#MAKEYOURMARK

Photoshop and the use of it in the fashion industry has always been a controversial topic - it can create a distorted unrealistic ideal for women to aspire to which creates many issues. One area in particular that has been discussed is how brands will photoshop stretch marks off models to give a more 'flawless image'. Now I am very pleased to say that a brand close to my heart is stopping this - the one and only Misguided. Now its no secret I love them a lot, and this just makes me like them even more. By doing this they are saying forget about the stereotypes and ideals of what women should be and be yourself - stretch marks or not. Personally I find this extremely empowering and uplifting, the fact I don't have to be bombarded with pictures of flawless, distorted models that I could never look like because unforunately I can't permanently photoshop myself in real life. Its reaffirming that we all need to be more confident in ourselves and accept our 'flaws and imperfections' because everyone has them. They as a brand are putting the middle finger up to the industries ideals and pressures on women which is very refreshing as not many brands have been doing it much in the last couple of months.

The brand have teamed up with the glitter artist Sara Shakeel who creates art and photos based around the notion of female empowerment and inspiring confidence within women. She uses glitter on bodies and creates 'stretch marks' to shine a more positive light on them and to grow acceptance for them. Here is a link to her instagram to show more of her work: https://www.instagram.com/sarashakeel/?hl=en

Here are some links to the Misguided site where they announced it and an interview with the artists about her work with the brand for some more information about the campaign:

https://blog.missguided.co.uk/blogger/interview-sara-shakeel/

https://blog.missguided.co.uk/babezine/makeyourmark/