In its history as a brand, Victoria’s Secret has faced its fair share of controversy for featuring predominantly slim models who fit a certain (pretty unrealistic) body type in their runway shows and ad campaigns. Recently, Erin Heatherton, a model who’s been central to the brand for the past several years, has come forth with some troubling information: she revealed that executives had told her that she needed to lose weight.
Women who are consumers of these brands aren’t the only ones who suffer from those unrealistic standards; models, in an effort to maintain their careers, are known to go to unhealthy extremes to to fit the mold.
This was the case with Heatherton, but fortunately she was able to realize the abnormal nature of what she was putting her body through, and since leaving Victoria’s Secret in 2013 has gradually seen progress in her body, mind and spirit since.
Since she is no longer associated with the company, she has recently opened up about her struggle on social media. In a recent Instagram post, she wrote about how she has evolved, and how she feels more comfortable in her skin after returning to a healthier state—and, most admirably, she hopes to inspire other women to take the journey with her.