Last week, images were posted on the Ann Taylor website revealing a sad problem. I’ve included the image, showing both the original and retouched version. The glitch has been fixed and Ann Taylor issued this apology: ”We want to support and celebrate the natural beauty of women, and we apologize if in the process of retouching that was lost.”
Retouching? I don’t believe they care one bit about the “natural beauty of women”. I think they care about selling as much as they possibly can. Does “natural” beauty even need to be retouched? The problem I see is the exceedingly impossible expectation women are supposed to achieve. Yes, the same thing happens to guys. However, in our society, I think the pressure on women is far greater – especially in the area of appearance. I’m not picking on Ann Taylor either – this happens everywhere.
In this case, they took out some of the wrinkles on her shirt (was that even necessary) and shrunk her body down a bit. Her waist is smaller and so are her hips. The changes aren’t dramatic, but I think the issue is. With photos like this, women are working to achieve the impossible. Sorry, you’ll never look as good as the photoshopped image because it’s not real, it’s not “natural”.
I train a lot of women who’s goals are appearance based rather than a health or sport specific goal. The vast majority of my clients are women seeking to lose weight. When we start, I recommend to most of them that they get a photo of a model, athlete, celebrity or someone else who’s body they really like. I ask them to learn about that person’s diet, training program and anything else they do to get their body to look like that. After all, baseball players bodies generally don’t look like basketball players bodies. Figure skaters bodies are more sleek than hockey players. In other words, we can train specific ways to get specific looks. Marathon runners work just as hard and long (sometimes longer) than bodybuilders. But a bodybuilder will have thick, massive muscles wshile the marathon runners muscles will be sleek, efficient, lean. The difference is in how they train, eat, sleep, etc.
Yet when I suggest modeling their training after a person who’s body they want to emulate, I also explain that we all have strengths and weaknesses. If you were a supermodel right now, other people would be doing all they could to look like you – so celebrate your uniqueness. Take your strengths into consideration and enjoy what you have. After all – chances are great you’ll never look as good as your favorite supermodel – because neither does she. She’s been altered by an artist. Her flaws were removed – and now, she’s “perfect”.
I wouldn’t mind if altering the image included improved lighting or work that ensured continuity among the photos on the site or magazine. Some alteration is acceptable to remove reflections or glints of light that detract from the purpose of the photo. I realize that Ann Taylor is image based, but if they really are worried about the “natural beauty of women”, they should celebrate the model as she is.
Ron,
I understand the concern. But, I don’t think a fashion designer selling clothing needs to be held to a standard of realism. Clothing designers creatively stylize models to best enhance the product and achieve an idealistic view of beauty.
Look at the fashion illustrations of models over the years, they are highly stylized. But, this helps to accentuate the product. With modern technology, this practice has moved to more realist images of models.
I don’t believe people want to purchase clothing when it looks wrinkled or natural. This is not exclusive to the fashion industry either. Look at a plate of food in a Red Lobster commercial. It’s amazing! Visit a Red Lobster for a reality check.
The Fashion industry’s life blood is Vanity.
So yes, it is best to have your students not look to emulate a fashion model, But also don’t have them, eat out, or drive a car, or buy a Red Bull to give them wings. Movies, commercials, athletes, and actors use CGI, steroids, liposuction and silicon.
Fashion is an art form. Nothing about it promises realism. And their phony tag line is but another idealistic promise.
I agree people should celebrate their uniqueness. But, I still don’t look to achieve a better body and better clothing? ; ) It is human nature, yeah?
Wow Mario, it’s taken me forever to come back to this. First, I agree that the selling of clothes is the designers business. However, while I don’t feel they are held to a standard of realism, perhaps they should be. I happen to train a Psychiatrist who was describing the effects of anorexia, bulimia and other weight related issues many women (and some men), put themselves through to meet a standard – in this case, an impossible one.
Our bodies can be altered to a degree – without lasting injury. My point in this post is more about the fact that people aren’t seeing this as art – they see this as reality. That woman isn’t stylized enough to be obviously unachievable. Many people will – and sadly have – starved themselves to death to achieve unreasonable goals. Most people – granted there will be a few – don’t beleive Red Bull actually gives you wings. And those commercials are stylized enough. Imagine if a real person was shown drinking a Red Bull and jumping from 15 stories. How would people respond if a teen drank one and did the same? If the images are portrayed as possible – people will attempt nearly anything to do them. In this case, I think a true artist would be able to portray the beauty and natural weight of the woman without resorting to electronically removing ribs or shrinking a waist below normal – natural proportions.
I’ve worked with artists on movies and in various settings, so I understand the need to create an image – yet I’m concerned that images in this case are leading to an unrealistic, unhealthy goal for some. Thanks for the response and I look forward to seeing you soon!
Mario,
I disagree. I think fashion designer selling clothing need to be held to a standard of realism. I don’t buy a $98 tank top to look good on some edited sz 3 model. I buy it too look good on me. They are kidding themselves If they think I’ll pay big bucks for clothing because it looks good on the runway. Real women pay big bucks for clothing that look good on them. I guess that is why so much ugly clothing goes to discount stores like Ross, TJ Maxx ect.
When I see the example of the Ann Taylor photo I would more likely buy the natural unedited tank. The edited tank picture makes her look like a freak. In the natural photo I did not even notice the wrinkles, but what I did notice was a tank top that I might look good in, and be more likely to buy.