There has certainly been admirable progress towards attaining a reasonable or “normal” body shape in the modeling world. While the U.S. continues to be notorious for severe distortion of bodies through photoshop, magazines throughout the world have been promoting a more natural ideal. Many agencies have even placed bans on dangerously thin models.
The photoshopping processes have been leaked and the population has become aware of just how extensively images are being edited. Nonetheless, it is still shocking to see a healthy sized woman on the cover of a magazine- not to mention in only a bikini. Elle Quebec has taken a tremendously bold step forward with their June 2014 issue.
Ashley Graham, 27, is a truly stunning woman. She has a lovely smile, sultry eyes, and lavish skin. Her body should not be surprising, but for a cover model, with measurements 38D-30-46, she is considered by some to be a plus sized model. Her size is not the U.S. societal normal for a photo spread, especially not a cover. Yet, she certainly looks healthy and attractive in Elle’s photo.
Most importantly, she looks lively and cheerful on the cover. This made the cover highly appealing and pleasant to look at. Perhaps magazines should start promoting all body shapes, as Aerie, by American Eagle Outfitters, has with their “un-touched photo spreads.”
Ashley Graham’s qualities expressed in her cover spread made for a truly special photo-shoot, which defies a major problem in modern media.
