Nude Photos Of Average Women Posing With Mannequins To Prove Beauty Standards Are Wrong

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked into a clothing store to see the PERFECT ensemble on a mannequin standing tall on a table full of everything you need to create the same look. Then I head on into the dressing room with the outfit and it just doesn’t quite lay right on me. In fact, it feels like every single fat roll I have is somehow magnified in these clothes, no matter how hard I try to “suck it in.”

And I know I’m not alone.

The clothing industry has a certain standard that most stores adhere to. Sure, plus sizes are available, but, in general, the mannequins that display the clothes you want to buy are … not plus size.

Every woman is different, so why are mannequins that are supposed to make us want to buy clothes all the same shape and size?

I was so excited to come across Julia Busato Photography and her "Mannequin Series" of photos that showcase this very issue.

Not only do her photos show beautiful women of all sizes, but it makes an important point that we need more diversity.

When I asked Julia Busato what inspired her to create this series, she said:

"I started this series because I wanted to remind the world that beauty should not be defined by a strict set of standards applied to everyone. The project started a year ago, with a few larger women. As a result of the increased attention, I had other women approach me who wanted to be part of the series. Each person has their own personal story about how they don’t fit the standards expected from society. It’s not just about weight anymore. The mannequin began to be used in different ways to express their stories from props to paint. The stories of struggle, courage and triumph that I hear while planning the shoots touches my soul and motivates me to keep going. I’m giving women an outlet to share their stories and help them heal. It lets people know that they aren’t alone and it’s okay to be different than the norm."

Julia Busato is incredibly empowering and we need more women in the world like her.

In fact, her photography has already inspired this stunning music video as well!