Lane Bryant is redefining what "sexy" means, and it doesn't involve angel wings.
The women's clothing store is known for its clothing lines for plus-sized women, including its bra collection called Cacique. The brand's latest campaign, #ImNoAngel, shows off the fashionable lingerie while celebrating the women who wear it -- regardless of their body size.
Lane Bryant's size-positive ad isn't just meant to sell its product; it's part of a much larger debate. In 2015 alone, the hashtags #DropThePlus and #EffYourBeautyStandards have been trending topics on various social platforms during the debates over the unfair representation of body types in fashion and the media.
In February, Sports Illustrated also made waves in the fashion industry when it announced that plus-size model Ashley Graham would be featured in an ad for SwimsuitsForAll in their annual swimsuit edition. The magazine also featured plus-size model Robyn Lawley in its editorial spread.
In the ad, the Lane Bryant models -- including notable faces like Graham and Candice Huffine -- define what sexy means to them, making cheeky jokes to the camera. The spot's main messaging, "I'm no angel," seems to be a subtle jab at Victoria's Secret, which brands its traditionally slender models as "angels."
Others have criticized the brand for "skinny shaming" in the ads.
@krisk1987s We aren't throwing shade, we're throwing curves! #ImNoAngel— Lane Bryant (@lanebryant) April 6, 2015
@Danilugoce @VictoriasSecret Angels are sexy and so are we! We're celebrating ALL gorgeous women. #ImNoAngel— Lane Bryant (@lanebryant) April 7, 2015
Lane Bryant's ad, however, does not particularly criticize skinny women. The video description of the ad on YouTube reads: "The Lane Bryant #IMNOANGEL initiative celebrates women of all shapes and sizes by redefining society’s traditional notion of sexy with a powerful core message: ALL women are sexy."
Despite some detractors, many online applauded the positive messaging about body image, using #ImNoAngel and taking selfies in support.
Damn, those #ImNoAngel girls are GORGEOUS! So proud of them!— Brittany Gibbons (@brittanyherself) April 7, 2015
The @LaneBryant #ImNoAngel campaign is terrific. Might sound a bit pervy coming from a guy. But maybe more guys need to say it?!— Joe Hoppard (@JJHoppard) April 7, 2015
Trying to be perfect is a waste of time. #ImNoAngel and that's what I love about myself. @lanebryant @Refinery29 pic.twitter.com/4Zi7gshcdq— Beck (@manfattan) April 7, 2015
#imnoangel commercial was probably the best commercial ever that expresses that no matter what size you are, you should always love ur body.— - (@BxtchassAshley) April 6, 2015
YES. You ladies are killing it! Every body is beautiful and needs to be treated that way. #redefiningsexy #imnoangel pic.twitter.com/r8UQUTvWm1— Pocahontas (@paigenoel02) April 6, 2015