Your cart is currently empty!
Ex-Victoria’s Secret Photo Retoucher Reveals the Truth Behind the Glamour
When you stroll past a Victoria’s Secret store and are confronted by those eye-popping images of seemingly flawless models, it’s easy to forget that much of what you see is a carefully crafted illusion. This can lead many women to feel inadequate in comparison. However, one former photo retoucher from the lingerie giant decided to lift the veil on the industry’s deceptive practices to help others understand the reality behind the pictures.
In an insightful interview with a well-known blog, we hear from “Jessica,” who used to work her magic at Victoria’s Secret, retouching photos for their campaigns. She still works in the industry, but now she’s selective about the edits she makes. “I realized that what I was doing wasn’t right, and that’s a big reason I don’t do it full-time anymore,” Jessica explains. Her goal is to expose the behind-the-scenes processes that create the unattainable beauty standards we often see.
For starters, the retouching process begins long before the camera clicks. Jessica reveals that the first order of business is to add hair extensions. “I can’t recall ever working with a model who had all-natural hair,” she admits. Then come the “chicken cutlets” for added breast shape, and other padding that makes the garments look more flattering. “If you pick up a bathing suit, it’s surprisingly heavy because of all the enhancements sewn into it.”
Perhaps the most surprising revelation involves the undergarments worn beneath swimwear. “They often use a push-up bra under the bathing suit, and we retouch it out. Many staffers would complain about this practice, especially with strapless designs. It’s nearly impossible to achieve cleavage in a strapless bikini the way gravity works!” How many of us have tried on a bikini only to be disheartened by the lack of cleavage compared to the model? It’s comforting to know there’s a reason behind this disappointment.
Jessica also mentions that both nipples and the padded bras are typically edited out. She notes that the goal is to make breasts appear rounder, perkier, and more symmetrical than they are in reality. Most models are actually on the smaller side, often around an A cup, which might explain why some of us feel envious when we see those stunning figures.
Another common misconception is about the models’ underarms. Jessica points out that the underarm area is often retouched to appear perfectly smooth, even if models don’t shave. “They come to shoots with their arms up, and many have stubbly armpits,” she states. Wouldn’t it be refreshing to see a true “before” photo of these models with their natural hair?
Jessica also reveals that they often add curves to models, making them look fuller than they actually are. “Models are thinner than you might imagine, and we retouch them to appear rounder,” she says. Interestingly, Victoria’s Secret has experimented with models of varying body types, but the response from consumers hasn’t been favorable, which ultimately drives the decision to stick with unrealistic images.
While it may seem disheartening, Jessica’s revelations are invaluable. Although we’ve known that photoshopping is rampant, hearing the specifics can help silence that nagging voice inside our heads telling us we must achieve these impossible standards. Because, as we now know, even the models don’t look that way in real life!
For more insights on the world of home insemination, check out our other blog post here. And if you’re looking to enhance your fertility journey, consider visiting this authority on the subject for valuable resources.
Summary
A former Victoria’s Secret photo retoucher, Jessica, reveals the extensive editing and enhancements behind the seemingly perfect images of models. From hair extensions to padded bras and retouched underarms, the reality is that what we see in advertising is often a far cry from the truth. This insight serves as a reminder that even models don’t look as flawless as they appear in ads, helping women combat unrealistic beauty standards.