Believing in Authenticity: The UNTOUCHED Initiative by UNMODA

The power of visual media is immense. From glossy magazines to social media feeds, images bombard us constantly, shaping our perceptions of beauty and self-worth. Unfortunately, many of these images are heavily retouched, creating unrealistic and unattainable beauty standards.

As a sustainable & responsible streetwear label, UNMODA is committed to a healthier, more inclusive perception of beauty. Our first campaign, INSPIRED BY HUMANITY, featuring the ALL INCXLUSIVE collection, introduces the UNTOUCHED initiative – a bold step towards authenticity by deciding not to photoshop the skin, face, body or hair of our models except in collaborative & conceptual projects, if and when necessary.

The Impact of Photoshopping on Young Minds

The effects of photoshopping and image manipulation on young minds cannot be overstated. Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable to the influence of media, as they are in the critical stages of developing their identities and self-esteem. When they are exposed to altered images that present flawless skin, perfectly proportioned bodies, and impossibly smooth hair, they often internalise these as the norms they should aspire to.

Research has shown that this bombardment of perfection can lead to numerous negative outcomes, including:

1. Body Dissatisfaction: Constant exposure to idealised images can cause young people to feel dissatisfied with their own bodies, leading to a negative body image and a distorted sense of self-worth.
2. Mental Health Issues: The pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
3. Low Self-Esteem: When young individuals compare themselves to photoshopped images, they often feel they fall short, resulting in low self-esteem and lack of confidence.
4. Unrealistic Expectations: Photoshopped images set unrealistic expectations for appearance, creating a gap between reality and the manipulated ideal that is impossible to bridge.

The Need for Change

In an era where the digital manipulation of images has become the norm, there is a pressing need for change. Society must shift towards a more inclusive and authentic representation of beauty. Here’s why we believe that this change is crucial:

1. Promoting Realistic Standards: By showcasing unretouched images, we promote realistic and attainable standards of beauty. This helps individuals understand that flaws and imperfections are natural and should be celebrated rather than hidden.
2. Empowering Individuals: Authentic representations empower individuals to embrace their unique features and feel confident in their own skin. It fosters a sense of self-acceptance and resilience against societal pressures.
3. Encouraging Diversity: Unaltered images celebrate diversity in all its forms, whether it’s skin colour, body type or hair texture. This inclusivity helps create a more accepting and diverse society.
4. Building Trust: Transparency in media builds trust with audiences. When brands choose authenticity over manipulation, they demonstrate integrity and a genuine commitment to their values and consumers.

The UNTOUCHED Initiative: UNMODA’s Commitment to Authenticity

At UNMODA, we believe in the power of authenticity. Our UNTOUCHED initiative is one more step towards to our commitment to promoting a healthier and more inclusive fashion industry. Here’s how we’re making a difference:

1. Real Models, Real Beauty: Our ALL INCXLUSIVE collection, & the INSPIRED BY HUMANITY Campaign, will feature models from diverse backgrounds, showcasing their natural beauty without any retouching. This approach is aimed at respecting, highlighting and presenting the unique features and individuality of each human, celebrating their true selves.
2. Transparent Campaigns: By openly communicating our UNTOUCHED initiative, we aim to raise awareness about the harmful effects of photoshopping and the importance of authenticity. Our campaign photos will proudly display the untouched beauty of our models, setting a new standard in the fashion industry.
3. Empowering Our Audience: We want our audience to feel empowered and confident in their own skin. Through our unretouched images, we hope to inspire individuals to embrace their natural beauty and reject unrealistic standards.
4. Championing Inclusivity: Inclusivity is at the heart of our brand. Our ALL INCLUSIVE collection is designed to cater to diverse body types and skin tones, ensuring that everyone feels represented and valued.

At UNMODA, we are taking small yet significant steps to honour the beauty of authenticity. Our ALL INCXLUSIVE collection, will proudly feature models with no retouching of their skin, body or hair, to promote healthy and realistic beauty standards.

The Road Ahead: A Call to Action

The UNTOUCHED initiative is just the beginning. At UNMODA, we believe that real change comes from collective effort. We urge other brands, influencers and media to join us in this journey towards authenticity and inclusivity. Here’s how we can work together:

1. Adopt Unretouched Practices: Brands and media can commit to using unretouched images in their campaigns and publications. This small step can have a significant impact on promoting realistic standards of beauty.
2. Educate and Advocate: Raising awareness about the harmful effects of photoshopping is crucial. By educating consumers, especially young people, about the realities of image manipulation, we can help create a more critical and discerning audience.
3. Celebrate Diversity: Let’s celebrate diversity in all its forms. By featuring models of different ages, ethnicities, body types, and abilities, we can create a more inclusive and accepting society.
4. Support Authentic Brands: Consumers can support brands that prioritise authenticity and transparency. By choosing to buy from companies that embrace responsible practices, we can drive demand for more ethical and inclusive representations in the fashion industry.

UNTOUCHED is a bold step towards a more authentic and inclusive future. By rejecting photoshopping and embracing natural beauty, we aim to challenge and change the unrealistic standards perpetuated by the fashion industry & the media. Our ALL INCXLUSIVE collection, & the INSPIRED BY HUMANITY Campaign, is a celebration of diversity and individuality, and we are proud to lead the way in promoting a healthier perception of beauty.

Embrace authenticity, celebrate diversity, and support the shift towards a more inclusive and honest representation of beauty. Together, we can make a difference. 

Join us in this movement. 

#unmoda #untouched #unfiltered #allinclusive #inspiredbyhumanity #incollaborationwithnature

DISCLAIMER:

*While UNMODA is committed to the UNTOUCHED initiative, retouched-model images may occasionally appear in collaborative or conceptual projects. Such instances will be clearly marked & indicated as edited, photoshopped or retouched.

*Retouched images may also appear due to negligence, misinformation, or incorrect data.