Marina Pérez critiques the fashion industry's unrealistic standards, particularly the fashion shows that feature young models in extravagant outfits inaccessible to most.
Marina Pérez, a 41-year-old model from Madrid, reflects on her career in fashion, which started before the rise of social media. She notes a significant shift in how public perception of personal image has evolved, moving from a focus on celebrities to a broader scrutiny of everyday individuals fueled by social networks. Pérez emphasizes that the opinions of strangers online should have little impact on one’s self-image and highlights her own discomfort with sharing images on social media.
Pérez expresses particular concern about the trend of featuring young models, especially sixteen-year-olds, in high fashion shows wearing expensive dresses that are unattainable for the average person. She argues that this perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards and can be damaging to young girls who are impressionable and may feel inferior when comparing themselves to such images. The industry, she believes, needs to reevaluate its practices to promote healthier representations of beauty.
Furthermore, Pérez discusses the dual nature of social media, which can foster both criticism and empowerment. While acknowledging the challenges of exposure to negative opinions, she also points out the potential for individuals to express their voice and gain support. Nevertheless, she advocates for a more mindful approach to self-image in the age of social media, urging people to focus more on self-acceptance rather than the fleeting validation of others.
