This lingerie brand's empowering photo series redefines the 'perfect figure'
Victoria's Secret has come under increasing pressure of late to move on from their old cookie-cutter type of model who is always perfectly toned, with a comfortable C-cup, and legs that go on for days. People are calling the brand out for promoting an unrealistic "ideal" body shape by consistently casting models with the same figure, year after year, for their campaigns and shows.
But it's 2018 now and people are well aware that the average woman doesn't look like a VS Angel, and brands are starting to reflect that in their product offerings as well as their promotional campaigns. One company that's challenged what it means to have the 'perfect figure' in the most empowering way is the lingerie brand, Parfait.
From petite to plus-sizes, the lingerie brand has something for everyone. They recently brought out a new photo series asking "What is a #PerfectFigure?". In a press release about the series, the brand states: "With the new year brings new resolutions to conquer, and for many that means changing their body in some way to 'fit in' to societal norms. But what does it mean to 'fit in' and what exactly is a 'perfect figure'?"
They go on to state that the "perfect figure" is more about empowerment than anything else:
"It’s about embracing the you that you are today and learning how to appreciate your body and everything it does for you. It’s being kind to your body by feeding it healthy foods, working out because it makes you feel good, wearing clothes that flatter your bras (and bras that fit well), and stopping the negative self-talk because it doesn’t do anything for your body or your mind."
PREACH.
The campaign celebrates a diverse range of women – of all shapes and sizes, from different backgrounds, and with their skin conditions and stretch marks left untouched. And all six of them were asked to pose in their favourite lingerie set from the brand, and to say a few words about what they think the "perfect figure" is.
1. Candice Kelly – Model, fashion blogger, and health freak
"Having a perfect figure means being fully aware of and accepting of yourself. When you know who you are no one can say anything to discourage you from trying new things, going to the beach or just being you!"
Credit: Parfait Lingerie
2. Kelsey Rose – Mother, model and vitiligo awareness ambassador
"To be a perfect figure means to love yourself for who you are, embrace every little thing about yourself, and to be happy to be you."
Credit: Parfait Lingerie
3. Tatiana A Lee – Actress, model, and blogger with spina bifida
"As long as you fully accept and love the skin you’re in, you will ALWAYS be YOUR Perfect Figure."
Credit: Parfait Lingerie
4. Amy Stretten – Journalist, blogger, model and podcast host
"A perfect figure to me has nothing to do with one’s body type. Being a perfect figure means loving yourself just as you are, seeing yourself as “perfect” despite what “flaws” one may have according to society."
Credit: Parfait Lingerie
5. Gloria Mamurov – Vegan blogger, mother-of-four, and model
"Having a 'perfect figure' means eating what you want, being healthy, and being strong. No matter your size, body type or ability, everyone has their own perfect figure."
Credit: Parfait Lingerie
6. Tanesha Brown – Motivational speaker and makeup artist with vitiligo
"To me, having a 'perfect figure' means just being comfortable, 100% comfortable. Doing whatever it is you like, whoever it is you are. If there are things you want to improve on, do it. But not to be anyone else’s type of perfect."
Credit: Parfait Lingerie
The images are beautiful, and each of these bad*ss women help remind us that every person is unique, and it's exactly that which makes them perfect. To quote something I saw on Instagram that's kind of cheesy but I really like: "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken".