There has been a wave of criticism regarding magazines editing their models to have a more “ideal” body type. Below are some examples illustrating how some of these retouchers have altered model’s bodies:
Original photo credit: Andy Bennett, Flickr
Vogue art director, Rich Lee, explained that, “It’s been scientifically proven that the perfect body type is that of a window mannequin.”
- Flesh: Pigment drained
- Arms: Removed
Original photo credit: Steve Brokaw, Flickr
“It’s a real art form crafting these subtle changes,” said Allure digital tech, Chad Davis.
- Nose: Annihilated
- Thighs: Removed
- Calves: Removed
- Ankles: Removed
- Feet: Remove
Original photo credit: Claus_Jepsen, Flickr
Teen Vogue has often been criticized for manipulating its models’ faces to better connect with their audience.
- Eyes: Widened, and pupils dilated
- Ears: Enlarged and shifted up
- Nose: Rounded
- Smile: Broadened
Even with the prevalence of photo alteration in all major magazines, there has begun a recent trend of some companies refusing to retouch images of their models to alter their body types.
One such company is British retailer Debenhams, which pledged to limit its photo editing to fixing stray hairs and pigmentation.
“We’re showing our commitment to encouraging positive body-image by using un-airbrushed lingerie photography,” the company stated on its Facebook page.
Another company that’s going against the grain is fashion and lifestyle magazine, Verily, who ”never alters the body or face structure” of its models.
One poll showed that 73 percent of Americans prefer their women to look like death. 15 percent stated that more women should have features like a Disney character. 12 percent stated that they prefer woman who look plastic, and if possible to not have any arms, and ideally, no head at all.
