Canadian Retailer Pledges to Stop Photoshopping Models

Jacob, a Quebec-based clothing company, has decided to stop retouching both its lingerie and its clothing models. Spokeswoman Cristelle Basmaji explains, "As a socially responsible company, JACOB has always made an effort to promote a healthy image of the female body. By adopting an official policy and broadcasting it publicly, we hope to reverse the trend in digital photo manipulation that has become excessive in our industry."

The company offered an example of one particular photo in both its original and retouched form. The difference in this case is hardly noticeable — a slimmer thigh, a softened collarbone, a slightly tinier belly and bigger bust. It's definitely not a retouching job on the scale of other Photoshop disasters. But Jacob's decision is hopefully more impacting in encouraging a more widespread trend of moving away from excessive retouching.

The company clarifies that it's not abandoning the practice altogether: scars and tattoos will still be removed from photos. But at least this initial statement is addressing the havoc that Photoshop can wreck on already thin bodies and the way in which it plays such a critical role in creating literally impossible and unattainable beauty standards.

Having retailers speak up about retouching — a practice that only recently has begun crossing women's minds when they look at images of impractically skinny models — is a step in the right direction, away from twisted lollipop heads and hipless ghosts towards healthier bodies. Please consider adding your voice to the petition asking the New York State legislature to require disclaimers on Photoshopped images.

Photo credit: Simon_Music