Sports Illustrated Model's Unretouched Photoshoot Breaks Down Barriers

Robyn Lawley, the first plus-sized model featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, continues to advocate for body positivity and unedited images.

In a groundbreaking move that challenges industry norms, Sports Illustrated model Robyn Lawley bared her C-section scar in a recent photoshoot, becoming the first to do so in the magazine's history. This poignant moment not only shattered stereotypes but also sparked important conversations about body acceptance and the unrealistic expectations often imposed on women.

Since her debut as Sports Illustrated's first plus-sized model in 2015, Lawley has consistently championed body positivity, both on and off the pages of the magazine. Her latest photoshoot is a bold testament to her unwavering commitment to promoting inclusivity and self-love.

Lawley candidly shared her experiences with body image, both positive and negative, highlighting the impact that childbirth and pregnancy can have on women's bodies. She emphasized that embracing one's body at every stage is crucial, a message that resonated with countless readers.

"I've had a baby. I was pregnant my first issue," said Lawley. "My body image - I've had a baby. I was pregnant my first issue. It had to come back for the next year…I was recovering [from] like childbirth and pregnancy. So my body has [gone in waves] with body love and positivity."

Beyond her work with Sports Illustrated, Lawley is an outspoken advocate for unedited photos and a vocal critic of the harmful effects of artificial intelligence (AI) in the beauty industry. She believes that AI perpetuates unrealistic expectations for women, creating a culture of comparison and self-doubt.

In an op-ed penned last year, Lawley expressed her concerns about the increasing use of AI, highlighting its potential to undermine women's self-esteem. She argued that digital editing and the creation of AI-generated images further exacerbate the problem of unattainable beauty standards.

"As a mother of a daughter, the idea that she will be comparing herself to images of women and girls who don’t exist is absolutely terrifying to me," wrote Lawley. "I urge you to deeply contemplate the gravity of that and the repercussions for all of us, but particularly women who have fought so hard, for so long for our voices to be heard."

Lawley's message of empowerment and self-acceptance has not only resonated with readers but has also inspired a growing movement within the modeling industry. It is hoped that her courage and advocacy will continue to challenge harmful industry practices and create a more inclusive and body-positive environment for all women.