Lingerie line debuts a new athletic wear collection designed by a sexual abuse survivor.

Back in 2014, American Eagle’s lingerie line, Aerie, stopped retouching, airbrushing, and Photoshopping the models in its ads. The fashion line also quit hiring girls with supermodel bodies in favor of those with natural-looking figures.
While some saw the move as a risk, a year later it announced a 10% uptick in sales after the change in direction.
“The purpose of ‘Aerie Real’ is to communicate there is no need to retouch beauty, and to give young women of all shapes and sizes the chance to discover amazing styles that work best for them,” Aerie’s Chief Merchandising Officer, Jennifer Foyle, said in a statement. “We want to help empower young women to be confident in themselves and their bodies.”
Since, the brand has continued its commitment to inclusion by introducing a clothing line that embraces natural-looking men. It has also launched campaigns showcasing women with physical and mental disabilities, visible scars, and a multitude of chronic illnesses.
Now, Aerie is reimagining the idea of celebrity fashion collaborations by launching a line of active wear co-created by gymnast Alexandra “Aly” Raisman.
At the 2012 Olympics, Raisman won gold medals in the team and floor competitions, as well as the bronze medal on the balance beam, making her the most decorated American gymnast at the Games.
At the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, she won a gold medal in the team event as well as silver medals in the individual all-around and for floor exercise.

