Ralph Lauren’s Models Direct Airbrushed Images Scandal
Added: (Thu Nov 12 2009)
Ralph Lauren received criticism twice in one month about Photoshopped images of models being used for advertising. Modelling agency Models Direct assesses what happened.
The first photo in question was of model Filippa Hamilton in a campaign in Japan, while the second was an image of Valentina Zelyaeva displayed in Sydney. In both pictures, the models were airbrushed to the extent that their heads were bigger than their waists.
The images have sparked outrage on the internet, with a viewer on one website wondering “why they don’t just show their clothes on skeletons… or are those not skinny enough?”
Model Filippa Hamilton worked directly with Ralph Lauren for a number of years, but was apparently let go because she was ‘too fat’, which seems ridiculous when you see an untouched photo of her. There is increasing concern that sample sizes are becoming so small that not even the models can fit in them.
Filippa is also concerned about the impact that the airbrushed photo could have on girls and young women. “I think they owe American women an apology,” she says. “I’m very proud of what I look like, and I think a role model should look healthy.” The photo could also hit her modelling career. Filippa’s lawyer stated that the image is a “gross distortion of how she really looks and which we fear will be extremely damaging to her.”
After the first image was exposed, Ralph Lauren defended themselves by saying that it was a mistake that the photo had been used and that it wasn’t the approved photo that was shown in America. The second photo confused a lot of people when both the original and airbrushed photos were displayed on the Australian Ralph Lauren website.
“After further investigation, we have learned that we are responsible for the poor imaging and retouching that resulted in a very distorted image of a woman’s body,” a spokesman for Ralph Lauren told the press. “We have addressed the problem and going forward will take every precaution to ensure that the calibre of our artwork represents our brand appropriately.”
About Models Direct
Models Direct is a talent and model agency for female models, male models, teen models, child models and baby models for advertising, fashion, film, TV, promotional and photographic modelling work. We are a Government-regulated Model Employment Agency... not an online showcase, we're the real thing!
If you think you, or perhaps your partner, child, baby or pet, might be a suitable model for us to put forward for selection to appear in films, TV, fashion, promotions, advertisements and photographic modelling, please visit the website or call us on +44 (0)871 224 6000. Modelling can be great fun & often rewarding as a part time hobby.
Submitted by:Suzy O'Connor Find out more.