When you stroll past Victoria’s Secret, confronted by immense posters featuring seemingly flawless women, it’s easy to forget that much of what you see is far from reality. Yet, this disconnect often leads to women comparing themselves to these models, which can foster feelings of inadequacy. In an effort to unveil the truth behind the glossy images, a former photo retoucher from Victoria’s Secret has decided to share her experiences.
In an exclusive interview with Refinery29, a retoucher known as “Emily” opened up about her time at the lingerie brand. Emily, who now works with other companies but has set boundaries around her retouching practices, acknowledged the moral dilemmas she faced. “I realized that what I was doing was misleading, and that’s a big reason why I no longer pursue it full-time,” she revealed. Her aim? To illuminate the extent of manipulation that occurs in the industry.
The Retouching Process
The retouching process begins long before the camera clicks. According to Emily, the first step involves adding hair extensions, with few models featuring their natural hair. She disclosed that padding, often referred to as “chicken cutlets,” is used to enhance the appearance of models’ breasts. “If you hold up a bathing suit, it feels incredibly heavy because of all the extra stuff sewn into it,” she said.
Perhaps the most astonishing revelation is the use of push-up bras beneath bathing suits, which are later digitally removed. “Many staff members would complain about this practice, especially with strapless designs. It’s simply impossible to achieve that level of cleavage without some serious enhancements,” Emily noted. This might explain the disappointment many feel when trying on swimsuits, as the reality rarely matches the flawless looks depicted in advertisements.
Extensive Alterations
But the alterations don’t stop there. Emily admitted that nipples and padded bras are commonly photoshopped out, and she was often instructed to modify breast shapes to appear more symmetrical and lifted. “Most models I worked with were no larger than an A cup, which is a stark contrast to the images that consumers see,” she explained. This extensive retouching has led many women to believe that such body types are not only achievable but the norm.
Moreover, the underarm area, often seen as impossibly smooth in photos, is routinely edited. “In reality, many models don’t even bother shaving their armpits before shoots, and they show up with stubble,” Emily shared, highlighting the disconnect between the polished images and the reality of model life.
Emily also pointed out that models are often thinner than perceived, necessitating further adjustments to create the illusion of curves. Interestingly, Victoria’s Secret attempted to feature models with diverse body types, but consumer response was minimal. “It ultimately comes down to what sells, and as long as companies profit from these unrealistic portrayals, change is unlikely,” she remarked.
Conclusion
While the revelations may seem disheartening, Emily’s willingness to share these insights serves as a reminder that even the most celebrated models are subjected to extreme alterations. Understanding this can help mitigate the unrealistic beauty standards that many women grapple with, as even the models don’t meet those expectations.
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In summary, the world of photo retouching, especially at iconic brands like Victoria’s Secret, is steeped in deception. The extensive alterations that occur before and after the camera captures images create an unattainable standard that can deeply affect how women view themselves. Emily’s candid revelations shed light on the industry’s practices and encourage a critical examination of the images we consume.