Like other models her size, Iskra Lawrence has had to deal with naysayers who told her she'd never make a career in the industry. But now, she's proudly landed an uplifting gig as an #AerieREAL Role Model — and she's letting everyone know that she's happy in the skin she's in.
The model, who has 43" hips and a 29" waist, shows off her curves in the body-positive campaign for the lingerie retailer. And like size 12 model Barbara “Barbie” Ferreira who appeared in the campaign before her, Lawrence's images are raw and without any Photoshop touch-ups.
American Eagle's Aerie brand launched #AerieREAL in 2014 and promised to show the models as they are without any retouching. Being a part of the uplifting campaign means a great deal to Lawrence.
“They are doing something to empower women, to inspire women, to make us feel better about ourselves,” the British-born model says in the campaign video.
She also breaks down in tears when adding, “I wanted to be part of the campaign so much because I got told I wasn’t good enough and I could never make it, and then Aerie told me I was beautiful because I was me.” (We certainly agree!)
See the campaign below…
The managing editor of RunwayRiot (a site for women of all sizes) also took to Facebook to address those who put her down in the past and uplift whomever might be dealing with that type of negativity, too.
“All the people who said I would never make it because I was too fat to model, all that rejection was actually the ammunition to prove them wrong. I’m proud to be me, healthy and happy because I know I’m more than a size or label,” she shared.
"Never let anyone tell you you aren't beautiful. You are beautiful because you are you. No one can ever be you, so embrace your uniqueness. You are a one-of-a-kind gift to this world. Let's celebrate all our bodies because they are our home, not just because of what they look like."
Watch the campaign video below, and please SHARE to help spread Iskra Lawrence's empowering message about loving the skin you're in!
