'Perceptions of Perfection' is a Photoshop project that exposes how the ideal female body varies from country to country. Body ideals have been imposed on women throughout history. They can change wildly in just a short span of time -- consider the hourglass Marilyn Monroe figure of the 50s as compared to the thigh gap craze of today -- but 'Perceptions of Perfection' proves that expectations differ depending on nationality as well.
The project asked female graphic designers from 18 countries to take an original picture of a model and to Photoshop it to resemble what they believed other citizens of their country would find attractive. North, South and Central American countries tended to strive for an extreme hourglass shape, while European and Asian countries made the model unrealistically thin.
'Perceptions of Perfection' and projects like it aim to expose the unrealistic expectations that are placed on women's bodies and prove that there is no single standard of beauty.
Body Ideal Infographics
Perceptions of Perfection Exposes Body Expectations by Country
Trend Themes
1. Geographically-based Body Ideals - Opportunity to create localized advertising and marketing campaigns promoting realistic body image ideals based on their citizens' perceptions.
2. Cultural Sensitivity in Advertising - Opportunity to promote cross-cultural appreciation and understanding through inclusion of diverse body types in advertising, recognizing that there is no single standard of beauty.
3. Visual Content for Social Activism - Opportunity to use visuals to raise awareness and advocate for body positivity and diverse representation in media and advertising.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Opportunity for fashion brands to create a more inclusive representation of diverse body types in advertising and in their clothing line.
2. Beauty - Opportunity for beauty brands to promote diversity in their advertising and product line, as well as raise awareness and advocate for body positivity.
3. Social Media - Opportunity to create and promote visually appealing and empowering content advocating for body positivity and diverse representation in social media platforms.