When you stroll past a Victoria’s Secret store and see those dazzling images of seemingly flawless women, it’s easy to forget that much of what you see is heavily altered. Despite this, many individuals find themselves comparing their appearance to these models, often feeling discouraged in the process. In an effort to unveil the truth behind the façade, a former photo retoucher, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared her insights about the world of Victoria’s Secret.
In a revealing interview with Refinery29, “Jessica,” who once worked as a photo retoucher for the lingerie brand and continues to do so for other companies, opened up about her experiences. She confessed, “I realized my work was contributing to unrealistic standards, and that’s why I stepped back from it.” Her intention is to educate the public about the deceptive practices behind the images we see.
The Retouching Process
Jessica notes that the retouching begins long before any photos are taken. “The first step involves using hair extensions. In all my shoots, I can’t recall a model who had their natural hair,” she explained. Additionally, the models often wear specially designed padding, referred to as “chicken cutlets,” to enhance their busts. “The bathing suits are so heavy because they are filled with all this extra material,” she added.
One of the most surprising aspects is that push-up bras are often worn under the bathing suits, only to be digitally removed in post-production. “Many staff members would complain about this, especially with strapless designs. It’s physically impossible to achieve cleavage in a strapless bikini without some sort of support,” Jessica said.
Many people have tried on bathing suits or dresses hoping for that same cleavage the models flaunt, only to feel let down by their own reflection. It’s reassuring to know that, beyond our own insecurities, there’s a concrete reason for these unrealistic expectations—like the absence of a “Mom Boob” effect!
Editing Beyond the Surface
The retouching doesn’t stop there. Jessica admitted that nipples and the padding are often edited out, and the request to make breasts appear rounder and more symmetrical was a common occurrence. Surprisingly, most models were actually not larger than an A cup, which sheds light on why so many feel frustrated about not having that idealized body type.
Another area that gets a makeover is the underarm region. “Even if models don’t have any hair, their underarms still tend to appear gray in photos. Many models would show up with unshaven armpits because we would retouch that area,” she revealed. It’s a refreshing reminder that even the most glamorous models deal with everyday human issues.
The Reality of Body Representation
Jessica also noted that models are often thinner than they seem. “We enhance their curves digitally; it’s part of the process. When Victoria’s Secret attempted to feature models with diverse body types, there was little consumer response,” she explained. Ultimately, the market dictates what is presented, and as long as brands like Victoria’s Secret can profit from these unrealistic portrayals, they are unlikely to change course.
While the revelations might seem disheartening, Jessica’s openness provides valuable insight. It’s no secret that retouching occurs, but understanding the specifics can help quiet the inner critic that tells us we need to achieve that impossible standard of perfection.
Further Reading
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Summary
A former photo retoucher from Victoria’s Secret has unveiled the extensive retouching practices used to create the seemingly perfect images of models. From hair extensions and padding to digitally altered underarms and breasts, the reality behind these photos is often far from the truth. This insider perspective aims to empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves rather than compare to an unrealistic standard.