On the surface, there's nothing new about this concept - gorgeous models have graced glossy covers for decades.
But this time, former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins has posed nude for a series of photographs, which reportedly have not been retouched.
These images supposedly depict the "real" Jennifer Hawkins and will help raise funds for eating disorders support group the Butterfly Foundation
But instead of applause, Marie Claire has received a string of complaints.
Many say Hawkins is no role model for body image and the photographs do nothing to improve the self-esteem of Australian women.
They say she is simply "genetically blessed" with an unobtainable body.
No doubt she's a natural beauty, but there's also no denying the fact that she is a real person - hot body included.
Admittedly Marie Claire could have gone a step further by removing lighting, using a less flattering pose, banning make-up and of course using a curvier model.
But then where do you draw the line?
It is a fashion magazine after all and what the image does show is that even hot, is human.
The trouble with image retouching and air-brushing is that is projects a truly unattainable image of unreal people, which can understandably contribute to extreme eating disorders and body dysmorphia.
Even those who do reach the media-celebrated size 8 or 10 are left feeling their boobs are too small, their backside too big, too much cellulite, not enough tone...
There is nothing real about an air-brushed image.
Jennifer Hawkin's photographs, while indeed proving she's naturally gorgeous, at least show a realistic backside-to-boob ratio and naturally uneven skin-tones.
She may look good, but that is what she looks like.
So while some say Marie Claire could have taken their natural approach further, taking away the air-brush is a step in the right direction.
Gorgeous models on magazine covers is nothing new - I say well done to Marie Claire for at least keeping it real.
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She is hot and doesn't need a lick of airbrushing... stunner! I'm sure she works super hard to look like that... good on her! And good on Marie Claire! Hawkins can't help it if she looks that fabulous without airbrushing. Just wish I did!
ReplyDeletewhen i first saw this, i was one of those people picking at it saying it still wasnt going to promote good body image because people will still be jealous and wish they looked that way... but after reading this i realise what you say is so true, she may be naturally gorgeous but atleast those people who wish to look like her are not aiming to reach an illusion.
ReplyDeletegreat post!
xx
Wow great pic! Fab post!
ReplyDeleteI read your view with interest Nicole. I recently commented in the australian women online magazine that Jen Hawkins is a REAL woman who is genetically blessed and takes good care of herself and we need to acknowledge her for her decision to go natural on the cover. My issue was that in the Marie Claire article Jennifer focused on her flaws. I believe that the magazine missed an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of real women whatever their size and look.
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