A Shift Towards Reality in the Fashion Industry
France is taking a bold step towards promoting realistic beauty standards with a new law that requires all retouched or edited photographs to be labeled “photographie retouchée” starting October 1. This move aims to discourage brands from perpetuating unrealistic body ideals, and instead, encourage a more authentic representation of beauty.
The Impact of Unrealistic Beauty Standards
The fashion industry has long been criticized for promoting unattainable beauty standards, which can have devastating effects on individuals’ self-esteem and body image. By labeling retouched photographs, France is taking a crucial step towards raising awareness about the manipulation of images and promoting a more realistic understanding of beauty.
A Glimmer of Hope in the US
While France is leading the charge, there are signs of change in the US as well. Two major fashion conglomerates, LVMH and Kering, have recently announced that they will no longer hire models under the age of 16 or those who wear a size smaller than a US 2. Although this may not seem like a drastic change, it’s a step in the right direction towards promoting healthier body image ideals.
The Reality Check
It’s essential to acknowledge that the average American woman wears a size 16-18, yet the fashion industry continues to cater to a smaller demographic. By banning models who wear a size 2 or smaller, these fashion giants are acknowledging the need for change, even if it’s just a small step.
Celebrating Small Victories
While there’s still much work to be done, it’s crucial to recognize and celebrate the small victories along the way. As the fashion industry slowly begins to shift towards promoting healthier body image ideals, we must continue to push for more significant changes. Every step, no matter how small, brings us closer to a more realistic and inclusive representation of beauty.
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