Fresh off the heels of protests like the recent Women’s March on Washington and as we embark on Black History Month this February, organizations that support women, diversity, and the representation of ALL women has never felt more necessary. Part of this is the body positive movement and bringing awareness to the “flaws” and differences that make all of us unique. Aerie, American Eagle’s renowned intimates line and one of the pioneers of the aforementioned movement has teamed up with the All Woman Project to create a new campaign that does exactly that. In a statement, the organization says the mission is simple: “to represent women as they are. Never retouched. Always beautiful.”
Needless to say, we’re so here for this.
The editorial campaign was shot by Heather Hazzan and Lily Cummings, and features #AerieREAL role model Iskra Lawrence alongside other models and influencers from around the world rocking Aerie apparel. Seeing these truly mesmerizing women all standing side by side — from women of color (see: Khoudia Diop, Mari Agory, and Paloma Elsesser), to athletes like Quincy Davis, to 63-year-old Vanessa Redgrave — in their completely natural, non-retouched state, is truly one of those moments that takes your breath away.
The All Woman Project was started last year by models Charli Howard and Clémentine Desseaux as a way to challenge the traditional way we’re used to seeing women portrayed in the media. Over-sexualized, victimized, “flawless” — the list goes on and on. Since then, the organization has grown to more than just taking photos that include a diverse group of women. As Charli told Vogue, they want this to be a way of life. “We want to make it more than just a campaign; we want all girls to feel part of the movement,” she says. “We believe self-esteem and self-love starts in schools and the leaders of tomorrow will need great confidence and self-love! We’re hoping to provide inspiration for them to grow up thinking they are limitless.”
It goes without saying that these amazing, powerful women are singlehandedly changing the game as we know it. And we can’t wait to see what they come out with next.
-Alyssa Hardy,” Aerie Partners with the All Women Project for a Diverse, Un- Retouched Campaign.” , (February 2017)
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/aerie-all-women-project-ad-diversity