Between print media, TV ads, and virtual promotions, we media watchdogs have seen it all — rib cages, spines, cleavage, you name it. Though the women portrayed in most catalogs are typically white, unhealthily underweight, and sexualized, we could at least find solace in the fact that their bodies were their bodies — a.k.a, not… Continue Reading →
Perpetuate unrealistic ideals with Portrait Professional
Throughout our lives, we are constantly bombarded by false images that seek to compromise our self-esteem in order to make a profit. Imagine if this false image that you, your friends, family, or professional colleagues saw every day was of you? I recently came across software that would allow individuals to do just that. It’s… Continue Reading →
On banning ads, photo-retouching, and (shock!) personal responsibility
In the wake of the big news that the MP Jo Swinson and the British Advertising Standards Agency has fabulously banned two ads by L’Oreal (owner of Maybelline and Lancome) showing Julia Roberts and Christy Turlington, I’m starting to think about how we — everyday women and girls — can help ourselves out of this… Continue Reading →
Rosario Dawson speaks out against unrealistic beauty expectations
We love what Rosario Dawson had to say in this month’s issue of Shape–a magazine not exactly known for being body-positive. Dawson criticizes the cultural expectation for women to be thin, toned, and blemish-free, and calls the way we scrutinize women’s bodies “a form of violence.” We couldn’t agree more, especially with all the recently… Continue Reading →
Victoria’s Secret airbrushes away Candice Swanepoel’s torso
Just in case you needed more proof that models are airbrushed within an inch of their lives (and without a few inches of their torsos). A big thank you to About-Face reader Christiana who brought our attention to the latest Victoria’s Secret offense. It’s easy to overlook the Photoshop fiasco at first glance, but take… Continue Reading →
Victoria’s Secret uses Adriana Lima’s ribs and hip bones to sell perfume
Don’t worry ladies, Victoria’s Secret values more than big breasts. They also really revere protruding bones and concave abdomens. Seriously, what is this? Delighted to receive some V.S. coupons in the mail (yes, I’m an “Angel V.I.P.” credit card carrier), my glee quickly turned to shock as I was assaulted by Adriana Lima’s prominent ribcage. Whether… Continue Reading →
“Elle” makes a mockery of Gabourey Sidibe’s cover girl moment
What do you call a top fashion magazine that features a plus-sized African American actress on its cover? Progressive? Revolutionary? If you’ve read recent Internet reports of Gabourey Sidibe’s October Elle cover, you might call it “racist,” “offensive,” or, as Salon puts it, “a weird fetishization that borders on patronizing.” Allow me to explain. In… Continue Reading →
Gallery of Winners: “America the Beautiful” exposes some ugly truths.
Produced by: Sensory Overload Productions DVD available in Fall 2009. See the film’s web site for more details. Questions to Consider: * Is America obsessed with beauty? * Do the beauty and fashion industries need to promote the thin body ideal to be successful? * What are some mixed messages that girls get about their… Continue Reading →
Christina Hendricks’ curves should never be Photoshopped
Poems should be written about “Mad Men” star Christina Hendricks’ curves. No, really. The actress has one of those unbelievably beautiful bodies that only Botticelli could have dreamed up. The show’s costume department must have a field day dressing her up in vintage styles that showcase breasts, hips, and butt (all of which she has… Continue Reading →