The British Fashion Council this week called for magazines and advertisers to voluntarily reduce or eliminate the number of airbrushed and digitally enhanced photos they produce for release to the general public. The push came after the council concluded that such manipulated images of fashion models and entertainment stars "perpetuate an unachievable aesthetic".

"It is a tragedy that young women may be starving themselves to match a body shape that exists only on a computer screen. It's too soon to see if editors and art directors will be able to wean themselves away from their airbrushes, but for most the decision may come down to economics."

A magazine's goal is to sell copies, and advertising is meant to sell products. If editors believe either bottom line will be hurt by the use of more "realistic" images, changes aren't likely.

Labels: advertising, marketing, media_influences