#UndiesBabes

Globally known fashion brand MissGuided have recently come under fire after images of models were posted on the internet which showed off stretch marks.

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Recently, the worldwide fashion brand Missguided uploaded imagery to their website where models could be seen showing off their stretch marks. For the vast majority of women this came as a promising step in the right direction, but that didn’t stop many people raising the issue of whether or not the stretch marks are real or not.

 

In a twisted turn of events, a fashion photographer claimed that Missguided photoshopped the stretch marks onto the models bodies, crushing the hopes of masses of girls who thought the brand was setting the standard in regards to promoting body positivity and that stretch marks are something that shouldn’t be frowned upon. Thankfully this rumour was put to rest when Missguided model Amanda, 21 took to Instagram to prove the brands innocence. She stated;

 

‘’I’d like to speak out and let everyone know the stretch marks shown in my images on Missguided are real. I think it’s really positive that Missguided aren’t photoshopping them out – it’s important to show young women it’s not about striving for perfection, it’s okay to have stretch marks – there’s nothing wrong with having them, we all do, and shouldn’t be something that’s covered up.’

 

Missguided also released the statement;

 

‘’All accusations that we have photoshopped on stretch marks are entirely untrue. Our aim is to inspire body positivity, so our policy is to not photoshop out what are generally perceived as ‘flaws’. Photoshopping them on would negate our message, which is all about celebrating who you are and not striving for unrealistic perfection’’
 

 

To further the discussion on this topic, we interviewed young model Paige Davidson to find out her stretch mark story.

 

"I’ve always been naturally thin because of my high metabolism, but that didn’t stop me from getting stretch marks. During my final years at school I had a growth spurt and found myself marked with lots of bright pink and purple stripes across my bum and hips. I hated them. Getting changed for sports became my worst nightmare and I couldn’t even think about the thought of going on holiday and having to wear a swimsuit. I tried so many different oils and creams in a bid to get rid of them, but nothing seemed to really work.

 

It really felt like I was one of the only girls going through this as many of my friends seemed to have flawless and even skin. Over time, my purple stripes slowly faded into a silver colour and became far less prominent. After becoming a model and seeing lots of other girls have them I learnt to embrace my stretch marks and eventually I even learned to quite like them. I think it’s important to remember that they’re not an uncommon thing and that even the most in shape and toned women have them. It’s a natural part of being a human and I’m thankful that brands such as Missguided are finally showing the world that they are nothing to be ashamed of. The backlash that they’ve received is ridiculous and I honestly can’t imagine that they would go the effort of photoshopping stretch marks onto a model, it just seems unnecessary and a waste of time."

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It seems that the internet strongly agrees that brands should quit editing their images, but still cannot seem to decide whether or not Missguided made a smart move by keeping the stretch marks on their models. It’s not only Missguided that has started showing unedited, real women though. A number of other companies are no longer airbrushing their images, including the likes of ASOS and Pretty Little Thing. This is definitely a step in the right direction, but isn’t it about time we stopped praising brands for showing people for how they are? Not removing a natural part of a woman’s body shouldn’t be seen as revolutionary or earn praise, it should be normal and not given a second thought.

 

Stretch marks are a sign of growing and developing. Rather than a source of shame, they should be and are something to be proud of.

 

 

 

 

 

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Tweet us using #UndiesBabes to let us know your favourite body-posi brand at the moment!

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Images credited to Missguided

Twitter quote was sourced as primary research

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