Well, it’s official! Even a gorgeous model struggles with body image issues. Gigi Hadid, card-carrying member of what Vogue called Hollywood’s new Brat Pack (with pals Kendall Jenner, Justin Bieber, and Ansel Elgort), recently Instagrammed a backstage runway snap she likes — except for her supposed "double chin."
In the photo, Hadid, who is rumored to be dating Joe Jonas, is rocking a nude, lingerie-inspired dress that flaunts her toned body and killer cleavage. Check it out.
We just don't get it.
The 20-year-old is looking down like she’s just noticed a major flaw in her pedi nail art. Everyone knows to look straight at or up at the camera lens to avoid chin multiplication. And a model who’s used to working her angles for shots in, say, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue certainly is aware of that, too!
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But the latest online trend is celebs calling out their (supposed) flaws: Chrissie Teigen and the stretch marks on her mile-long legs, Tyra Banks and her recent "#nofilter," "raw" photo minus makeup. At best, it makes these beautiful, strong, vibrant women seem more approachable, more real — not like a retouched "I woke up this way" pic of someone who clearly didn’t wake up that way. (Unless they slept in full hair and makeup.) Maybe it helps us accept our "imperfections" and feel that they are just plain normal.
The only problem is that it sets the bar pretty high — like you can be THAT hot in your photo — but, look everyone, a flaw!
At worst, it’s self-esteem busting, so-called "fat talk," which may seem like a bonding experience for women (i.e. "Oh my god, I’m so fat," "No, you’re not. Look at my giant ass!"), but studies show that fat talk can be contagious and lead to body dissatisfaction and guilt. Low self-esteem plus a negative body image can put women at risk for anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
Plus, with little sister Bella following in her runway footsteps, and lots of Millennial women looking up to her, Gigi has all the more reason to set a healthy, body-positive example.
Have you ever fished for compliments by putting down your appearance?
Maria Ricapito is a writer and editor who lives in the Hudson Valley with her ancient toy poodle and two cats. She writes about beauty, style, home, and true crime, and her work had appeared in VanityFair.com, Marie Claire*,* Real Simple*,* Health*, and* New York Cottages & Gardens (where she's a contributing editor). In her spare time, she likes to bike, hike, count the hummingbirds at her feeder, and is learning how to garden (trial and error — lots of error).
Image via Splash News
