Victoria’s Secret sparks anger over ‘Perfect Body’ advert

Victoria’s Secret, the lingerie giant, has come under fire over its new billboard advert, taglined “The Perfect Body.”

The advert features a row of petite models in their underwear with the text “The Perfect ‘Body’ Perfect Fit, Perfect Comfort, Perfectly Soft” overlain.

The ad has been targeted as commenters say it pushes unrealistic body images onto young girls.

“Ten super-skinny models in push-up bra and pants pout, simper, giggle and hair-twirl their way across a billboard by way of promoting VS’s new so-called ‘Perfect Body’ range,” wrote Sarah Vine for the Daily Mail.

“One of them, a dark-haired girl in a purple set, appears to have the proportions of a Barbie doll, which, as we all know, is anatomically unfeasible. All have visible ribcages and wrists like sparrows,” added Vine, before stating: “This advert — and all the others like it — is not just harmless titillation. It’s a deliberate projection of an ideal of female beauty so narrow as to be virtually unattainable.”

Meanwhile, the advert sparked a petition in the UK, with more than 10,000 signatories calling for Victoria’s Secret to “apologize for, and amend the irresponsible marketing of [its] new bra range'.”

The petition was kicked off by Frances Black, a 22-year-old student, along with fellow students Gabriella Kountourides and Laura Ferris.

“I just think it’s a really, really damaging message to send to young women,” Black said, according to The Telegraph.

“It’s really hurtful to women’s self-esteem. I’d like them to apologize and take accountability for choosing the wrong words for the campaign,” Black added.

According to supporter of the advert, the brand is not literally saying the featured models have the perfect body. It is supposedly a play on words with the popular “Body” line of bras.