Lingerie campaign by Victoria’s Secret sparks outrage on Twitter over use of the phrase ‘perfect body’ which users say sends the wrong message to girls

Victoria’s Secret has come under fire for an ‘irresponsible’ advert
Ad features Behati Prinsloo, Lily Aldridge Jasmine Tookes in lingerie
The slogan ‘The perfect body’ is across them for new ‘Body’ range
Caused huge negative reaction including the launch of a petition
Campaign has already gained nearly 2000 signatures
Hundreds have used Twitter to express displeasure at the ads message

Lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret has come under fire for an ‘irresponsible’ advert for their new ‘push up denim range of bras.

Featuring Angels Behati Prinsloo, Lily Aldridge and the face of the brands new perfume Jasmine Tookes, the ad looks much like the many others released by the brand over the years, with the three sculpted abs, gazelle like legs and perfect white teeth smiling out at us.

But what has upset many is the wording used across the poster, which states simply ‘The Perfect Body’.

The advert features (l-r) Angels Behati Prinsloo, Lily Aldridge and the face of the brands new perfume Jasmine Tookes, with the words ‘The perfect body’ emblazoned across their taught stomachs

It is this implication that the nigh un-achievable figures of the models, who often tower over 5ft 10in, is the ultimate shape for women that has prompted outrage.

The campaign on change.org was set up by three students Gabriella Kountourides,Laura Ferris and Frances Black, who spotted the advert in a shopping centre in Leeds.

Candice Swanepoel looks angelic on Victoria’s Secret shoot…

Already having garnered over 1,900 signatures already the campaign has also prompted an avalanche of reaction on Twitter

Calling on Victoria’s Secret to ‘apologise for, and amend the irresponsible marketing of your new bra range ‘Body” the campaign states that the ad sends out an ‘unhealthy and damaging message about women’s bodies and how they should be judged’.

Already having garnered over 1,900 signatures already the campaign has also prompted an avalanche of reaction on Twitter, with many criticizing the popular brand for the message it is sending through the advert, which is both on its website and at stores across the UK.

In the impassioned but eloquent post on the petition site the three students state:

‘Every day women are bombarded with advertisements aimed at making them feel insecure about their bodies, in the hope that they will spend money on products that will supposedly make them happier and more beautiful.

Elyse Taylor & other Victoria Secret models in Michael Bay shoot

The petition has garnered huge support, with many echoing the message that the advert promotes an unrealistic body image for girls (sometimes by posting photos demonstrating their displeasure on social media)

‘All this does is perpetuate low self-esteem among women who are made to feel that their bodies are inadequate and unattractive because they do not fit into a narrow standard of beauty. It contributes to a culture that encourages serious health problems such as negative body image and eating disorders.

‘Victoria’s Secret’s new advertisements play on women’s insecurities, and send out a damaging message by positioning the words ‘The Perfect Body’ across models who have exactly the same, very slim body type.’

And many of those choosing to sign the petition are echoing these sentiments in the comment section.

Hannah Welby writes: ‘Body shaming is irresponsible and damaging. As is setting a specific standard of beauty and perfection. As women we need to be encouraged and celebrated in all our appearances and not pigeonholed. For male campaigns this can also be an issue that needs adressing.’

A previous employee of the brand, Amanda Synder agrees, writing: ‘Society needs to change the way they view a woman’s appearance. As a former Victoria’s Secret employee, I know that the company was developed to design lingerie to make women feel better about themselves. The marketing team apparently didn’t get the memo.’

The MailOnline contacted Victoria’s Secret for a comment but at the time of publication they had not responded.