched gears and revised the entire company to be aimed towards women. Previously, the advertisements only had to highlight how attractive the lingerie itself is, since it was aimed at men shopping for a gift. But after VS altered their intended consumers, the company now had to highlight both the model and the lingerie. Whether women admit it or not, they see themselves reflected upon the giant Victoria's Secret ads. It is definitely noted how flawless the model's bodies are, and we begin questioning ourselves, "Why can't I look like that?"

"A perfect body?" "Does the Victoria's Secret ad really say that?" "Are you kidding me?" "This is ridiculous."
These were just some of the criticism Victoria's Secret received immediately after they launched this ad. This ad promoted the Body bra, but VS advertisers took advantage of the doublespeak and used "body" to convey another meaning. What they meant was the perfect bra named Body, but what most consumers saw was the perfect bodies of the Victoria's Secret models. This ad stirred up much criticism for the company because the public claimed the models' bodies are perfect solely because of one thing: photoshop.
Victoria's Secret is specifically aimed towards woman wanting to buy lingerie for themselves. This is taken advantage of because advertisers realize when women see the giant, blown-up ad of the VS models in the lingerie, they are subconsciously reflecting themselves onto the model. They contemplate the possibility of themselves looking that good if they purchase VS products. But is this genuine? Victoria's Secret has been caught on multiple occasions for faulty photoshop.



The models are altered to have the stereotypical "ideal" body type implanted in humans' minds. I personally think (and this may be cheesy, I know) that all body types are beautiful. Yes, people may go against me and accuse of saying this because it's what everyone says or I only want people to agree with me. But it's definitely true. In my perspective all body types are beautiful because the "perfect" ones we see, are most likely photoshopped. Now, in no way am I saying all "ideal" body figures are fake. But, let's face it, who actually has the perfect body? Not me, that's for sure, and most likely not that Victoria's Secret model either, if VS was compelled to photoshop her waist. Everyone is insecure or unsatisfied with a part of their body. I'm positive no one struts around 100% confident and boasting about how they have the perfect figure.
It has been stated so many times, but it needs to be reiterated. We need to accept our flaws!!!!!!! This is an extremely hard task and a stereotypical thing to say, but it cannot be stressed enough. This is why Aerie, another lingerie company launched a project known as #AerieReal.



This project guarantees Aerie won't photoshop any of their models. This project has also led to women being comfortable and confident enough to share their flaws. Women would take untouched photos of themselves and post it on social media, showing off their flaws because they are #AerieReal. This idea of a real body being beautiful is gradually spreading and becoming the new principle in which people live by. Yes, the "perfect body" is still stuck in individual's minds, but there is definitely a noticeable change in which body figures are being approached. This is all because the involvement of media in promoting this message.