Why "Real" Doesn’t Always Mean "Diverse"

Photo: Courtesy of Betabrand.Between Aerie’s unretouched lingerie campaign and Rick Owens’ explosive step-team runway show, fashion is increasingly enamored with the “real,” whether that means using nonprofessional models or simply allowing them to be their natural, un-Photoshopped selves. Now, Fashionista reports that San Francisco-based casual-clothing company Betabrand is using its own team of real-women PhD candidates as models. And, while the idea is admirable, it’s interesting to note that in this and other campaigns, “real” does not always mean “diverse.”

Betabrand traditionally uses friends and customers to model its wares. But, for its latest collection, it put an interesting twist on the real-woman theme: The company used all female doctoral candidates to model its spring offerings. The photos show several young women posing in the brand’s breezy cotton basics and boyfriend jeans, often with a book in hand — because, hey, PhD candidates and their books, amirite?

The shoot is beautiful, fresh, and accessible. And, yet, we can’t help but feel that it reflects some of the issues we have with the traditional modeling industry — namely, that the models are still young, conventionally pretty, slim, and, for the most part, white. While we love the idea of featuring women who are brainy and high-achieving as well as beautiful, does choosing to highlight PhD candidates — 75% of whom are white — in particular reproduce the racial inequalities of the traditional modeling world? Certainly it’s not the responsibility of one ad campaign to undo decades of underrepresentation in the modeling world. But, we’d love it if the next “real-woman” campaign truly reflected the diversity we see in, you know, real life. (Fashionista)

More fashion realness:
Why Aerie’s Unretouched Lingerie Photos Are So Important
What It Was Like To Step For Rick Owens’ Explosive Show
AnOther Magazine Immortalizes A Fearless Runway Moment

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Lovely Lingerie – Valentine’s Day Intimate Apparel Presented by Beauty Research – PR

Valentine’s Day means special dates and romantic evenings spent at home, and for many women, it means shopping for new intimate apparel to make the holiday extra special. Because lingerie is not something that the average woman buys regularly, many are unsure what types of intimate apparel are the most flattering for their figures and feel intimidated by lingerie shopping as a result. The latest article by BeautyResearch.com, Lovely Lingerie – Valentine’s Day Intimate Apparel, discusses lingerie to suit different body types to make shopping easier.

Plus size lingerie now comes in virtually every style and color, giving voluptuous ladies many options from which to choose. What is the biggest mistake that plus size women make when choosing lingerie? How can women avoid this problem and get something sexy and beautiful to wear on Valentine’s Day? Which type of lingerie is the most flattering for a curvy plus size figure? To find out, visit BeautyResearch.com or click

http://beautyresearch.com/blogs/beauty-research/archive/2014/02/10/lovely-lingerie-valentine-s-day-intimate-apparel.aspx

Ladies with pear-shaped figures often struggle to find lingerie with a flattering fit. Which type of intimate apparel is best suited for a woman with a smaller bustline and wider hips? What colors will flatter a pear figure the most? What should pear-shaped ladies look for in the design of intimate apparel to maximize the bustline and minimize the hip area? To find out, visit BeautyResearch.com or click

http://beautyresearch.com/blogs/beauty-research/archive/2014/02/10/lovely-lingerie-valentine-s-day-intimate-apparel.aspx

Women with thin, athletic builds and less curvy frames often feel lost when trying to find lingerie with an attractive fit. What can thin ladies with smaller busts do to show off their shapes? Which type of lingerie will work best for a woman with an athletic build? How can a woman with a slender frame add romance to her boudoir ensemble? To find out, visit BeautyResearch.com or click

http://beautyresearch.com/blogs/beauty-research/archive/2014/02/10/lovely-lingerie-valentine-s-day-intimate-apparel.aspx

Although their body types are very different, both petite and tall women can find lingerie shopping to be a challenge. How should women who are short or tall approach choosing intimate apparel? What type of lingerie will best suit tall women? Which style is right for a lady with a petite figure? To find out, visit BeautyResearch.com or click

http://beautyresearch.com/blogs/beauty-research/archive/2014/02/10/lovely-lingerie-valentine-s-day-intimate-apparel.aspx

See also:

“Top 10 Valentine’s Day Gifts”

http://beautyresearch.com/blogs/beauty-research/archive/2014/02/07/top-10-valentine-s-day-gifts.aspx

After the Christmas shopping season, Valentine’s Day is the biggest gift-giving holiday of the year with more than $10 billion spent on gifts for spouses and significant others every year. Many men want to go beyond the typical flowers and candy holiday gift ideas and get the special ladies in their lives something that is useful but still makes a sweet statement. Beauty gifts are an ideal fit, as they allow women to pamper themselves and show that the gift-giver put some thought into the present. Find out what the top 10 Valentine’s Day beauty gifts are for the 2014 season. See bath and body, fragrance and skin care sets that are perfect for holiday gift-giving. Discover beauty gift ideas for every budget.

“Ashley Wagner – Olympic Beauty on Ice”

http://beautyresearch.com/blogs/beauty-research/archive/2014/02/06/ashley-wagner-olympic-beauty-on-ice.aspx

Louisiana’s own Ashley Wagner is gearing up for the Olympic games in Sochi. This will be Wagner’s first time competing in the games, and the world is highly anticipating watching her take to the ice in her debut. Wagner’s road to Sochi has been plagued by numerous challenges and obstacles, but the beautiful, determined athlete has continued to press on. Look back on the defining moments of Wagner’s career, including her victories and defeats. Learn more about her controversial decision to change her free program just weeks before the Olympic Games. Find out more about America’s gold medal hopeful before she makes her Winter Games debut.

“Chocolate – Passionate, Addictive and Potentially Healthy”

http://beautyresearch.com/blogs/beauty-research/archive/2014/02/05/chocolate-passionate-addictive-and-potentially-healthy.aspx

Chocolate is a decadent treat that many women enjoy but feel guilty about indulging in when they have a truffle or a chocolate bar. While too much chocolate can mean excess sugar and calories, science now indicates that in moderation this treat can be healthy. The key is to choose the right type of chocolate to enjoy as an after-dinner treat or a snack. Discover the potential health benefits of chocolate and what nutrients it contains that could deliver these benefits. Find out what type of chocolate is the best for those who want to indulge but feel good about getting vital nutrients from their candy. Learn more about how often a woman can enjoy chocolate and how much she should eat.

About Beauty Research

Beauty Research is a beauty blogging web site started by two experienced skin care enthusiasts wishing to share tips and suggestions. The blog includes all kinds of articles related to celebrities, fashion, women’s health and diet. For more information, visit http://www.beautyresearch.com.

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