#AerieREAL

In the media, girls are constantly bombarded with pictures of Photoshopped and over edited models, whether it is on Instagram, Twitter or in magazines. We see so many "#goals" pictures, which pressure us to feel like we need to look a certain way. If we don't have extremely toned abs or a "thigh gap" like the girls in the pictures we feel bad about ourselves, which can ultimately lead to a negative cycle in our lives. In reality, even the models on Instagram in those #goals pictures don't look like that. I have always thought of Photoshop only being in magazines, but it has extended into our Instagram feeds too. The model you see while scrolling through social media has been retouched, she doesn't even look like that in real life. It is important for girls to realize that Photoshop creates unrealistic expectations for everybody, even the models in those pictures!

To combat this growing problem, American Eagle's spin off intimates brand, Aerie, has created the 'Aerie Real' campaign. Announcing the start of the campaign in January 2014, Aerie decided to leave behind the Photoshop and start the New Year off right. Their campaign features models that have not been retouched at all. In an interview with PR Newswire, Jennifer Foyle, the Chief Merchandising Officer for Aerie explained, "The purpose of 'Aerie Real' is to communicate there is no need to retouch beauty, and to give young women of all shapes and sizes the chance to discover amazing styles that work best for them. We want to help empower young women to be confident in themselves and their bodies." Even though there have been some improvements, the fashion industry highly publicizes stick thin models; whether it be during fashion week or through the use of retouching. It is refreshing for young women to see models who are a variety of shapes and sizes, and most importantly not retouched wearing the clothes they will be buying.

Aerie's newest season of the 'Aerie Real' campaign kicked off earlier this month with the launch of their ballet inspired collection. Dancer and actress, Sonoya Mizuno is the spokesperson for the collection. Mizuno states, "I am Aerie real because my look isn't defined by a particular place or country. When I first found out that you guys don't retouch I went into kind of what about my this or that. After I got over that, I think it's a really empowering thing." Seeing a strong female, like Mizuno is inspiring to young women because she demonstrates you don't have to fit into a particular mold to be beautiful. 

In addition to their extremely cute and comfortable clothing, the 'Aerie Real' campaign is just one of the reasons I'll always support this company. In today's society when social media plays such a huge role in dictating how young women should look, what Aerie is doing is extremely powerful. The acceptance of all body types is beginning to increase throughout the fashion industry. 'Aerie Real' is a step in the right direction, and I hope to see more campaigns like this in 2016. 

Next time you're scrolling through your Instagram or Twitter feed and see that "#goals" picture, remind yourself that even the model in the picture doesn't look like that. You shouldn't feel pressured to look a certain way because everybody is beautiful and #AerieREAL in their own way!