Aerie wins first NEDA award

By

Cajsa Lykke Carlson

Published
Apr 1, 2015

Aerie, American Eagle's intimates brand, has become the first label to receive the NEDA Inspires "Seal of Approval" award. Aerie was named the winner for its dedication to unretouched, natural beauty in its advertising.

It's been a year since Aerie launched its #aerieREAL campaign to show its commitment to body-positive advertising. The company also partnered with NEDA as the lead sponsor of the NEDA Walks campaign, which played a part in NEDA’s decision to award Aerie the first NEDA Inspires ‘Seal of Approval’.

The idea came from model Iskra Lawrence, who had felt pressure from the fashion industry because of her size, but says that on an Aerie shoot, "everyone is on the same team, they all want these young girls that are seeing their images to know that any body is a good body."

It is no secret that the fashion industry has always played a huge part in how females, and increasingly so males, perceive themselves compared to the impossibly thin and trim models who represent their brands. And with software like photoshop the challenge to accept our bodies as they are is even greater. It is thus a hopeful sign when major companies in the industry do something to initiate change.

"We are honored to be the first company to receive the NEDA Inspires Seal of Approval,” said Jennifer Foyle, Aerie global brand president. "Aerie is committed to challenging super model standards to spark a conversation with the fashion industry and champion consumers with the true meaning of real and unretouched beauty. We are proud of our partnership with NEDA and hope others will join us in creating authentic advertising and marketing."