Even Lane Bryant’s #ImNoAngel Apparently Isn’t Inclusive Enough
Photos by Jade Beall via The Militant Baker
Lane Bryant recently released its lingerie campaign to much fanfare. It showed women of varying shapes, sizes, and backgrounds in just their bras and underwear, proudly and confidently stripped down. Its intent was to promote a different standard of beauty and start a conversation about the norms other brands, companies, and media perpetuate. But even that wasn’t enough for Jes Baker, a self-described “body love activist.”
She was so disappointed, in fact, that she went so far as to recreate the ad in a light she believes to be more appropriate and accepting. She gathered a group of women—not models—to pose in a reinterpretation of #ImNoAngel called #EmpowerALLBodies.
Along with the photo shoot, Baker wrote an open letter to Linda Heasley, Lane Bryant’s CEO, asking for more. “ I question how empowering these images can be for “all women,”” she asked. “#ImNoAngel only shows ONE shape while redefining the sexy plus women; that shape being the traditional hourglass: a body with a waistline considerably smaller than a larger bust and hips.”
But what Baker finds even more disconcerting than picturing prototypical plus-size women is the dearth of diversity. “When we, as a society, fail to include diverse bodies in our media, the message becomes clear to those excluded: you are unworthy of taking up space. It’s a powerful message that settles into the core of those who aren’t represented.” She went on to explain that the ads “backfired” in their attempt to empower plus size women and excluded those Lane Bryant was trying to reach. “This time, though, with a specialized addition for the bodies not pictured: not only are you unworthy of taking up space, but you are also not invited to feel sexy.”
The blogger did capitulate that it’s impossible to picture every body type when there are a limited number of slots but offered tips for improvement. “I’m going to ask you to consider including some of the following next time: cellulite; 90% of women have it. Bellies; many plus women don’t have flat torsos. All abilities; we’re all inherently sexy. Transgender women; they’re “all woman” too. Small boobs and wide waists; we’re not all “proportional.” Stretch marks and wrinkles; they’re trophies of a life lived.”
Yet what Baker doesn’t point on is that of the millions of ads and media messages sent out and seen each day, Lane Bryant is the one of the only major companies to even come close. Baker’s points are well taken but let’s at least give credit where credit’s due.
More from Yahoo Style:
Why the World Is Turning Against Victoria’s Secret
Plus Size Blogger Says Wearing a Bathing Suit to the Beach Isn’t “Brave” (Duh)
If Our Bodies Were Made of Clay, What Would You Change?
